一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人's Reviews Page 14/31

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.

Bustling Tokyo is always especially charming during the Christmas season, and Roppongi Hills is definitely a great place to soak up the holiday atmosphere. The entire neighborhood is decorated with dazzling lights, making it incredibly romantic. You can also stop by the Christmas market, which has an international feel, and the air is filled with festive cheer.

When you get tired from walking around, I highly recommend heading to the nearby Shake Shack for dinner. Although it’s a famous burger chain from the United States, the beef patties in Japan are especially juicy and delicious. On a cold winter night, ordering a classic cheeseburger with a rich, creamy milkshake and taking a big bite is incredibly satisfying. It’s a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds, and a wonderful memory of chilly Tokyo that makes me want to keep coming back.

It was my first time visiting Tokyo around Christmas, so of course I couldn’t miss the hugely popular Christmas market and the classic Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Illumination.

That day, I slowly walked up the gently sloping street. The rows of zelkova trees lining the road were covered in dazzling lights, like a brilliant galaxy. When I reached the pedestrian bridge in the middle and looked back, Tokyo Tower stood quietly at the end of the glittering sea of colorful lights. The scene was so dreamlike it took my breath away. Experiencing Tokyo’s rich holiday atmosphere on a cold winter night, with such a romantic and breathtaking view, was truly unforgettable and left me with lasting memories. It’s worth a visit.

Showa Kinen Park is just a quick train ride from central Tokyo. When I visited in late fall, the entire park was enveloped in a poetic, desolate beauty that made me feel at peace.

The park was much more expansive than I had imagined. By the time I walked all the way to the famous Japanese garden, my legs were a little sore, but sitting quietly on a bench and taking in the autumn scenery mixed with fallen leaves was especially soothing. There were very few visitors, and the atmosphere had a rare sense of peace and relaxation. If you want to get away from the noise of the city and fully appreciate the pure beauty of fall, I highly recommend taking a walk here.

Omiya Park is right next to Hikawa Shrine. While visiting the shrine, I wandered over to the park and quietly sat by the lake, watching the sunlight shimmer on the water. In the chilly weather, I bought a hot can of corn potage from a vending machine to warm my hands while admiring the shrine’s elegant, traditional architecture. I blended right in and experienced the everyday life of local Japanese people. It was an incredibly relaxing and pleasant time. There is also a small zoo in the park that you can visit, making it a unique, slow-paced experience.

If you’re visiting the Saitama-Shintoshin area, don’t miss this hidden gem. Most people are more familiar with Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe, but the head shrine of all Hikawa shrines in Japan is actually here.

I visited in late fall, just before the start of winter, and was very fortunate to stroll along the two-kilometer approach. Along the way, there were beautiful golden ginkgo trees mixed with fallen red maple leaves, and very few people—mostly local residents taking leisurely walks. There were also a few distinctive little shops scattered along the roadside. After passing through the third torii gate, the solemn and majestic main shrine building came into view. I recommend setting aside half a day to walk along this especially pleasant approach.

I’m a fan of this watch brand, and whenever I have a chance to travel to Japan, I always like to make time to visit one of its local stores. What fascinates me most is discovering new watch straps made with materials that reflect local Japanese character. Not only can one watch stay with you for a long time, but you can also freely switch to whatever style suits your mood.

This time, I made a special trip to the spacious and comfortable Maker’s Watch Knot Omotesando Gallery Shop. As always, the staff were courteous and polite, creating a very relaxing and comfortable shopping experience. In addition to a wide selection of customizable watches, they were also offering elegant special Christmas packaging for the end of the year, which made the entire selection process feel festive. This is definitely a quality shop that I can’t help wanting to visit again and again whenever I’m in Tokyo.

Walking up the gentle slope through the Omotesando backstreets, with their classic Japanese TV drama atmosphere, you can feel the strong sense of fashion and artsy charm. Once you're tired from walking, of course you can't miss a pilgrimage to the popular Blue Bottle Coffee Aoyama Cafe.

Located on the second floor, this cafe is cleverly tucked away amid the greenery. If you don't look carefully, you really might miss it. It's like a treehouse hidden in an urban jungle, making you feel pleasantly surprised and relaxed as soon as you step inside. Especially on a cold winter day, sitting quietly by the window and enjoying a piping-hot, richly aromatic latte is soothing for both body and mind. Not only is the coffee quality a given, but the uniquely peaceful atmosphere amid the bustle is also captivating. I highly recommend it to all coffee-loving travelers.