Standing by the Rainbow Bridge and watching the boats come and go across Tokyo Bay, the lively scene made me want to stop and take it all in. Among them, Yakatabune Mikawaya especially caught my eye~ Yakatabune are traditional Japanese sightseeing boats with spacious interiors where passengers can enjoy Japanese cuisine while taking in the waterfront scenery. Mikawaya is a long-established boat operator with more than a century of history. The boat also has an observation deck on the roof, offering close-up views of the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and other beautiful sights from the water. It's also a different way to experience the beauty of the bay.
Yakatabune Mikawaya | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Kawagoe Bakery Rakuraku
Kawagoe Bakery Rakuraku is located near the entrance to Kashiya Yokocho, a popular tourist spot in Koedo Kawagoe. The bakery, with its façade reminiscent of traditional Kawagoe townhouses, sells unique breads made primarily with domestically sourced ingredients.
路過「烘焙坊樂樂」時，看到店門口有些排隊人潮，好奇之下也跟著加入，意外發現這家小巧溫馨的麵包店藏著滿滿驚喜！店內麵包種類豐富，從法式長棍、各式鹹麵包，到日本人喜愛的菠蘿麵包應有盡有，還有咖啡、味噌等特別口味，讓人看得眼花撩亂、陷入選擇困難。最後我挑了最簡單的鹽味麵包，樸實的滋味反而最能品嚐出師傅的烘焙功夫。吃完意猶未盡，當天又買了幾款麵包，留著隔天當早餐，為旅程增添一份幸福滋味。
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Daimaru Shinsaibashi Store
Facing Midosuji, the main street of Osaka, this department store has been loved as the face of Shinsaibashi for nearly 300 years since its establishment. In 2019, the main building was rebuilt for the first time in 86 years and reopened. The design and materials of the old main building, which were handled by William Merrell Vories, an architect active from the Meiji to Showa eras, are used both inside and outside, creating a space that feels tradition in the newness.
I came to Osaka on a business trip this time, and at my family's request, I made a special trip to Daimaru to look for the recently very popular Ball & Chain shoulder bags. The colorful embroidered patterns with their bold use of color are eye-catching even from a distance, so it's no wonder they've won over so many people! The bags are made of durable fabric, offer some water resistance, and don't tear easily, making them tough enough for everyday use. They come in three sizes: S, M, and L. The small size works well as a casual shopping bag, while the large size has an impressive capacity, so you won't have to worry about running out of room no matter how much you buy while shopping abroad~ My favorite is the cat series. The embroidery is lively and playful, and it puts me in a good mood every time I carry it. It's both practical and cute!
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Sada Chinkabashi
The bridge is over the Shimanto River, which is called “Japan’s last clean stream” with ample clear water.
At the Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture, Sada Chinkabashi is a very distinctive attraction~ This bridge has no tall guardrails, and its concrete surface runs low across the river, a design known as a “chinkabashi,” which is commonly seen throughout the Shimanto River basin. To reduce resistance when the river rises, there are almost no unnecessary structures on the bridge. The narrow road only allows one car to pass at a time, so vehicles traveling in opposite directions have to carefully yield to each other. Unfortunately, it was raining when I visited, but since I had already come all this way, I decided to rent a bicycle, put on a raincoat, and explore the area. On the way back, as I rode onto the bridge and watched the rain make the river flow even more rapidly, I honestly felt a little nervous. All I could do was slow down and carefully ride forward. After finally reaching the other side, I saw a small car slowly driving across, which made me admire the driver’s skill! Although the weather wasn’t good, this slightly thrilling cycling experience ended up becoming an unforgettable memory from the trip.
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