Hotel Kowakuen Haruka | Review by Linda Liao

I visited Kyoto’s Sannenzaka for some shopping in winter. The old-fashioned streets were charming, but the cold wind really made me shiver! After getting tired from walking around, I quickly found somewhere to sit and rest. I stopped at the Umezono Kiyomizu Branch and ordered a piping-hot bowl of sweet red bean soup with mochi, which warmed both my stomach and my heart. The sweet red bean soup paired with chewy mochi was nice and hot, instantly giving me a boost of energy〜

When visiting Kobe Kitano Ijinkan, don’t miss this distinctive Starbucks! The building retains the strong character of an old Western-style residence, giving it a more vintage and elegant atmosphere than a typical location. If you’re tired from walking, stop in for a cup of coffee. I also saw quite a few international visitors inside, all taking photos and experiencing the building’s unique charm. Combined with the international atmosphere of the Kitano neighborhood, it’s one of the area’s classic photo spots.

I made a special trip to Shinsaibashi PARCO to browse Wpc., a well-known Japanese umbrella brand! Wpc. is a rain gear brand from Osaka built around the concept of “making rainy days more fun,” combining practical features with stylish designs. No wonder its products can be found in so many stores across Japan. Although Wpc. umbrellas are available in many places, it’s not easy to find a physical store dedicated to the brand, so you definitely shouldn’t miss it when visiting Osaka. This opportunity doesn’t come often!

The store’s many different umbrellas all look like works of art, making it hard to choose. There are simple styles, patterned designs, and umbrellas for both rain and sunshine to suit different needs and functions, making them very convenient for everyday use. If you don’t want to carry an ordinary clear umbrella on a rainy day, there are also plenty of attractive and distinctive clear umbrellas to choose from. Rainy days used to feel like a hassle, but with a good-looking umbrella, I’ve actually started looking forward to the next time I get to go out with it~