For the last stop on my business trip, a colleague took me to Din Tai Fung on the sixth floor of Minamoa. Xiao long bao really are an absolute favorite among Japanese people—I honestly haven’t met anyone who doesn’t love them (laughs). One small bite, with thin wrappers and plenty of soup, melted away the entire day’s fatigue. Thanks to the yen’s recent weakness, eating a taste of home abroad didn’t feel expensive at all, and it actually worked out to be quite affordable. Ending this business trip perfectly with familiar flavors was so comforting!
Hiroshima Station Building Minamoa | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Dalian Friendship Memorial Hall (Former International Friendship Memorial Library)
The cities of Kitakyushu and Dalian, China, have long been connected by international shipping routes and have enjoyed active exchanges. To commemorate the 15th anniversary of their sister-city relationship, the Dalian Friendship Memorial Hall was constructed.
門司港的大連友好記念館，是門司港區相當吸睛的一座紅磚洋房，它是1995年落成的複製建築，原型來自1902年俄羅斯在中國大連興建的東清鐵道汽船公司事務所。紅磚外牆、白色裝飾與陡峭屋頂，呈現出濃厚的俄羅斯、德國式歐洲建築風格。目前一樓設有中國料理餐廳「大連あかしあ」，除了欣賞紅磚建築，也可以選擇在這裡用餐，尤其是傍晚時分點燈後更多了一份浪漫風情。
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Dogo Onsen Station
Dogo Onsen Station of the Iyo Railway city tram is the closest station to the famous "Dogo Onsen", believed to be Japan's oldest hot spring.
Stepping out of Dogo Onsen Station, the first thing that caught my eye was the cute, retro Botchan Train. It felt as if I had suddenly stepped into the Meiji era depicted by Natsume Soseki. Built in 1895, Dogo Onsen Station has a classic wooden exterior and serves as an important gateway to the Dogo Onsen district. The plaza in front of the station also features attractions such as the Botchan Train and Botchan Clock, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The Botchan Train currently operates only at certain times on specific holidays, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule when planning your trip〜
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Okayama Electric Tramway (Streetcar)
Okayama Electric Tramway, affectionately known as “Okaden,” is a streetcar system that has been operating in Okayama City for more than a century, having first begun service in the Meiji era. It continues to connect key areas of the city today and is widely used not only for commuting and school travel, but also as a convenient way to reach major sightseeing spots such as Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden.
The Okayama Electric Tramway has been a vital part of transportation through central Okayama for a century and consists of the Higashiyama Line and the Seikibashi Line. The retro streetcars and tracks woven into everyday life create a unique cityscape. If you’re staying long enough, consider buying a one-day pass, as it’s quite convenient for traveling between attractions. I was hoping to come across the very popular Tama-themed streetcar this time, but unfortunately I never did. Hopefully, I’ll be able to catch sight of the adorable Tama streetcar on my next visit.
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