wendy's Reviews Page 1/30

While walking around Kobe Nankinmachi, I came across a very long line outside ROUSHOUKI. Since it's a century-old shop founded in 1915, and its signature pork buns are considered a must-try by many visitors to Nankinmachi, I couldn't help wondering what made them so appealing. So I joined the line and bought some to try!

When I got them, I realized the buns were much smaller than I had imagined. Each one was tiny, more like a small pork bun than a regular bun. The filling had a nice pork aroma and tasted pretty good, but it wasn't especially impressive to me.

Considering the portion and price, they do feel a little expensive compared with pork buns in Taiwan. Perhaps because of the shop's century-old reputation, you can almost always see tourists lining up to try them when you visit Nankinmachi.

This time, I got to check off one of Kobe's famous foods, and now that I've tried it myself, I know what it tastes like! But for me, trying it once was enough. The next time I visit Nankinmachi, I'll probably save room for other foods!

On this trip to Kobe, I looked around Kobe Airport before leaving and unexpectedly found this Kobe Pudding! I bought a few boxes as soon as I saw it, and it turned out to be the right choice. It was definitely a delicious souvenir that left a lasting impression on me during this trip.

When I opened one and tried it, the texture was even more delicate than I expected. It was silky and creamy, with a rich milky flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. It wasn’t too heavy and went down very smoothly. Every bite was full of rich, mellow flavor, and I really couldn’t stop eating it one bite after another.

What I liked most was that it can be stored at room temperature. It’s so convenient when buying souvenirs while traveling, since there’s no need to worry about refrigeration.

I originally bought it just to try something new, but I was genuinely impressed after eating it! If you come to Kobe and pass through the airport, consider taking a few boxes home. It’s great for yourself or as a gift, and it’s a must-buy Kobe souvenir that I’d definitely purchase again!

I originally thought the Sumoto Castle Ruins on Awaji Island would just be a small historic site, but I didn't expect the views to be this good! The Sumoto Castle Ruins are located on Mt. Mikuma. Although the grounds aren't very large and there aren't many complicated routes to explore, it's a great place to slow down, stroll around the castle ruins, take photos, and soak up the historic atmosphere of an old Japanese castle.

What I liked most was the scenery after climbing up. From the top, you can look out over the Seto Inland Sea, and the combination of mountains and sea is really relaxing, with wide-open views. When the weather is good, the blue sky, mountains, and ocean look beautiful together from any angle!

This is also a well-known local cherry blossom viewing spot. If you happen to visit during cherry blossom season, it should offer a different kind of romantic scenery.

If you're traveling to Awaji Island and want somewhere that doesn't take too much time to visit but still offers beautiful ocean views, the Sumoto Castle Ruins are well worth adding to your itinerary. Compared with busy tourist attractions, I prefer small places like this where you can take a leisurely walk and quietly enjoy the scenery

When visiting Himeji, besides planning a trip to Himeji Castle, Himeji FESTA near the station is also well worth stopping by!

After visiting Himeji Castle this time, I stopped by Himeji FESTA next to the station. The location is really convenient, with no need to make a special detour, and it’s just a short walk away.

This is a commercial complex combining food, restaurants, and shopping. There are quite a few local Himeji specialties, as well as stores where you can shop for souvenirs. You can stroll around and check out the local products, and if you get hungry, you can easily find a restaurant for a meal.

I think the biggest advantage here is the convenience. Especially when planning a day trip to Himeji, you don’t have to spend time on transportation and can take care of both dining and shopping along the way. After sightseeing, you can return to the area near the station to recharge and buy some souvenirs, making the whole itinerary flow very smoothly.

If you’re visiting Himeji Castle, you can definitely include this place in your itinerary. There’s no need to rush off—leave some time to experience the lively atmosphere around Himeji Station!

This time I visited Himeji City Zoo next to Himeji Castle. I originally thought it would just be a small attraction to stop by along the way, but I didn’t expect to find an excellent spot for photographing Himeji Castle here!

The zoo isn’t very large, and there aren’t as many kinds of animals as I had imagined. Overall, it feels more like a small zoo for a relaxing stroll, and it doesn’t take much time to see everything.

However, what surprised me most wasn’t the animals, but the hidden photo spot inside the zoo! From a certain angle, you can photograph Himeji Castle. The white castle paired with the surrounding scenery is truly beautiful and offers a different perspective on the trip.

If Himeji Castle is on your itinerary, you might as well stop by for a walk, see the cute animals, and don’t forget to look for this secret angle for photographing Himeji Castle. You may come away with an unexpectedly beautiful view from your trip!

When visiting Himeji Castle, besides admiring the magnificent White Heron Castle, I also stopped by the nearby Koko-en. Taking a relaxing walk here after touring Himeji Castle added a nice sense of leisure to the itinerary.

