一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人's Reviews Page 13/31

On the boat trip from Misumi Port, the weather was absolutely beautiful, and we had clear views of the magnificent Amakusa Gokyo along the way. These beautifully designed bridges stretch gracefully across the blue sea, linking islands of all sizes and creating a captivating seascape. Sitting on the deck with the sea breeze, gazing at the bridges in the distance and the sea blending into the sky, made me feel more open and relaxed. It’s a soothing view you shouldn’t miss when visiting Amakusa.

On this trip to Amakusa in Kumamoto, the main event I was looking forward to most was heading out to sea for a beautiful encounter with wild dolphins. The Amakusa area is a very famous dolphin-watching destination in Japan. We were lucky to have great weather that day, with calm seas as we headed out on the sightseeing boat.

After the boat arrived at a spot where dolphins often appear, the crew thoughtfully turned off the engine so everyone could wait in peace and quiet. Before long, a large group of lively dolphins really did surround the boat, jumping and playing. Seeing them so close was incredibly exciting, and I managed to capture several precious photos. This up-close experience with nature was both moving and unforgettable. It is definitely a soothing activity you absolutely shouldn't miss when visiting Amakusa.

Tucked away inside Sendai Station, HACHI is a good choice when you want to enjoy authentic Japanese-style Western food and a delicious hamburger steak. It was very busy during dinner, and we had to wait in line for a little while before being seated.

That day, we ordered the classic Napolitan spaghetti and a wonderfully aromatic sizzling gratin. In the slightly chilly fall weather, digging into the piping-hot, gooey cheese gratin felt very indulgent, but it warmed me up instantly and left me feeling comforted from the inside out. The food was delicious and had the warmth of a long-established local restaurant. Highly recommended for travelers visiting Sendai who are looking for a good place to enjoy a filling meal.

When you come to Sendai, you absolutely can't miss one of the area's most iconic specialties—a zunda shake. There happened to be a Zunda Saryo right inside the station, so I immediately got one to go and gave it a try.

Honestly, before drinking it, I was a little worried that the grassy flavor of the edamame might be too noticeable, but my impression completely changed after the first sip. The rich, smooth shake had a subtle sweetness from the edamame and a delicate, slightly grainy texture. It was surprisingly refreshing and easy to drink, with just the right amount of sweetness. This unique and delightful flavor is truly something you can only find in Sendai, Tohoku, and it's definitely a local drink you have to try for yourself when visiting. Even after returning to Taiwan, I still miss this distinctive flavor sometimes.

As soon as I arrived in Sendai, I was pleasantly surprised by the interconnected pedestrian bridges leading in every direction and the lively department stores beside the station. It truly lives up to its reputation as Tohoku's leading transportation hub. This time, I happened to stay at a hotel near the station, so I could start shopping as soon as I dropped off my luggage. The location was simply perfect.

Not only are there all kinds of popular beef tongue restaurants here, satisfying the desire to enjoy plenty of delicious food all at once, but you can also pick up Sendai's best-known Hagi no Tsuki Japanese sweets as souvenirs. When you're tired from shopping, be sure to line up for a cup of the signature edamame shake, with its unique texture and sweet aroma, then finish by taking home a fragrant, freshly baked RINGO apple pie. Best of all, there's also a great Loft across the street where you can keep shopping. It has everything you need for food, clothing, accommodations, transportation, education, and entertainment, making it absolutely the most convenient, must-visit shopping destination on a trip to Sendai.

Located across from Sendai Station, HAPINA Nakakecho Shopping Arcade is conveniently located, lively, and fun to explore. I personally highly recommend the extremely popular Yonezawa beef restaurant Kotora. Go for their weekday lunch specials, where you can enjoy premium Yonezawa beef and excellent beef tongue together at a very reasonable price. The value for money is truly off the charts.

After a satisfying meal, if you like sweets, don’t miss Tai Kichi Nakakecho Main Store. Their taiyaki has a thin, crispy exterior and is packed with hot filling—pure happiness with every bite. This shopping arcade is a great place to eat your fill and enjoy shopping. If you visit during the summer Sendai Tanabata Festival, you can also look up and admire the large, colorful decorations, which create a rich sense of local culture and festivity.

Just across the street from Sendai Station is the starting point of Sendai’s sprawling network of covered shopping arcades. It consists of several interconnected shopping streets, offering a vast area that’s sheltered from the weather and easy to explore. It’s truly a paradise for foodies and shopaholics.

From near the entrance, you can already smell all kinds of tempting aromas. There are extremely popular grilled beef tongue restaurants, Suehiro Ramen with long lines even late at night, Ichiran Ramen, and a variety of drugstores and boutiques. You can leisurely shop and eat your way through the arcade, and when you reach the end, you can also stop by the famous Abe Kamaboko Shop to enjoy freshly grilled fish cakes.

Whether you want to feast on delicious food, stock up on cosmetics and drugstore products, or shop to your heart’s content, you can satisfy all your needs in one trip. This is a shopping arcade I definitely recommend visiting in Sendai.

As someone who truly loves cooking, whenever I travel to Japan, I always enjoy exploring local morning markets or traditional markets and picking up a few local specialties. That way, when I miss Japan after returning to Taiwan, I can use those ingredients to recreate those familiar flavors. On this trip to Sendai, of course I couldn’t miss the lively local atmosphere of Sendai Asaichi Morning Market.

Although the entire market is small and compact, it’s full of surprises. Not only did I unexpectedly find some excellent handmade miso, but I also tried the extremely popular Saito croquette, freshly fried and piping hot. Standing by the roadside and taking a big bite, the outside was crispy and the filling was juicy. The simple flavor was deeply satisfying.

After you’ve had enough of walking around, don’t forget to turn into the alley where fresh seafood is sold. Tucked away inside is the cozy 110 coffee. Order a hot latte and rest your feet in the small café, letting the aroma of coffee bring this little local exploration to a perfect close. This kind of stroll through a market that feels close to everyday life is truly unforgettable.

As soon as you arrive in Sendai, you can spot Anpanman everywhere, from the city streets to the shopping malls, giving the whole place a playful, childlike feel. If you're traveling with young children, I highly recommend setting aside half a day to visit the Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall.

Not only does it have a highly interactive museum where kids can burn off all their energy, but the shopping mall in the free area is also fun to browse and shop, with super-cute limited-edition character-shaped bread. Both adults and children can spend a heartwarming afternoon here filled with laughter and childlike joy.

During my trip to Sendai, I made special plans for the activity I was looking forward to most: visiting Yagiyama Zoological Park to see the super-cute red pandas. It's easy to reach from downtown by subway or bus, so getting there is very convenient.

The zoo is located on a small hillside, and on the day I visited, I was lucky enough to run into a group of elementary school students on a field trip. Their sweet, innocent appearance instantly melted my heart. But what I was most excited about, of course, was seeing the red pandas in the outdoor area. It was a chilly autumn day, so I bought a hot coffee and relaxed on a bench, watching them nimbly climb trees up close and look unbelievably adorable. My heart just melted. The entire zoo has a comfortable, soothing atmosphere, making it a perfect place that you'll be reluctant to leave.