The Setouchi Triennale, held once every three years, finally brought this long-awaited trip in 2025. I boarded the ferry from Takamatsu Station, with the sea breeze blowing in my face as I gazed out over the deep blue water, already full of anticipation. As the outline of Naoshima slowly appeared on the distant horizon, I couldn't contain my excitement and couldn't wait to get off the ferry and start exploring!
Umi-no-Eki (Marine Terminal) Naoshima | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Kure Ship Tour
The "Kure Bay Ship Tour" is a scenic cruise around the Kure base of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, with four to five regular cruises a day and an evening Kure cruise before sunset. The 35-minute cruise is popular for its ability to get very close to Maritime Self-Defense Force submarines and destroyers docked at the base.
The Kure Harbor warship tour is a must for military and history enthusiasts visiting Kure! Board a sightseeing boat and head out on the water for a close-up view of the various warships docked in the harbor. Seeing this port city steeped in military history from the water offers a whole new perspective. I especially recommend going in the early evening, when the sun slowly sets and its golden glow falls across the warships. Many people come specifically to take photos.
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TOKYO OKASHI LAND
TOKYO OKASHI LAND is located on the "First Avenue Tokyo Station," a commercial facility directly connected to Tokyo Station, just outside the Yaesu Central Exit. Major Japanese confectionery makers such as Ezaki Glico, Morinaga Seika, Calbee, and Kameda Seika have opened antenna stores (retail stores where makers test market new products to see how consumers react).
This place brings together many popular Japanese snack brands, such as Calbee, Morinaga, and Ezaki Glico. The shelves are packed with colorful packages, and the cookies, chocolates, potato chips, and limited-edition snacks are all great to take home as souvenirs. I picked out a few boxes of Calbee potato chips to bring home and share with my family〜
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Tokugawa Garden Autumn Leaves Festival
Located near central Nagoya, Tokugawa Garden is a Japanese garden created on the former estate of the Owari Tokugawa family. Like the daimyo gardens common during the Edo period, it features a strolling pond design, offering condensed views of Japan's natural beauty and seasonal flowers. The annual Autumn Leaves Festival is held from mid-November to early December, when around 100 trees, including maples, turn vivid colors.
During the fall foliage season, the garden also has special nighttime illuminations, creating completely different scenery during the day and at night. After entering the garden, what caught my attention most was the view by Ryusen Lake. The building of Hozentei, the Tokugawa Art Museum restaurant, and the surrounding lights were reflected on the lake, with the reflections gently swaying on the water. It really created a dreamlike Japanese garden atmosphere.
I visited a little too early this time, and the maple leaves were only just beginning to change color. They were still some way from turning the whole garden red, so that was a little disappointing. However, after nightfall, the lights illuminated the garden, the water, and the maple trees that were still tinged with green, giving the garden an even more tranquil feeling. If I can visit next time when the maple leaves are at their reddest, I’m sure the scenery will be even more breathtaking.
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