BobbyJenny's Reviews Page 15/26

Rokkatei Otaru Canal Store

Rokkatei, a confectionery manufacturer known for popular Hokkaido souvenirs such as "Marusei Butter Sandwich," "Yukiyakonko," and strawberry chocolate, operates the Otaru Canal Store. This store, built using approximately 100,000 bricks from Tokachi, features a retro exterior that blends seamlessly with the streetscape of Sakaimachi Main Street.

• Otaru and Niseko
• Sweets Shop & Desserts Shop

During this trip to Hokkaido, I made sure to try the famous sweets from Rokkatei. The shop offers a wide variety of beautifully crafted treats and souvenirs, and everything looked tempting. Rokkatei’s elegant packaging has a distinctly Hokkaido feel, making these sweets perfect gifts for family and friends back home.

MITSUI OUTLET PARK KISARAZU

This resort-style outlet mall ranks among the largest in Japan, complete with all the perks of a naturally rich area and convenient access via the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line. Over 330 stores await, included coveted domestic and international brands, select shops, and high-end fashion names for a purely unpparalleled shopping experience.

• Chiba
• Commercial Buildings

My visit to MITSUI OUTLET PARK KISARAZU was a really enjoyable shopping experience. The complex is huge, with many international brands, popular Japanese brands, and specialty stores. There’s a wide selection of clothing, shoes, bags, and household goods, so it was easy to find something I liked and enjoy browsing at a relaxed pace.

Beyond shopping, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés where you can try Japanese food or take a break when your feet need a rest.

Ario Kurashiki

Ario Kurashiki is a large-scale commercial complex, comprising about 100 specialist shops, and directly connected to the JR Kurashiki Station North Exit. It has a wide range of shops, from fashion trends, general merchandise, pharmacy to specialty shops that offer various services.

• Okayama
• Commercial Buildings

The mall is spacious and bright, with a great variety of stores offering everything from clothing and household goods to cosmetics, pharmacy items, and food. I had a wonderful time browsing. Each store had something unique, and before I knew it, I had spent quite a while exploring.

After shopping, I grabbed a meal at the food court and tried some local Japanese sweets. They were delicious and satisfying. The mall is clean and comfortable, with thoughtfully designed rest areas, so I didn’t feel tired even after spending the entire afternoon there.

Yufu Mabushi Shin Kinrin Lake Main Store

This restaurant offers three types of "Yufu Mabushi," a dish that explores the unique ways of enjoying rice in Yufuin. Served in clay pots, the dishes feature Bungo beef, local Yufu chicken, and eel, each accompanied by appetizers, pickles, condiments, and red miso soup.

• Oita
• Japanese Cuisine

Visiting Yufuin and dining at Yufu Mabushi Shin was an unforgettable culinary experience. The restaurant has a warm Japanese ambiance, and the simple, elegant setting feels welcoming. When the steaming clay-pot rice arrived, its irresistible aroma immediately whetted my appetite and reflected the care put into every dish.

The pleasantly chewy rice is cooked with fresh ingredients, allowing each grain to soak up their natural sweetness and savory flavors. Every bite highlights the comforting rice and delicious toppings. It is simple yet memorable. Savoring the meal slowly also offered a wonderful appreciation for the refinement and attention to detail found in Japanese food culture.

Hakata Ramen Shin-Shin Tenjin

This popular Hakata Ramen restaurant has six locations in Fukuoka Prefecture. The restaurant boasts a unique pork bone broth that is distinctly different from both Nagahama and Hakata ramen, based on the concept of "pure soup that everyone, young and old, men and women, will drink up.

• Fukuoka
• Ramen

Stepping inside, you can really feel the spirit of Japanese ramen culture. There is often a line of eager diners, but the wait only builds anticipation.

As soon as the steaming bowl arrived, the aroma of tonkotsu broth filled the air. Simmered for hours, the broth is rich without being too heavy, with a smooth, subtly sweet flavor that keeps you coming back for more. The thin Hakata-style noodles soak up the broth beautifully, while the tender chashu, green onions, and wood ear mushrooms add delicious flavor and texture.

