Yamatoya Honten | Review by Linda Liao

The most striking feature of the Aichi Prefectural Government Office is its unique exterior, which blends Western architecture with traditional Japanese style! The building features the Imperial Crown style, combining Western-style brick construction with a Japanese tiled roof to create a dignified and elegant appearance full of historic charm. The roof design is especially eye-catching, making you want to stop and admire it and take photos. If you’re visiting Nagoya, consider stopping by to experience the appeal of modern Japanese architecture. You can also plan a visit to the nearby Nagoya City Archives.

When I passed by the Ichibankuji shop, I saw the cute Chibi Maruko-chan merchandise and couldn't resist paying to try my luck! I never expected to win a bag. I was so happy—it was a totally unexpected little surprise! The shop also has merchandise featuring many different cartoon characters. If you love collecting, stop by and try your luck when you're in the area〜

These freshly made rice balls are on a completely different level from convenience store rice balls! They have a full 1.5 times as much rice, and they don't skimp on the filling either. Every bite is packed with filling, so they're very satisfying! Most importantly, they don't cost much more, making them a great value. No wonder there are always quite a few people lined up to buy them whenever I pass by, especially in the morning. However, the seaweed on freshly made rice balls easily absorbs moisture from the rice, so it isn't as dry and crispy as convenience store seaweed and has a softer texture. That part comes down to personal preference.