BobbyJenny's Reviews Page 12/26

Weathercock House

Famed for the weathercock perched atop its spire, this residence is one of the signature Western-style houses of the area. Built around 1909 by German trader Gottfried Thomas as his personal home, it is the only surviving ijinkan in the Kitano-Yamamoto district featuring a brick exterior. The vivid brickwork, the stone-masonry entrance porch, and the half-timbering on the second floor give the house a stately presence that sets it apart from other ijinkan.

• Kobe
• Museums

This red-brick Western-style house incorporates traditional German architecture. Its original furniture, decorations, and household items have been carefully preserved, offering a glimpse into the lives of foreign residents in Kobe during the Meiji era. Visitors can explore the elegant interior, admire the intricate architectural details, and learn about the growth of international culture after the Port of Kobe opened. The surrounding streets have a charming European feel, with unique cafes, shops, and other historic Western-style residences. It's a lovely area for a leisurely stroll.

Kansai International Airport

Many domestic and international flights carry nearly 28 million people a year at this western Japan’s entrance, Kansai International Airport. It is on an island about 5km off the coast of Senshu in Osaka Bay, famous as the world’s first marine airport on a completely man-made island. The airport code KIX is used as the familiar nickname “KIX.”

• Kishiwada, Kansai Airport, Senshu
• Airplanes & Airport

Kansai International Airport is the most important international airport in Japan's Kansai region and a major gateway to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. Known for its convenient transportation and excellent facilities, the airport has plenty of duty-free shops, souvenir areas, restaurants, and lounges. Travelers can easily shop for Japanese specialties such as wagashi, snacks, cosmetics, and drugstore products. JR trains, Nankai Railway, buses, and ferries provide convenient access to major cities throughout Kansai.

Kasugataisha Shrine

At the beginning of the Nara period, Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto is said to have ridden on sacred deer from Kashima in Ibaraki Prefecture to Mt. Mikasa to protect Heijo-kyo and promote national prosperity.

• Nara
• Shrines & Temples

Kasugataisha Shrine is located within Nara Park. Its vermilion buildings and ancient lanterns create a beautiful setting rich in history. As you walk toward the shrine, you'll see adorable deer roaming freely, which makes the visit even more enjoyable. The atmosphere feels both solemn and peaceful, offering a welcome break from the busyness of everyday life.

Todaiji Temple

In the Nara period (710-794), Emperor Shomu had the Rushana Daibutsu (Great Buddha) built at his request, and a memorial service was held in 752. This temple is one of the representative temples of Nara. It took nearly 40 years to build the temple complex.

• Nara
• Shrines & Temples

As you enter Todaiji Temple, the Great Buddha Hall is truly magnificent. Seeing the enormous Rushana Buddha up close gives you an even deeper appreciation for the history and religious culture of Japan's ancient capital. The grounds are peaceful, and adorable deer wander around freely, adding to the fun of the visit.

Kifune Shrine

Located along the Kibune River at the foot of Mt. Kibune in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, the shrine is the head shrine of about 2,000 water god shrines in Japan, and enshrines the deity Taka-okamino-kami, who controls water. The exact date of establishment is unknown, but there is a record of the rebuilding of the shrine in the 6th year of Hakuho (677), during the reign of Emperor Temmu, making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan with a history of over 1,300 years.

• Kyoto
• Shrines & Temples

Located in Kyoto’s northern Kibune area, Kifune Shrine is an ancient shrine with over 1,000 years of history. It enshrines Taka-okami-no-kami, the deity of water, and is believed to bring good fortune in love, relationships, and granting wishes. The rows of vermilion lanterns lining the stone steps to the main shrine are beautiful. Its most distinctive feature is the water fortune slip: place the paper in the sacred water, and your fortune appears. Many visitors come to experience it.

Togetsukyo Bridge

The bridge was built in the first half of the 9th century during the Heian period (794-1185). It has been washed out many times, but each time it has been rebuilt. It is said that the name was given by Emperor Kameyama in the Kamakura period (1185-1333), as the moon moved across the bridge as if it were crossing over it.

• Kyoto
• Tourist Attractions

Togetsukyo Bridge is about 155 meters long. Its name comes from Emperor Kameyama, who remarked that the moon appeared to be crossing the bridge. The scenery is captivating in every season, with cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant fall foliage, and occasional snow in winter. Each season draws large crowds of visitors.

Kayanoya

A former soy-sauce storehouse turned specialty ingredients shop. Kayanoya has spent 120 years helping more people enjoy “Washoku”, the world-recognized intangible cultural heritage of Japanese cuisine, with easy to use ingredients.

• Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
• Miscellaneous Goods

A renowned premium Japanese food brand, famous for its all-natural, additive-free dashi packets. Its signature Kayanoya Dashi is made with carefully selected natural ingredients such as bonito flakes, kombu, and flying fish. Just steep the packet to create a rich, savory Japanese broth that's perfect for miso soup, hot pot, stews, rice dishes, and other Japanese recipes.

Okashigoten International street Matsuo store

Okashigoten International street Matsuo store is a popular souvenir shop located along Kokusai Street, the vibrant main shopping area of Naha City, Okinawa. Its dazzling exterior evokes the grandeur of the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Local Products Center & Souvenir Stores

Located on Okinawa’s lively Kokusai Street, this popular souvenir shop is best known for its Okinawan sweet potato tarts. It offers a wide selection of sweet potato treats, brown sugar snacks, snow salt cookies, chinsuko, and other local specialties. You can also sample several popular items, making it easy to find your favorite.

The store is bright and comfortable, and the staff is friendly. It’s a convenient place to shop for gifts or treats for yourself. A must-visit shop for picking up Okinawan specialties after exploring Kokusai Street.

Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa

Built near the Toyosaki Seaside Park Beach, Okinawa's first outlet mall is named "Ashibinaa," which means "playground" in Okinawan language, symbolizing a gathering place for people of all generations.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Commercial Buildings

Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa is located in Tomigusuku, about a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport. It’s one of Okinawa’s most popular outlet malls, with more than 100 well-known domestic and international brands, including Coach, Nike, Adidas, Michael Kors, and Polo Ralph Lauren. There’s a wide variety of merchandise and discounts year-round.

In addition to clothing, shoes, bags, and sporting goods, the mall has restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops. The spacious, comfortable setting makes it a great stop on the last day of your trip, where you can shop to your heart’s content and enjoy a relaxing time before leaving Okinawa.

Black Thunder

This chocolate snack is very popular for its affordable price of 40 yen and deliciousness. Cocoa cookie and plain biscuit are coated with chocolate. You can taste the light bitterness of a cocoa cookie matched with the sweetness of chocolate. Crunchy texture and the volume which can fill your stomach lightly pleases you.

• Snacks

Black Thunder has a rich chocolate flavor that’s sweet without being overwhelming. The crispy cookies and rice crackers create plenty of texture and a satisfying crunch. It’s affordable and comes in various limited-edition flavors, making it a classic snack and souvenir worth picking up when visiting Japan.