一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人's Reviews Page 7/31

I never imagined there could be such a dreamlike place in the world, where you can take in a vast, romantic sea of shibazakura and majestic Mt. Fuji at the same time. This is a limited annual event. Just before leaving for Lake Kawaguchi, I happened to see some photos online and was instantly captivated, so I decided right then that I had to add it to our itinerary.

It takes about an hour to reach the festival grounds on the dedicated bus from Kawaguchiko Station. As soon as you enter the park, you’re completely mesmerized by the dreamlike sea of flowers stretching out before you like a giant pink and purple carpet. And when you turn around, the magnificent Mt. Fuji, Japan’s sacred mountain, rises behind you. The blue sky, white clouds, snowcapped peak, and gradient carpet of flowers come together like a breathtaking landscape painting that you can never take enough pictures of.

There were also lots of lively food trucks around the festival grounds selling all kinds of authentic sweets and savory foods. We casually picked up a few things to eat, found a comfortable bench, and quietly gazed at Mt. Fuji in the distance while enjoying our food. At that moment, I was truly filled with an indescribable sense of peace and emotion.

This is definitely a breathtaking place that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. If I hadn’t happened to come across that photo online, I might have missed this beautiful encounter. I sincerely hope that by sharing my experience, more people will have the chance to come and personally experience the wonder and beauty of this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

I once tried LeTAO’s Original Double Fromage cheesecake in Taiwan when a friend brought one back especially from Japan. I fell in love at first bite with its light, smooth texture and the fact that it wasn’t overly sweet at all. It melted in my mouth like ice cream and left a lasting impression of this Hokkaido dessert brand.

Later, when I traveled to Japan, I discovered that it was available at many airports. If you have the chance, I really recommend packing one in an insulated bag and carrying it back to Taiwan yourself—it tastes just as delicious. What’s even more exciting is that you can try different limited-edition flavors depending on the season. This time, I was lucky enough to get the mango flavor, and the biggest surprise was the thin layer of mochi inside the cake. It added even more layers of texture, making every bite memorable. This is a dessert I’ll definitely want to buy again whenever I visit Japan.

Speaking of Fujiya, when I was little, its Japanese candies seemed very high-end and luxurious. Back then, I always felt that getting to eat even one piece of Peko-chan milk candy was an incredibly happy occasion.

This time, while traveling in a small town near Nagoya, I unexpectedly came across an entire specialty shop themed around Peko-chan. The store was truly a paradise for fans, packed with classic Peko-chan merchandise, vintage collectibles, all kinds of irresistibly cute desserts, and delicate little items. There was so much to see that I couldn't take my eyes off everything. Unexpectedly encountering Peko-chan from my childhood memories in a small alley in Japan, surrounded by all that cuteness, was genuinely indescribably moving. It instantly fulfilled a childhood dream of mine.

Speaking of the hugely popular souvenir that almost everyone buys when traveling to Japan, especially as a thoughtful gift for parents or older family members, it has to be Alinamin EX Plus tablets.

This nationally popular health supplement can be found in practically every drugstore in Japan and is especially suitable for people who often struggle with lower back pain, body aches, eye fatigue, or stiff shoulders and neck. However, since there is a considerable price difference between Taiwan and Japan, I highly recommend doing a little research and comparing prices at different stores before your trip, as you can often save quite a bit. It's also easy to find at almost any drugstore. When checking out, don't forget to show any tax-free and discount coupons you have to get an even better deal. It's a practical and thoughtful top choice for your must-buy souvenir list.

If you're tired of the lively, crowded Nakamise Shopping Street, I highly recommend turning the corner and visiting the nearby Shin Nakamise Shopping Street. It consists of several intersecting shopping streets, and the best part is the covered arcade overhead, so you don't have to worry about the sun or rain.

Compared with the crowds in front of Kaminarimon Gate, the pace here is much more relaxed and comfortable, allowing you to take your time browsing. There are many local delicacies tucked away along the street, such as Funawa Honten, a long-established shop known for its delicious sweet potato treats. You can also pick up one of its rich ice cream cones to try. And don't miss the extremely popular treats from Kagetsudo. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy shopping in peace and comfort, taking a stroll along Shin Nakamise Shopping Street is definitely a good choice.

When it comes to Asakusa’s ningyoyaki, the historic Kimuraya Honten is definitely one of the classic long-established shops that comes to mind.

