Yojiya Blotting Sheets
These blotting sheets are a staple item of YOJIYA, the Kyoto veteran cosmetics brand founded in 1904. It’s recommended for blotting excess oil and creating an even surface before makeup touchups.
I found another practical Kyoto souvenir! Yojiya's blotting sheets are small and convenient, taking up hardly any room in your bag. When you're out and need to touch up your makeup, just take one out and gently press it against your face to quickly remove excess oil.
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is located on Nishikikoji Street, north of Shijo Street, Kyoto’s main street. The fish market thrived here, and in 1615, it received official permission from the Edo Shogunate to expand. It is called “Kyoto’s kitchen” and offers a wide range of foods such as Kyoto vegetables, fresh-water fish from Lake Biwa, Hamo (conger pike), Guji (tilefish), Sasakarei (half-dried flounder), Yuba (tofu skin), Namafu, and pickles. Most of Kyoto’s special ingredients can be found here.
Visiting Kyoto's Nishiki Market is like setting off on a food adventure! The entire street is lined with delicious-smelling snacks—octopus egg skewers, tamagoyaki, grilled seafood, soy milk donuts—and everything looks so tempting!
I ate as I walked, and every item had a different surprise. The freshly grilled seafood was especially fragrant, and eating it piping hot was so satisfying! Beyond the food, you can also experience the lively, welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Kyoto market.
This visit to Nishiki Market wasn't just about eating—it felt more like discovering Kyoto through my taste buds.
Noboribetsu Onsen
A famous hot spring located in the "Iburi" region in south-west Hokkaido. It has been known since the Edo period as an extremely rare place with many different types of springs in one hot spring. Many of the springs gush from all over the place, many of them from Jigokudani, which was created by volcanic activity some 10,000 years ago, and boast an abundance of 10,000 tonnes of hot water per day, which can be enjoyed in a variety of bathtubs and tubs elaborately designed by ryokans and hotels.
Noboribetsu Onsen is a very famous hot spring destination in Hokkaido, known for its wide variety of spring waters and strong sulfur smell. What makes this place especially distinctive is the white steam rising everywhere and the noticeable scent of sulfur in the air, creating the unique atmosphere of a hot spring town.
Nearby, you can also visit attractions such as Jigokudani, Oyunuma, and Okunoyu, taking in the volcanic terrain and steam-filled scenery while experiencing the power of Hokkaido's natural landscape.
Tenryu-ji Temple
This is the head temple of the Tenryuji sect of the RInzai school. It was founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339, during the early Muromachi period, in memory of Emperor Go-daigo, with Muso Kokushi (the eminent Zen master Muso Soseki) appointed as founding abbot.
The first time I walked into Tenryu-ji Temple, what surprised me most was the tranquility of the garden. Sitting beside Sogen Pond and taking it all in, the mountain scenery, pond, and old temple buildings blended together, giving it a true Kyoto feel. It was especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, when the soft pink flowers decorated the ancient temple grounds. The whole scene felt gentle and romantic, making it hard to stop taking photos. It was also a great place to slow down and experience Kyoto's Zen atmosphere.
Cherry Blossoms along Kurome River
A path goes along Kurome River through Asaka City. On ordinary days, neighbors take a walk or jog here, except for late March through early April, when many visitors from outside the city come to see the 232 Someiyoshino cherry trees blooming along both banks for 700m (half a mile).
The rows of cherry trees along the Kurome River are located in Asaka City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan, and are a popular local cherry blossom viewing spot. In spring, you can stroll along both banks of the river, where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The pink flowers and gently flowing river complement each other, creating a very relaxing atmosphere.
Walking beneath the cherry trees, you can admire an entire row of blossoms forming a floral tunnel. When a light breeze blows, the petals flutter down against the natural riverside scenery, creating a distinctly Japanese sense of springtime romance. Compared with more popular cherry blossom viewing spots, this place feels quieter and more lived-in, making it ideal for a leisurely walk and taking photos.
Taisho Romantic Dream Street
Nestled in the charming streets of Kawagoe, this shopping street exudes a retro ambiance reminiscent of the Taisho era. The street stretches for 160 meters, paved with granite cobblestones, flanked by tiled-roof townhouses, Western-style stone buildings, and traditional storehouses.
“Taisho Romantic Dream Street” is a nostalgic street in Taisho Village (Akechi-cho, Ena City), Gifu Prefecture, Japan, filled with the romantic atmosphere of the Taisho era.
Walking along the street, you can see well-preserved wooden buildings, retro shops, and Taisho-style streetscapes, as if you've instantly traveled back to Japan about 100 years ago. It's a great place for a leisurely walk and taking photos, especially if you wear a vintage Western-style outfit or kimono, which adds even more of a “Taisho Romance” atmosphere.
What I like most is that it doesn't have the bustle of a modern commercial district. The old houses, stone-paved streets, and retro signs come together to give it a special charm as you stroll around.
Royce Potatochip Chocolate
Royce was opened in 1983 in Sapporo City. Hoping to make products which will meet the quality of European chocolate, they endeavor to create chocolate each day in the ideal cool climate even in summer. Royce began selling “Potatochip Chocolate” in 2002. The rarity and good taste of the unexpected combination was spread by word of mouth, and now it is one of Royce’s main products.
Crispy, savory potato chips coated on one side with rich chocolate. The sweet and salty flavor is so addictive, and every bite has layers of flavor. The slight saltiness balances the sweetness of the chocolate perfectly, so it never feels too rich!
Fukidashi Park (Fukidashi Koen)
Fukidashi Park is a serene spot where rain and snow from Mount Yotei filter through the earth over many years, emerging as a spring of renowned water. This natural bounty, rich in minerals, can be freely drawn from various spring points within the park.
While near Mount Yotei, I made a special trip to see the famous spring water. The clear water naturally bubbles up from underground. It's so clean and transparent that just looking at it feels especially refreshing.
Standing beside the spring, you can feel the purity and tranquility of Hokkaido's natural surroundings. There's none of the city's hustle and bustle, only the gentle sound of flowing water!
Taking a sip of the icy spring water, it was mildly sweet and went down smoothly. I instantly felt refreshed.
Shiroi Koibito Park
Shiroi Koibito is a well-known brand of sweets in Hokkaido. At Shiroi Koibito Park, you can tour the production line, learn the history of chocolate from the display, and create your own Shiroi Koibito snack.
When visiting Shiroi Koibito Park in Hokkaido, besides admiring the dreamy European-style architecture, what I looked forward to most was making cookies by hand!
It was my first time making them myself, and every step, from shaping the dough and decorating it to baking, felt new and fun. Watching the dough slowly turn into fragrant cookies and getting creative to make my own unique creation gave me such a great sense of accomplishment.
Tempozan Marketplace
Located within the "Tempozan Harbor Village," where you can enjoy a full day of popular spots including one of the world's largest aquariums Kaiyukan and one of the largest Ferris wheels in Japan, this large commercial facility houses about 60 stores including fashion, miscellaneous goods, accessories shops, restaurants, and food courts.
At Tempozan, besides riding the giant Ferris wheel, you shouldn't miss the nearby Tempozan Marketplace! The whole mall has a lively and fun atmosphere, with all kinds of restaurants, souvenir shops, and unique little stores to explore!
