Norton Liang's Reviews Page 2/6

I highly recommend Kyo Tsukimachian in Nishiki Market, a Kyoto shop specializing in cute Japanese sweets and souvenirs (or the shop that often has a stall in Nishiki Market selling Fuku Daruma and mame cans).
This high-quality little tin product is called a “mame can” (bean can), and its main features and highlights include:
* The fun of mixing and matching: The shop offers a variety of palm-sized, beautifully made little tins printed with cute Japanese designs, such as Shiba Inu dogs, black cats, sumo wrestlers, Mount Fuji, and temples. Customers can choose their favorite tin and pair it with traditional Kyoto candy, konpeito, Fuku Daruma, or other small treats.
* Great value and collectibility: The prices are very affordable (sold as individual sets), and because the designs are both refined and full of Kyoto charm, many people buy several in different patterns as souvenirs.
* Eco-friendly and practical: After finishing the candy inside, you can keep the little tin for storing everyday items, such as earrings, coins, or small personal belongings. It's both attractive and practical.

As soon as I arrived at Morioka Station,
I was completely surprised 🙀!
The rest of my planned itinerary was totally delayed by the shopping mall.
It has everything—food, clothing, household goods, and transportation.
Even The North Face has more than one branded section.

Morioka Station is a major transportation hub in Japan's Tohoku region and one of the terminal stations of the Tohoku Shinkansen. There is a shopping mall inside the station, and many restaurants and popular tourist attractions nearby.
Shopping and services inside the station
FES"AN: A shopping mall connected to Morioka Station, offering both shopping and dining.
JR East Travel Service Center: Provides travel information and assistance to travelers.
Coin lockers: The station has coin lockers for travelers' convenience.
Nearby popular food
The area around the station is a prime spot for Morioka reimen, with many well-known yakiniku restaurants and local eateries.
Pyon-Pyon-Sha Morioka Ekimae: Within walking distance and known for its signature reimen and yakiniku. Locals recommend it too.
Seirokaku: Another popular yakiniku and reimen restaurant near the station, serving chewy reimen and set meals.
Daido-en: Another recommended Morioka reimen restaurant, well reviewed for its light broth and chewy noodles.
Sushi Seijiro: Located inside the FES"AN shopping mall, serving sushi and other Japanese dishes.
Fukuda Pan Main Store: Sells popular local bread rolls with more than 54 flavor combinations.
Nearby tourist attractions
Morioka City Loop Bus “Denden-mushi”: You can take this loop bus from Morioka Station to easily reach the main attractions in the city.
Morioka Castle Ruins Park: Located east of the station, this is the site of the former castle of the Nanbu clan. From here, you can continue to Sakurayama Shrine.
Sakurayama Shrine: Located next to Morioka Castle Ruins Park, it is a local center of worship.
Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree: A famous attraction in central Morioka designated as a National Natural Monument.
Transportation information
Getting around the city: Transportation is mainly by bus and on foot. Iwate Kenpoku Bus serves the city's main attractions and commercial areas, and there is also the Denden-mushi loop bus.
Airport bus: Buses to and from Hanamaki Airport are available at the bus terminal in front of the station.
Special feature: Morioka Station is where the Tohoku Shinkansen and Akita Shinkansen split, so you can watch the trains separate or couple here.

Just a 4-minute walk from the north exit of JR Morioka Station, Kippushi Green Space (MORIOKA KIPPUSHI WATER NEIGHBORHOOD) is one of the most popular stylish waterfront parks in central Morioka. Located right beside the Kitakami River, the largest river in Tohoku, it offers a direct view of majestic Mt. Iwate on clear days and is a great place to enjoy Morioka's relaxed pace of life.