Kyushu Natural Animal Park African Safari

The African Safari is the largest safari park in Japan where around 1400 animals of 70 species roam freely in its enormous area. The park is divided into two zones; the “Animal Zone” with its 6km safari road where visitors can get close to the animals from the “jungle bus” and the “Interacting Zone” where visitors can actually touch the animals.

• Oita
• Zoos & Aquariums

My visit to Kyushu Natural Animal Park was a truly special wildlife experience. The park is enormous and feels like the African savanna. You can see lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, and other wild animals up close while experiencing the beauty and vitality of nature.

Riding the jungle bus through the animal zone was the most memorable part of the trip. Watching the animals approach the bus and even feeding them by hand was both exciting and fun. It also gave me a better understanding of their behavior. In addition to the larger animals, there are plenty of interactive areas with adorable smaller animals, making this a great place for families with children.

Toyama Castle (Toyama Municipal Folk Museum)

Toyama Castle was built during the Age of Civil Wars. Then, at the completion of the post-World War II reconstruction project, Toyama Industrial Expo was held, where this memorial was built. It models a three-layer and 4-story castle which is open to the public as a folk museum.

• Toyama
• Tourist Attractions

From the observation room inside Toyama Castle, you can enjoy views of the city while learning about the castle’s history and local culture. The surrounding moat and gardens add to the charm of the historic castle, with beautiful scenery in every season. It is especially romantic when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom during spring.

This visit allowed me to appreciate the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture and experience the unique blend of history and modern city life. Strolling leisurely through the castle park and taking in its peaceful atmosphere became a memorable part of my trip. I hope to return someday and see Toyama Castle in another season.

Kamogawa (Kyoto)

Kamogawa has its head in Mt. Sajikigatake, runs through Kyoto north to south, and merges into Katsura River in Toba. Near Shijo, there is downtown such as Gion on the east side and Kawaramachi on the west, the main commercial area representing Kyoto.

• Kyoto
• Nature Spots

Kyoto’s Kamogawa River is a beautiful, relaxing spot and a favorite place for visitors to walk and unwind. On my first visit, the gently flowing water, well-maintained riverside paths, and distant mountain views gave me a sense of Kyoto’s unique tranquility and elegance.

As you stroll along the river, you can see locals sitting by the water chatting or reading, while visitors enjoy the scenery. The whole area has a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom along both banks, and their reflections on the water create a romantic view. Even simply sitting quietly by the river brings a sense of happiness and peace.

Nihonkai Sakanamachi

Fresh seafood shops with catches directly sent from Tsuruga Port, Processed seafood and delicacies, sweets, restaurants serving Tsuruga’s specialty seafood bowls, sushi, grilled mackerel - nearly 60 shops form this largest seafood market on the Japan-Sea side. Filled with the lively sellers’ voices, it is always an energetic place.

• Fukui
• Shopping Streets

My first impression of Nihonkai Sakanamachi was its lively atmosphere and abundance of fresh seafood. The market displays everything from plump crabs and fresh fish to regional seafood specialties, showcasing the rich marine resources of the Sea of Japan. Walking through the market, you can browse the incredible variety of products while experiencing the energy of local daily life.

The most memorable part was sampling the seafood prepared right there. The fresh sashimi, grilled seafood, and seafood rice bowls all preserved the ingredients’ natural sweetness and flavor, offering a delicious taste of the sea.

Fukui Station West Plaza (Dinosaur Plaza)

With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in March 2024, Fukui Station is drawing increased attention. The "Dinosaur Plaza" at the west exit is a fitting gateway to Fukui Prefecture, known as the "Dinosaur Kingdom" due to the numerous fossils discovered here. The plaza boasts a variety of dinosaur-themed attractions.

• Fukui
• Tourist Attractions

As soon as you step out of Fukui Station, you are greeted by enormous dinosaur models standing in the plaza. Their lifelike designs are spectacular and make you feel as if you have traveled back to prehistoric times. They attract plenty of visitors who stop to take photos.

Fukui is one of Japan’s best-known sites for dinosaur fossil discoveries, so the area around the station is filled with dinosaur-themed designs. In addition to the huge statues, there are moving dinosaur displays with sound and lighting effects that are fun and full of surprises. These attractions are great for families and also help visitors learn more about Fukui’s natural history.