一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人's Reviews Page 8/31

Before I ever visited Japan, my strongest impression of Tokyo came almost entirely from the classic Tokyo Tower seen in Japanese TV dramas. It seemed like the very soul and symbol of the whole city. Although I had passed it by on several previous visits to Tokyo and had only seen it from a distance, this time I finally had the chance to make a proper pilgrimage.

My visit happened to coincide with Boys' Day in May, and even from far away, I could see countless colorful carp streamers fluttering in the wind beneath Tokyo Tower. It was a spectacular sight. This time, I also went inside the tower especially for the exciting One Piece exhibition. From taking the elevator to slowly walking up the outdoor stairs, every corner filled me with anticipation. Besides getting a close-up look at the steelwork of this long-standing landmark, seeing the exhibition, shopping, and stocking up on limited-edition souvenirs, the incredible view of all of Tokyo from the observation deck was truly breathtaking. To me, Tokyo Tower isn't just a popular attraction, but a special place filled with memories of Japanese dramas from my youth and so much emotion.

While planning the trip, I learned that Shiba Park and neighboring Zojoji Temple both offer excellent views for enjoying and photographing Tokyo Tower. Although it was raining on the day of our visit, we still decided to walk around Shiba Park with our umbrellas and experience a different side of everyday life in Tokyo.

The entire park was lush, beautifully maintained, and very pleasant. Since the rain made it a little damp and chilly, my companions and I went into Le Pain Quotidien, a bakery in the park with a woodsy, forest-like atmosphere. We chose seats by the window and ordered hot coffee and delicious bread. Through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, we looked out at the flowers and trees, which appeared especially green in the rain, along with Tokyo Tower fading in and out of view. It felt romantic in its own way. Enjoying such a warm and relaxing afternoon break in the park on a drizzly day unexpectedly became one of the trip's comforting highlights. I highly recommend setting aside some time to walk around here the next time you're near Tokyo Tower.

While walking around the Tokyo Tower area, I made a special stop at nearby Zojoji Temple, which offers an excellent view. Although it was raining on the day of my visit, this ancient temple unexpectedly had a unique charm in the rain.

Looking up from the stone steps of Zojoji, the stately, historic temple hall lines up perfectly with the thoroughly modern Tokyo Tower behind it. The sight of old and new blending together is truly distinctive. The gentle rain added a sense of tranquility and poetry unique to rainy days, giving the temple an even more serene charm than on a sunny day. Standing quietly under an umbrella and taking in this classic view, my shoes got a little wet, but the unique Japanese atmosphere left a deep impression on me. I highly recommend coming here, rain or shine, to experience this captivating landmark and its beautiful contrasts.

On this trip to Tokyo, anyone who loves fruit mille crepe cake definitely shouldn’t miss the location inside LUMINE Ikebukuro. I made a special trip here to get a slice of their signature fruit mille crepe cake to go and slowly enjoy it back at the hotel.

With the first bite, it had that same familiar yet impressive delicate flavor. The thin crepe layers were filled with smooth whipped cream that wasn’t too rich, along with a variety of fresh fruits such as strawberries, bananas, and kiwi, making it layered yet refreshing. Every time I eat it, I feel incredibly happy. It perfectly satisfied my dessert craving. Besides being conveniently located and great for shopping, LUMINE Ikebukuro also makes it easy to get delicious HARBS to go and enjoy later, completely satisfying my sweet tooth.

Right next to the lively Inokashira Park, Inokashira Park Zoo is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place that animal lovers shouldn’t miss when visiting Kichijoji.

As soon as you enter, it feels like a cozy zoo hidden in the forest, surrounded by towering trees and fresh forest air. Not only can you see many cute and comforting little animals up close, but the whole setting is also quiet and pleasant. It’s a great place to bring children and let them have some relaxed outdoor fun. The kids can excitedly watch the animals while the adults stroll around and breathe in the fresh air. After visiting the zoo, you can also stop by neighboring Inokashira Park for a walk and picnic. It really makes for a perfectly comfortable and relaxing full-day outing.

