This time I visited Kyoto’s famous Minamiza Theatre. Just seeing the historic exterior made me stop and take photos.
Located near Gion in Kyoto, Minamiza is one of Japan’s most iconic kabuki theaters and an important venue for traditional Japanese performing arts. The exterior retains a distinctly Japanese style, with eye-catching signage and traditional decorations that create an interesting contrast with the modern shops around it, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into another era.
ASTY Kyoto
Located both inside and outside the Tokaido Shinkansen gates at Kyoto Station, ASTY Kyoto is a convenient commercial complex filled with souvenir shops and restaurants-perfect for a stop before or after your trip. From traditional Kyoto sweets and crafts to bento boxes and light meals ideal for eating on the train, the facility offers a full lineup of Kyoto-style delights.
At Kyoto Station, besides catching a train and shopping, another food you shouldn't miss is the 551 HORAI pork bun! This time, I visited ASTY Kyoto at Kyoto Station and found plenty of food and souvenir shops. It's a great place to browse before catching a train and pick up something tasty to take with you.
551 HORAI is a famous, long-established Osaka food brand, best known for its piping-hot pork buns! The plump white exterior looks so tempting, and when you bite into one, it's packed with meat filling. The pork and onions are savory, sweet, juicy, and full of flavor.
Takoyaki TAMAYA Main Store
This renowned shop has elevated the universally loved Osaka snack "takoyaki" to a level where it's recognized in prestigious international gourmet guidebooks.
The most appealing thing about Osaka takoyaki is the slightly crispy exterior and the soft, moist inside. Paired with rich sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes, every bite is full of Japanese flavor. They're piping hot when freshly made, so you have to be careful when biting into one—the inside can burn your mouth if you're not careful. They're delicious but really test your patience!
Mochiidono Shopping Street
The shopping street is located about 300 meters south of Nara Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line, past the Nara City Higashimuki Shopping Street. It is adjacent to Nara's popular tourist spot, Naramachi, and is visited by many tourists.
When traveling in Nara, besides seeing the deer and visiting temples, I also highly recommend taking a stroll through Mochiidono Shopping Street (もちいどのセンター街)! It’s a distinctive shopping street in central Nara, filled with the atmosphere of everyday local life in Japan. Compared with the tourist attractions, it feels more relaxed and welcoming.
The shopping street has all kinds of stores, from shops selling Nara specialties and traditional goods to cafés and restaurants. It’s a great place to take a walk and slowly discover interesting shops along the way.
