Even before checking in, I had been looking forward to the open-air rose bath experience, which is exclusively for women on holidays. Sharing a wonderful soak with my family under the stars felt like traveling back in time and becoming nobles in an ancient palace, with the romantic feeling of enjoying a luxurious bath. Since an older family member was staying with us this time, we chose a Western-style guest room, which was very comfortable. There’s also a restaurant inside. If your budget allows, you can dine there for an even more Japanese atmosphere.
Chaharu | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Washoku Miyoshi
Washoku Miyoshi in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture. This Japanese restaurant stands along Chifunemachi Street in central Matsuyama. It is dedicated to cooking that brings out the natural flavors of its ingredients, including using different dashi depending on the dish.
If you're visiting Matsuyama, Ehime, and want to enjoy refined Japanese cuisine, you can plan a meal at Washoku Miyoshi. It's a small Japanese restaurant with a warm atmosphere, serving carefully prepared dishes made with seasonal ingredients. From sashimi and grilled dishes to tempura, everything reflects the Japanese emphasis on ingredients and presentation. The setting is quiet and comfortable, making it a great place to savor the food at a leisurely pace. However, seating is limited, so if you're planning to have dinner or try a set course, it's best to make a reservation in advance to avoid missing out.
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CLUB HARIE e-challenge Tokyo Station Store
e-challenge is a new retail concept from CLUB HARIE, the famous confectionery brand from Shiga. It was created from the desire to reduce what would otherwise be thrown away, presenting “what we can do now” in a straightforward way.
CLUB HARIE's sweets are really delicious! When I traveled to Shiga before, I made a point of buying several of the shop's popular sweets to take home and enjoy. I was especially impressed by the leaf-shaped cookies. They had a rich buttery aroma and a crisp texture, with delicate layers that reminded me of a miniature mille-feuille. They became more flavorful with every bite. Besides the signature baumkuchen, the butter cookies and other sweets are also popular souvenirs, each with its own distinct flavor. If you like Japanese sweets, I highly recommend stopping by to pick some out.
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The Omi Merchant Townscape (Shinmachi Dori)
The 2-km area around Shinmachi that stretches north from JR Omihachiman Station is a preserved, historic streetscape that’s designated as a Nationally-selected Preservation Districts for Groups of Historic Buildings. The merchant homes were built between the late Edo and Meiji/Taisho Periods, but are preserved for visitors to enjoy even today.
When visiting Omihachiman, besides seeing the cherry blossoms and taking a boat ride through the waterways, I also recommend strolling through the old Omi merchant district. Many traditional machiya townhouses from the Edo to Meiji periods have been preserved along the way. With their white exterior walls, lattice windows, and quaint streets, walking around feels like traveling back in time to an old merchant town. This was once an area where Omi merchants were active, and many of them set out from Omi to do business throughout Japan, leaving behind numerous historic buildings. There aren't many tourists in the district, which makes it even easier to leisurely enjoy the atmosphere of the old streets.
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