Linda Liao 's page

What sets GRAND Calbee apart is its thick-cut, crispy texture and variety of limited-edition flavors, making it suitable as either a snack or a gift. This time I bought the “Ariake Nori” flavor. It had a rich seaweed aroma and a savory, salty taste with plenty of umami. It was a pleasant surprise the first time I tried it, but it was also relatively expensive.

If you're traveling to Kumamoto and want to bring home a variety of local specialties, Higo Yokamon Market is worth checking out. It offers a wide selection of Kumamoto specialties and souvenirs, from sweets and snacks to local products. They're great as gifts for family and friends or for enjoying yourself.

AMU PLAZA Kumamoto is a large shopping mall next to Kumamoto Station in Japan that combines shopping, dining, and entertainment. It has many clothing stores, lifestyle goods shops, and restaurants, meeting the needs of different visitors all in one place. The mall's biggest features are its spacious, bright interior and its greenery-filled atrium. There's also an outdoor observation area on the top floor where you can enjoy views of Kumamoto City.

In the evening, you can shop and find something to eat at the multi-purpose commercial complex SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto. Transportation, shopping, dining, and entertainment are all combined in one place, making it very convenient.

This time, I happened to come across a Taiwan promotional event, which was such a pleasant surprise! The air was filled with familiar, nostalgic aromas, and all kinds of Taiwanese street food, including bubble tea, fried chicken cutlets, and braised snacks, appeared on the streets of Kumamoto. The flavors of Taiwan filled the air in Kumamoto and felt especially comforting.

Standing tall in the heart of the city, Kumamoto Castle is not only Kumamoto's most iconic landmark but also one of Japan's important historic castles. Its majestic main keep, sturdy stone walls, and historic castle buildings make you feel the weight and solemnity of its centuries-long history as soon as you approach.

The Kumamoto earthquake several years ago caused severe damage to this famous castle. Many stone walls collapsed, and some buildings were also damaged. After years of effort, many exterior walls and parts of the castle are still undergoing restoration. Walking through the castle and seeing the areas still under construction, it may not look as complete as it once did, but it also gives you a deeper appreciation of how difficult it is to restore a historic site.

I never expected another major earthquake to strike this year, once again putting the weathered Kumamoto Castle to the test. The road to restoration may be long, and it may take many years to regain its former glory. I hope Kumamoto recovers soon and returns to its former splendor.