Three highlights here:

• Stylish container shopping area: Along the wooden boardwalk by the river is a row of beautifully designed black shipping containers housing unique cafés, craft beer bars, burger shops, and dessert shops. Whether you have yakiniku for lunch, coffee in the afternoon, or a drink in the evening, the atmosphere is lovely.
• Popular local restaurant run directly by a meat shop: This is home to Tono Meat Center Morioka Kippushi, a well-known restaurant specializing in raw lamb Jingisukan and operated directly by a butcher shop. You can sit outdoors, enjoy the river view, and feast on charcoal-grilled meat.
• Waterfront recreation: In addition to taking a walk, there are large lawns and open-air decks, as well as facilities including an outdoor kitchen for reservable BBQs, kayaking activities, and showers.
If you're using the Tohoku JR PASS to visit this city, which The New York Times ranked second among the world's top places to visit, consider crossing Kaiunbashi Bridge after leaving Morioka Station and stopping by Kippushi Green Space. Enjoy the river breeze, grab a cup of coffee, and experience Morioka's stylish everyday riverside life.

The Pokémon Center TOHOKU next to Sendai Station was renovated and relocated to the 3rd floor of the Sendai PARCO Main Building in 2025.
It is the only and largest Pokémon Center in Japan's Tohoku region. It is directly connected to JR Sendai Station by a pedestrian deck and is only a 2- to 3-minute walk away, so you can get there without getting wet even on rainy days.

A Japanese-style hotel I really love 🏨
I’ll recommend it forever.
The breakfast is beyond words.
Onyado Nono Sendai serves a generous breakfast buffet featuring dishes such as seafood rice bowls, freshly fried tempura, and Sendai’s famous grilled beef tongue. Breakfast is served from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., with last entry at 9:00 a.m. Breakfast is available only to hotel guests.
Breakfast Highlights
Seafood Rice Bowl: Guests can choose from a variety of sashimi and salmon roe to make their own seafood rice bowl.
Grilled Beef Tongue: Sendai’s famous grilled beef tongue is served and is a unique highlight of this location.
Freshly Fried Tempura: A variety of freshly fried tempura is available.
Shiroishi Umen Noodles: Shiroishi umen noodles may be served cold during the summer.
Cost and Information
Price: About JPY 3,000 per person per day. If breakfast is added when booking your stay, the price is more affordable at about JPY 2,520 per person per day.
Location: Breakfast is served at Hatago restaurant on the second floor of the hotel.
Reviews: Many guests rate the breakfast highly, saying the food is generous and delicious and includes local specialties.

The Hakkoda Ropeway is worth recommending mainly because of its unique scenery in each season and convenient transportation, allowing visitors to easily experience magnificent natural landscapes.
Spectacular scenery in every season
Winter snow monsters: The Hakkoda Mountains are one of the few places in Japan where you can see spectacular snow monsters. Along with Zao in Yamagata and Mt. Moriyoshi in Akita, they are known as Japan's three most famous snow monster destinations. The ropeway offers an up-close view of these unique natural ice sculptures, which is quite breathtaking. The mountaintop also receives heavy snowfall with excellent snow quality, making it a popular destination for skiers looking to take on off-piste routes.
Fall foliage: Every fall, the Hakkoda Mountains are covered in vivid shades of red, yellow, and orange, creating a magnificent three-tiered display of colors. As the ropeway slowly climbs from the foot of the mountain to the summit, visitors can admire the changing colors of the entire forest from different elevations. The expansive views are stunning.
Spring and summer greenery: In spring and summer, the Hakkoda Mountains are covered in lush greenery. Well-maintained hiking trails at the summit are ideal for visitors who enjoy hiking and mountain climbing. Visitors can take the ropeway up the mountain and then walk along the hiking trails, taking in the alpine wetlands and various alpine plants while enjoying the fresh air and peaceful atmosphere.
Convenient transportation
Direct JR bus: A JR bus runs directly from downtown Aomori to Hakkoda Ropeway Station, making it very convenient for independent travelers.
Fast and comfortable ropeway: The ropeway ride itself is comfortable and takes only about 10 minutes to reach the summit, saving visitors the physical effort of climbing and making it suitable for people of all ages. Passengers can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding scenery from inside the cabin.