Kichijoji has long been voted by Japanese people as one of the most desirable places to live. Besides the famous Ghibli Museum, the enormous Inokashira Park is definitely one of the main reasons people want to live here. As soon as you enter the park, you’ll be amazed by the vast, lush surroundings, and there’s even a beautiful lake where you can enjoy a leisurely boat ride.

That day, we followed the local custom and rented a cute swan boat to pedal across the water. Seeing this green park from a different angle felt both romantic and relaxing. It’s not only a great place for adults to take a walk and unwind, but also a paradise for children, with plenty of wide-open lawns where they can run around, jump, and burn off energy. When you get tired of walking, you can simply find a bench under the shade of a tree and enjoy a comfortable picnic. One side of the park also leads directly to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, and the surrounding area has a relaxed and charming atmosphere. No wonder it’s such a dreamy park that makes people long to be here and never want to leave once they step inside.

Located in the Tokyo suburbs, the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is truly a dream destination that every Hayao Miyazaki fan should visit at least once in their lifetime. Before Ghibli Park opened in Nagoya, this was always at the very top of every anime fan’s list when traveling to Tokyo. I’ve even visited twice already, but every time I step inside, I’m still deeply captivated by the master’s meticulous creativity and wildly imaginative world.

From the adorable Totoro ticket booth welcoming visitors at the entrance to the huge, slightly mysterious gardener robot on the rooftop, and then inside, where you can get a close look at a wealth of precious original drawings and the animation production process. Every corner and every little detail is filled with childlike wonder and warmth. If you have the chance, be sure to give yourself an entire day to slowly and quietly enter this magical world created by the masters of Ghibli. It really is a dreamlike place that never gets old no matter how many times you visit, and one you should experience in person if you ever have the chance.

On this trip to Sendai, I made a special visit to Togatta Onsen, a gem of a town in the Zao area. I recommend first taking a walk and some photos at the picturesque and enchanting Choro Lake, enjoying the peace and quiet of nature, and then heading into town to find the very famous Zao Yukemuri Pudding shop.

Tucked away in the streets of this hot spring town, the pudding shop has a lot of character. Even its logo features a distinctive deer that leaves an immediate impression. After buying some delicious, creamy pudding, the best way to enjoy it is to stroll over to the nearby public footbath. Soaking your feet in the warm hot spring to relieve tired legs while savoring the sweet, silky pudding is truly one of life's great pleasures. With beautiful scenery, delicious food, and hot springs, Togatta Onsen is such a relaxing place that you won't want to leave. If you love hot spring towns, don't miss it.

This time, I specifically planned to ride the distinctive Akamatsu sightseeing train. The most anticipated and iconic highlight of the entire route was definitely the moment when the train slowly crossed the Yura River Bridge.

When the train reaches this point, the tracks seem to extend directly toward where the deep blue sea meets the sky. From a distance, the train looks like it’s floating on the water. The view is so beautiful that it resembles the sea train scene from Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away—super dreamy and breathtaking. Here’s a useful tip: be sure to stand at the very front of the first car. Through the large windows, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the spectacular scenery as the train crosses the bridge. It will definitely leave you in awe and is a dreamlike experience that train enthusiasts and photography lovers shouldn’t miss.

The first time I tried Ogura Sanso rice crackers in Taiwan, given to me by a friend, I was completely won over by the elegant, refined packaging and the delicate, crispy texture. Every variety has a rich, natural rice aroma that makes you fall in love at first bite.

Since I was traveling in Kyoto this time, of course I took the opportunity to buy some in person. I found that they have counters in many large department stores, and the dazzling selection of gift boxes and flavors was almost overwhelming. Best of all, you can also buy limited-edition packaging released for special holidays, making it perfect either as a gift or for yourself. It’s definitely a classic must-buy souvenir when visiting Japan. If you like rice crackers, don’t miss it.