At first, I only planned to take a look since it was nearby, but the garden turned out to have much more charm than I expected! It has Japanese gardens in different styles, with ponds, streams, stone bridges, and lush green trees. Every corner is beautifully maintained. As I walked around, stopped here and there, and took photos, I found myself immersed in the atmosphere of the Japanese gardens.

This is also a filming location for many period dramas and TV series. Walking through it really feels like stepping into a scene from a Japanese period drama. Compared with the grandeur of Himeji Castle, Koko-en is more peaceful and refined, letting you slow down and fully enjoy the scenery before you.

This small attraction that I added to the itinerary unexpectedly became a very pleasant part of the trip. If you're visiting Himeji Castle, I really recommend including Koko-en as well so you can visit both attractions in one trip!

I finally got to see Himeji Castle, one of Japan's famous World Heritage Sites, with my own eyes! Even from a distance, I was captivated by its magnificent white exterior. Against the clear blue sky, the whole scene was truly beautiful.

Himeji Castle is also known as “White Heron Castle” because of its white outer walls and its overall shape, which resembles an elegant white heron spreading its wings. Up close, you can better appreciate the overlapping layers of eaves, the intricate architectural details, and the towering main keep, all of which fully showcase the distinctive features of an ancient Japanese castle.

I originally thought I would just come see the castle and take some photos, but it wasn't until I stood below it that I truly felt its grandeur and sense of history. The white castle walls looked especially dazzling in the sunlight, and it looked great in every photo!

It truly deserves its reputation as one of Japan's most iconic castles. If you come to Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture, this is one attraction you really shouldn't miss!

What I looked forward to most on this visit to Maiko Park was seeing the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge up close! Before I even reached the area beneath the bridge, I could see this enormous suspension bridge stretching across the sea in the distance. Standing in front of it, I found it even more magnificent than I had imagined. I couldn't stop picking up my camera to take pictures—it looked great from every angle!

The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge also has the beautiful nickname “Pearl Bridge.” Connecting Honshu and Awaji Island, it is a world-famous long-span suspension bridge.

The towering bridge pylons and cables stretching into the distance, set against the endless ocean view, create a truly imposing scene. Looking up from beneath the bridge makes its astonishing scale even more apparent.

That day, I enjoyed looking at the bridge while feeling the sea breeze, which was especially pleasant. Watching boats pass beneath the bridge, with the sea and the bridge coming together to create beautiful scenery, made me want to stay a little longer without even realizing it.

This bridge is not only an important transportation link between Honshu and Awaji Island, but also one of Kobe's most iconic landmarks. If you visit Maiko Park, I really recommend setting aside time to admire it and experience the appeal of this world-class suspension bridge in person!

On this visit to Maiko Park in Kobe, what I was looking forward to most was seeing the world-famous Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in person! After getting off at JR Maiko Station, you can reach the park by walking across the pedestrian bridge, so it’s really convenient.

It wasn’t until I actually walked up to the bridge that I realized it was even more spectacular than I had imagined! The enormous bridge stretches across the sea, with the long suspension bridge extending far into the distance. Looking up at it from underneath, you can’t help but marvel at what humans are capable of building.

That day, I took a leisurely walk along the coast, admiring the bridge and feeling the sea breeze. With the vast ocean view in front of me and the sound of the waves in my ears, the whole setting felt very relaxing. It didn’t have the noise and bustle of the city, giving it a much more laid-back and carefree atmosphere.

If you have time, I highly recommend walking along the Marine Promenade. You can enjoy views of the Akashi Strait from different angles and experience the unique feeling of walking on the bridge.

This is truly a great place to slow down and appreciate the beautiful scenery. Rather than rushing to take photos and check in, I preferred feeling the sea breeze, looking out at the ocean, and enjoying the relaxed pace unique to Kobe’s waterfront.

On this trip to Kobe, besides Himeji Castle, another thing I was really looking forward to was walking around the Kitano Ijinkan district! Our first stop was Moegi House, with its very eye-catching exterior.

Before even going inside, I was drawn to this Western-style house in a pale mint green! Paired with dark green window frames, white decorative railings, and a red-brick chimney, the whole building has a very distinctive look and a strong vintage, foreign atmosphere. It was beautiful just taking pictures outside.

Moegi House was formerly the residence of the American consul. Its location makes it one of the more convenient houses to visit in the Kitano Ijinkan district, and admission is also relatively inexpensive. Once I went inside, I found that the displays here were somewhat different from those at the other houses. Instead of deliberately creating themed exhibits about different countries' cultures, it recreates the living spaces of the time as faithfully as possible.

As I toured the rooms and looked at the old furniture, windows, and interior decor, I couldn't help imagining what kind of daily life the people who lived here once had. Although the exhibits aren't as extensive as those at some of the other houses, this sense of being close to real life instead inspired an even greater feeling of nostalgia.

Overall, this stop is easy to explore, and you don't need to set aside too much time for it. For me, visiting Kobe's ijinkan isn't just about seeing beautiful architecture. It's also a way to experience Kobe's past history and culture through these preserved old houses.