Its most distinctive feature is its commitment to using only the simplest, purest traditional ingredients. The outer cake is made simply with eggs and flour, while the inside is generously filled with smooth red bean paste made from quality ingredients. With each bite, the cake has a simple egg aroma that pairs well with the moist red bean paste, which isn’t overly sweet. The flavor is substantial and leaves a lasting impression.

A bag of freshly made, piping-hot ningyoyaki is perfect either as a snack while strolling around or to take back to your hotel and slowly enjoy with a cup of hot tea. If you come to Asakusa to visit the temple, don’t forget to stop by this century-old shop and savor its authentic, heartwarming traditional flavor.

When visiting Asakusa to pay your respects, you definitely shouldn’t miss this great free hidden gem—the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center.

Just take the elevator straight to the observation deck on the top floor for an excellent bird’s-eye view. From here, you can see the tall, modern Tokyo Skytree across the way and the uniquely shaped Asahi Beer building next to it, which looks like a golden flying cloud. Looking down, you can also see the bustling crowds packed in front of Kaminarimon, looking like tiny ants. The contrast is very interesting and makes for spectacular photos.

Besides the unbeatable view from the top floor, I also highly recommend stopping by the exhibition room inside, where the extensive displays offer a deeper understanding of Asakusa’s history and local character. If you come to Asakusa, don’t forget to step inside this beautiful building designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma and experience a different side of Tokyo from above.

After visiting Sensoji Temple, you definitely shouldn't miss the bustling Nakamise Shopping Street right in front of it. This is one of the best places to experience the rich atmosphere of old Edo. The entire street is lined with all kinds of distinctive little shops, selling not only lots of cute Japanese-style mini kimonos and delicate handmade accessories, but also a dazzling variety of local foods.

Whether it's fragrant grilled dango, rich and delicious ice cream, or adorably shaped ningyo-yaki, everything looks appetizing. Our visit also happened to fall during celebrations for the Emperor's enthronement in the first year of the Reiwa era, so the entire street was filled with celebratory flags, making the atmosphere especially lively and festive. One thing to keep in mind is that eating while walking is discouraged in some places in Japan. After buying food, remember to finish it in the designated area beside the shop so you don't become an inconsiderate traveler. This street has plenty of great food and shopping, so I highly recommend setting aside some time to stroll around and fully enjoy the charm of this century-old shopping street.

When it comes to Tokyo's most iconic and famous attractions, Sensoji Temple, with its thousand-year history, is definitely one of the top ones. To avoid the frighteningly huge daytime crowds, we got up especially early and went during the peaceful golden hours of the morning.

As soon as we reached the entrance, the magnificent gate with the huge red Kaminarimon lantern hanging above was truly breathtaking up close and inspired a sense of solemn respect. Looking more carefully, we even saw the enormous straw sandals hanging under the gate, with plenty of fascinating details to take in. After passing through Kaminarimon and slowly walking into the temple grounds, the vivid vermilion eaves looked especially solemn and beautiful against the clear blue sky and white clouds.

We quietly waited in line to worship and pray for safety. Afterward, we followed the local custom by drawing a fortune and choosing a delicate omamori as a keepsake. With only a few visitors around in the morning, being able to stroll quietly and fully appreciate the calm depth of this thousand-year-old temple felt like an incredibly luxurious experience. After worshiping, we headed to the lively Nakamise Shopping Street in front of the temple, sampling snacks and choosing souvenirs along the way. The whole outing offered plenty to see and do and was a classic Tokyo experience that should not be missed.

Tokyo Tower used to be Tokyo's undisputed iconic landmark, until the thoroughly modern TOKYO SKYTREE appeared. The two tall towers now face each other across the city, creating Tokyo's most captivating blend of old and new skylines. Since I was already planning to explore the area around Senso-ji Temple, I made a detour to TOKYO SKYTREE to experience its impressive scale up close.

If you're looking for an excellent photo angle, I highly recommend visiting the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center directly across from Kaminarimon Gate. This is a completely free hidden gem. Take the elevator straight to the observation deck on the top floor, where you can enjoy a fantastic elevated view of the entire magnificent TOKYO SKYTREE in the distance. You can also look down at the bustling, crowded streets of Asakusa below, creating a very interesting contrast. If you're planning a trip to Tokyo soon, don't miss this lesser-known spot with excellent views where you can easily take beautiful photos of TOKYO SKYTREE.