Alfort Mini Chocolates | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

On this trip to Japan, I specifically added BIC CAMERA in Akihabara to my itinerary to look for the Gorilla Grip massager everyone recommended. The entire store is huge, and the selection is very complete. You really can get all your shopping done in one place. It has everything from popular beauty appliances and all kinds of toys that kids love to detailed Studio Ghibli puzzles and drugstore products. Best of all, you can get your tax exemption processed right there, and it’s even more affordable when combined with an exclusive discount coupon. The store is also close to the station, so after shopping with bags in both hands, it’s super convenient to take the train straight back to the hotel.

I was very happy that I managed to get the Gorilla Grip this time. As soon as I got back to the hotel, I immediately took it out to soothe and relax my extremely sore legs after walking all day. Recommended for travelers who like to buy all their souvenirs in one place.

Because I really enjoy visiting zoos and aquariums, I’m always looking for them whenever I travel. I’ve visited aquariums of all sizes across Japan, and Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium in Miyagi has one of the best layouts. The whole place feels comfortable and spacious. As the largest aquarium in the Tohoku region, it has an enormous, breathtaking tank, and standing in front of it while taking in the blue underwater world is truly soothing. The outdoor dolphin show venue is also very well designed, with excellent views and shaded areas where you can comfortably enjoy the show.

Besides the large-scale exhibits, you can also see adorable penguins and incredibly cute otters up close. They’re so cute they’ll melt your heart. After visiting the aquarium, I highly recommend trying the local flavors at ramen ONE, a ramen shop next door that’s very popular with locals. The broth there is rich, and at lunchtime the restaurant is filled almost entirely with local Japanese office workers. It gets very busy, so I suggest avoiding peak dining hours when lining up and experiencing the appeal of authentic Japanese ramen.

Getting from Sendai to Matsushima-Kaigan by JR is very convenient. After leaving the station, it’s just a short walk to the sightseeing cruise pier. The cruise takes about an hour and offers close-up views of the beautiful Matsushima Bay, one of Japan’s Three Great Views. The views from the boat are excellent. The many lush green islands of different sizes and shapes scattered across the water look a little like the scenery of Kujukushima in Kyushu. Flocks of seagulls also fly behind the boat, making for a truly soothing sight.

The boat also has comfortable seating and audio commentary, so you can relax in the sea breeze while learning about the features of each island. If you’re coming to Matsushima-Kaigan by train, I definitely recommend taking the sightseeing cruise to experience the coastal scenery from a different perspective.