Linda Liao 's page

I enjoy exploring Japan through independent travel, visiting beautiful places and tasting local cuisine. My Japanese colleagues often joke that I've been to more places than most Japanese people, and I'll continue discovering the beauty of Japan in my own way.

Number of reviews 107/ Number of likes 641

Reviews

TOKYO TULIP ROSE "Tulip Rose"

A tulip-shaped sweet created by pastry chef Masahito Kanai, who honed his skills at Hyatt Regency Tokyo and later worked as a chef pâtissier in Paris.
- Tokyo
- Snacks
21 Aug 2026 See More
Opening the box felt like opening a box of exquisite jewelry. They looked so delicate and beautiful that I almost couldn't bear to eat them. The cookies had a delicate texture and a subtle milky flavor, paired with a light, smooth cream filling in the center. Sweet but not too rich, with a nicely layered flavor overall. A feast for both the eyes and the taste buds!
Gateau Rusk, Gateau Festa Harada

Gateau Festa Harada is a well-known manufacturer with its head office located in Takasaki City in Gunma Prefecture. Their popular, signature rusk snack, Gouter de Roi, which means “snack for a king”, is made of French baguettes using their original blended wheat recipe.
- Gunma
- Snacks
21 Aug 2026 See More
GOUTER de ROI French baguette rusks are crispy with a light buttery aroma. The slices are sprinkled with a little sugar, giving them a crisp bite, followed by a slowly unfolding buttery fragrance. They're sweet without being too rich and so addictive. I happened to get the limited-edition Christmas packaging before, which included many classic treats. It was very satisfying to sample several flavors at once.

Besides the classic packaging, there are also cute square tins available. They've previously released Sanrio and Mickey Mouse collaborations, with beautifully designed tins that are worth collecting. After finishing the cookies, you can use the tin to store small items〜
Fukusaya Nagasaki main store

Castella, a sponge cake brought to Nagasaki in the mid-16th century along with Nanban trade, quickly became a favorite across Japan thanks to its fluffy deliciousness and high nutritional value. It was particularly embraced by students who came to Nagasaki from all over Japan to study medicine and Dutch studies.
- Nagasaki
- Sweets Shop & Desserts Shop
21 Aug 2026 See More
The first time I tried Fukusaya castella, I was drawn to its moist, soft texture. The cake itself is delicate, fragrant, and sweet, with a few sugar crystals on the bottom that add a slight crunch and give it more texture. Besides the classic long loaf, the version with two square boxes is also very convenient. The portion is just right for when you occasionally want something sweet but don't want to eat too much at once. It also makes a generous gift for friends and family.
Pâtisserie Ginza Sembikiya

Ginza Sembikiya is a long-standing fruits specialty store founded in 1894. Pâtisserie Ginza Sembikiya is a sweets specialty store that continues its predecessor’s traditions, making the most of each fruit’s characteristics so customers can easily enjoy the potentials of new fruits.
- Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
- Sweets Shop & Desserts Shop
21 Aug 2026 See More
I received a Ginza Sembikiya gift from a coworker, and from the first bite, I could sense the brand's signature refined, elegant style. The cake was moist and soft, paired with sweet dried fruit. It was sweet but not overly so, with an overall light and delicate flavor that brought together fruit and cake perfectly. The small, delicate portion left me wanting another bite〜
Sugar Butter Sand Tree "Amaou Strawberry Butter"

A Hakata-exclusive flavor created by Sugar Butter Tree, a Tokyo-born confectionery brand popular across Japan. Made with a special strawberry butter using 100% juice from Fukuoka’s famed Amaou strawberries, the dough is baked to juicy perfection. It starts with a crisp, toasty bite, then gently unfolds with the elegant sweet-tart flavor of strawberry for a truly special treat.
- Fukuoka
- Snacks
21 Aug 2026 See More
Limited-time only, and I was lucky enough to come across it while shopping. It was even a Gaspard and Lisa collaboration, so I had to get it. Just looking at the packaging made it too cute to eat.

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