Liao Jun's Reviews Page 1/2

Aizuya Lalaport EXPOCITY

Founded in 1933, Aizuya is a legendary takoyaki shop with over 90 years of history. Originally, it served “Radio-yaki”-batter balls filled with beef tendon and konnyaku-but when the founder added octopus inspired by Akashi-yaki from Hyogo, takoyaki as we know it today was born.

Hokusetsu
Light Meals

3 Dec 2025 See More

The special thing here is they don’t use sauce or mayo.
It’s all about the flavor of the batter itself, which makes it feel really light and not heavy at all.

The takoyaki are on the smaller side, perfect bite-size.
Super easy to eat one in a single bite.
The outside is slightly crisp, the inside is soft and tender, and it goes down really smoothly.

Shirakidani Plum Grove

A famous plum blossom spot spread across the mountains of Yahatanishi Ward, Kitakyushu City. Along the forest road running parallel to the Kusaki River, Approx. 500 plum trees have been planted, including red and white varieties such as Shirakaga and Satsuma Kobai. Buds begin to appear in January, and the trees usually bloom all at once from late February to late March. Surrounded by soft colors and a rich fragrance, time spent here feels deeply relaxing.

Kitakyushu
Tourist Attractions

23 Nov 2025 See More

Shirakidani Plum Grove is absolutely beautiful. When all the plum blossoms are in bloom, it looks like pink snow falling everywhere.

Kagawa Family Nagayamon Gate

The front gate of the former Kagawa family residence, whose members served for generations as chief retainers of the Iwakuni Domain during the Edo period. Believed to have been built in the Genroku era in the late 17th century, it still retains much of its original appearance. Counted among the oldest buildings in Iwakuni, it was designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1966. Measuring 23.29 m wide and 4.85 m deep, it features an irimoya (hip-and-gable) roof with traditional hon-kawara tiles.

Yamaguchi
Museums

16 Nov 2025 See More

A lot of the shops inside keep the original old-house layout—wooden doors, sliding doors, tile roofs… the aged feel is super strong. It’s a slow, relaxing place to wander, and you’ll want to keep taking photos.
Some shops sell little goods, and some are cafés. Overall it’s kind of artsy and mellow—perfect for a walk and a small snack.

Tokyo Koenji Awa-Odori

It began as “Koen-ji Temple’s Baka Odori (Stupid Dance).” in 1957. Today, more than 1 million visitors come to see Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori. This is the summer staple for local people and the 2nd largest event after Tokushima of all the Awa Odori hosted in Japan.

Nakano, Koenji, Ogikubo, Nerima
Summer festivals & Events

19 Jun 2025 See More

Every dance group has its own unique style. The costumes and moves are so coordinated and energetic. As soon as the music starts, your feet just want to move—you really can't help but want to join in!

Shinjuku Golden Gai

A traditional, retro-style bar district in Shinjuku's Kabukicho, where about 300 wooden row-house style shops line the narrow alleyways. Renowned for offering an intimate encounter with Japanese culture.

Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
Shopping Streets

24 Apr 2025 See More

You can really feel the mysterious vibe of old Shinjuku here.

Nogeyama Zoo

Nogeyama Park is located up on a hill that looks out over Yokohama city, and it is also the home of Nogeyama Zoo. Opened in 1951, the zoo is home to around 1,800 animals across around 80 types, including giraffes, lions, and lesser pandas (also known as red pandas).

Yokohama
Zoos & Aquariums

22 Feb 2024 See More

The biggest draw here is definitely that admission is free! You can see quite a few animals, and the environment is really clean. There's also a rest area if you need a break. You can finish your visit in about 2–3 hours, so it's perfect for a morning trip if you arrive early.

Mt. Takao Monkey Park and Wildflower Garden

The Mt. Takao Monkey Park and Wildflower Garden is located in the midst of nature on the middle slopes of Mount Takao. The monkey park houses about 90 monkeys that form an orderly society, headed by the boss monkey. You can observe their lively lifestyles up close, including mutual grooming and huddling together for warmth on cold days. The commentary provided by the keepers is also popular. The adorable baby monkeys born from early April to early August each year are also a must-see.

Tachikawa, Hachioji, Machida
Zoos & Aquariums

22 Feb 2024 See More

You can see lots of monkeys here and even try feeding them, which is really fun. There are also some unique flowers and plants, and if you visit in March or April, you'll see even more varieties. I recommend coming here for a walk and to experience it yourself!

Tokyo Takarazuka Theater

The Takarazuka Revue was established in 1934 as the base theater in Tokyo for the Takarazuka Revue, based in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture. The theater was rebuilt in 1998, and the curtains were reopened on January 1, 2001, at the dawn of the 21st century. From the entrance, the gorgeous red carpet and shining chandeliers are a fitting entrance to the world of dreams, creating a space full of a sense of the extraordinary.

Ginza, Yurakucho
Museums

22 Feb 2024 See More

If you enjoy the arts, you should check out the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater. We saw Violetopia this time and it was amazing! I was surprised that you can actually eat sandwiches inside the theater, so if you get hungry, you can buy something from the shops in the building. There are also lots of souvenirs, though they're a bit pricey!

HANA・BIYORI

HANA・BIYORI is the new-concept flower park and destination next to Yomiuriland amusement park, replete with serene spaces to consider a greener earth and our place on earth hugged by seasonal flowers and plants. Popular highlights to see include the HANA・BIYORI Pavilion, where you can marvel at Japan’s largest collection of over 300 hanging flower chandeliers and colorful floral walls, the vibrant Seasonal Flower Path, and the PIET OUDOLF GARDEN TOKYO, designed by a world-renowned garden designer.

Fuchu, Chofu, Tama
Zoos & Aquariums

22 Feb 2024 See More

Besides the hanging flower baskets, there are flowers everywhere—on the walls and the ground, too. There's also a projection show that combines flowers with digital art, which is really innovative. I've been to Tokyo many times, and some places I don't feel like visiting again, so it was really cool to see something new this time!

The Hakone Open-air Museum

Japan’s first open-air museum, founded in 1969, aimed at harmony between nature and art. It has about 120 sculptures spread across a cast landscape of 70,000 m², including classic work by Rodin, Moore, Miro and other world masters of modern and contemporary art.

Hakone
Museums

22 Feb 2024 See More

People usually think you have to be an art lover to come here, but visiting this place will totally change your mind. The exhibits aren't intimidating or pretentious at all—they feel approachable and relaxed. The way the art blends with nature is so clever, you'll be surprised! I highly recommend stopping by; you'll get a lot out of it!