When I passed by Kawagoe Bakery Rakuraku, I saw a line outside and joined out of curiosity. I unexpectedly discovered that this small, cozy bakery was full of surprises! There was a wide variety of bread, from French baguettes and all kinds of savory breads to melon bread, a Japanese favorite. There were also unusual flavors like coffee and miso, leaving me overwhelmed by the choices. In the end, I chose the simplest salt bread, and its unpretentious flavor really showcased the baker’s skill. I still wanted more after finishing it, so I bought several other kinds that day and saved them for breakfast the next morning, adding a little happiness to my trip.
Kawagoe Bakery Rakuraku | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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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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YouMe Town Hiroshima
YouMe Town Hiroshima opened in Minami ward, Hiroshima City in 2008. Their three floors contain about 170 different shops, featuring popular fashion items, daily goods, knick-knacks, groceries etc. You can find anything essential for your daily life here.
YouMe Town Hiroshima is a large shopping complex located on the outskirts of Hiroshima City. It’s not difficult to reach from JR Hiroshima Station, and you can also get off at Yaga Station and walk there. The mall is quite large, so you could easily spend half a day or even a full day browsing around. It has many familiar brands, such as UNIQLO and Daiso. Daiso alone was enough to keep me browsing for ages! Lately, I’ve especially enjoyed hunting for interesting little things at Daiso that adults can have fun with, such as puzzles and craft kits. Many items cost only JPY 100, making them affordable and fun, and I can never resist picking up a few extra things. They’re great for taking out and enjoying during your free time on the weekend.
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