It is possible to walk from Hakkoda Jogakura Onsen Hotel Jogakura (HOTEL Jogakura) to Jogakura Bridge, and the trip takes about 30 minutes. Along the way, you can enjoy the natural scenery of the Hakkoda mountain area, which is especially beautiful during the fall foliage season.
Walking route
Distance: The walking distance is about 2.4 kilometers and takes approximately 29 minutes.
Scenery along the way: This route follows National Route 394 through the forests of the Hakkoda mountain area. The scenery is especially magnificent during the fall foliage season.
Things to note:
Road conditions: Mountain roads may be slippery or uneven, so comfortable, nonslip shoes are recommended.
Weather: Mountain weather can change quickly. Check the weather conditions before setting out, and bring rain gear or warm clothing.
Winter: During winter, the road may be covered with snow or ice, making the walk more difficult. Some sections may even be closed, so be sure to check road conditions before going.
Safety: Vehicles travel along the national highway, so be careful and walk along the side of the road.
Alternatives
Free shuttle: If you do not want to walk, Hakkoda Jogakura Onsen Hotel Jogakura may sometimes offer shuttle service to Jogakura Bridge, but you need to check and make a reservation in advance.
Driving: If you have a car, it takes about 3 minutes to drive to Jogakura Bridge. Parking lots are available on both sides of the bridge.
Bus: You can take a JR bus from the “Jogakura Onsen” bus stop, but be sure to check the schedule.

The main mountain visible from the Hirosaki area is **Mount Iwaki**, located on the outskirts of the city. With its conical shape and snow-covered summit, Mount Iwaki is known as “Tsugaru Fuji.” It is the highest peak in Aomori Prefecture and one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. In Hirosaki and the surrounding area, you can enjoy magnificent views of Mount Iwaki from Hirosaki Castle or even from the train.
Features of Mount Iwaki
One of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains: Mount Iwaki was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains.
Known as “Tsugaru Fuji”: Because its shape resembles Mount Fuji, locals call Mount Iwaki “Tsugaru Fuji.”
Aomori’s highest peak: At 1,625 meters, Mount Iwaki is the highest mountain in Aomori Prefecture.
A sacred mountain: Since ancient times, it has been an important center of worship in the Tsugaru region, and the historic Iwakiyama Shrine stands at its base.
Varied scenery: Mount Iwaki offers different beautiful views in every season. In spring, there is the 20-kilometer “World’s Longest Cherry Blossom Road,” while winter offers snow activities.
How to enjoy Mount Iwaki in Hirosaki
Hirosaki Castle: From the castle keep at Hirosaki Castle, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of magnificent Mount Iwaki. In spring, the cherry blossoms in full bloom throughout the castle grounds contrast beautifully with the snow-covered mountain, creating an especially moving scene.
World’s Longest Cherry Blossom Road: Every year from late April to early May, cherry blossoms bloom along a 20-kilometer prefectural road at the foot of Mount Iwaki. Driving along this “World’s Longest Cherry Blossom Road” while taking in views of Mount Iwaki is a wonderful experience.
Nearby attractions: Outside Hirosaki, Mount Iwaki can also be seen from different angles at many places in the surrounding area, including Tsurunomai Bridge in Tsuruta and various locations throughout the Tsugaru region.

Nebuta Museum WA RASSE is a well-known tourist museum in the Aomori Bay area of Japan, dedicated to showcasing the Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of the three major festivals of Japan's Tohoku region.
As soon as you arrive at Aomori Station (Aomori Port), you'll be stunned by the museum's exterior, wrapped in deep-red steel louvers. The highly distinctive, modern architecture is very eye-catching! It's also worth going inside to explore!

Huge Nebuta lantern floats that have appeared in the actual festival are displayed here year-round, allowing visitors who miss the festival from August 2 to 7 to immerse themselves in its powerful atmosphere at any time of year.

This building features a stylish triangular roof and transparent glass curtain walls. Inside, it combines a cider brewery, a market selling local products, and restaurants, making it an artsy landmark you shouldn't miss when visiting Aomori.

There are several light-meal and dessert shops inside. The most popular items are buckwheat galettes made with local Aomori ingredients and natural Italian gelato from Gelato Natura Due, available in flavors made with various varieties of Aomori apples.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Must-haves every time:
1. Gelato Natura Due natural Italian gelato in flavors made with various varieties of Aomori apples
2. Apple pie