王小鈞's Reviews Page 10/25

Naha City First Makishi Public Market

It is the kitchen of the Uchinanchu (Okinawan people), with colorful fish, island vegetables that convey the energy of the land, pork of various parts, and other foods unique to Okinawa.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Shopping Streets

If you come to Okinawa, you have to check out Makishi Public Market! You’ll see colorful fresh fish, local vegetables, all kinds of pork ingredients, and so much more. Just walking through the market feels like getting to know Okinawa’s food culture.
I recommend coming in the morning to browse at a relaxed pace, while the afternoon lets you experience the lively market atmosphere. Don’t be shy—chat with the shop owners. You might even get a little freebie at checkout, adding a fun surprise to your trip!

Manzamo

Manzamo remains one of Okinawa’s most coveted, scenic destinations at its spot along the coast of the East China Sea in Onna Village, a town near the heart of Okinawa Island. The name "Manzamo" comes from the Ryukyu word for "field”, and it is said that in 1726, King Sho Kei of the Ryukyu Kingdom praised the area, saying it was "large enough to seat ten thousand people”.

• Onna
• Nature Spots

Manzamo is definitely a must-visit spot in Okinawa! Standing in front of the elephant trunk-shaped rock and watching the waves crash against the cliffs, the endless blue of the sea and sky makes you want to stop and linger for a while.
The scenery changes depending on the time of day. On sunny days, the ocean is as blue as a gemstone, and in the evening it takes on a romantic feel. Every quick photo looks like a postcard. It’s so beautiful you won’t want to leave.

Naha Airport

Naha Airport sits on Okinawa’s main island, serving as Japan’s southern gateway to the world. Flights here service a regular roster of domestic flights to major cities including Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka (Kansai), Nagoya (Chubu), and Fukuoka, while international routes link Okinawa directly with several Asian destinations. In addition to frequent flight options to Okinawa’s outlying islands, including Ishigaki, Miyako, and Kume, the airport sees over 20 million passengers each year.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Airplanes & Airport

The first stop on an Okinawa trip is Naha Airport! As soon as you get off the plane, you can feel that tropical island vibe. Transportation is convenient, and the monorail gets you to Kokusai Street quickly.
The airport has a great selection of souvenirs and food, plus an observation deck where you can watch planes take off and land. I recommend setting aside a little time to look around. The vacation mood starts right here.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Tanuki Koji Shopping Street, with over 145 years of history is one of Hokkaido’s oldest shopping streets. It’s located in the center of Sapporo, stretching 900 meters from east to west with some 200 different shops. It has an arcade-style covered roofing, meaning you can enjoy shopping, dining, or an easy stroll no matter what the weather.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Shopping Streets

Tanukikoji is definitely a must-visit in Sapporo! It has a great vibe from daytime all the way into the evening. You can find drugstores, souvenirs, and food all in one place, and the whole street is covered, so you don’t have to worry about rain or snow.

When you get tired from walking around, just pop into a restaurant for some Genghis Khan grilled lamb or a glass of SAPPORO beer. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Hokkaido’s relaxed pace. Just be warned—you might end up shopping nonstop!

Hozenji Yokocho

“Hozenji Yokocho” is two stone-paved alleys in the grounds of Tenryuzan Hozenji Temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, and has been one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions since the Meiji period (1868-1912).

• Osaka
• Shopping Streets

Hozenji Yokocho is tucked away next to lively Dotonbori. Step into the stone-paved alley, and it feels like you’ve instantly traveled back to old Osaka.

Both sides are lined with unique, long-established shops. You can also visit the moss-covered Mizukake Fudo to pay your respects and enjoy the quiet, nostalgic atmosphere.

It has a different charm during the day and at night, and it’s definitely worth slowing down to explore.

Dotonbori Giant Ferris Wheel Ebisu Tower

A giant Ferris wheel attached to the large discount store “Don Quijote” Dotonbori store along the Dotonbori River, one of the liveliest spots in Osaka’s Minami area, where buildings with flashy signs line both banks. Facing the river, this striking Ferris wheel is the world’s first oval shape, unlike typical circular wheels. Its four-person gondolas also feature a unique mechanism that rotates horizontally mid-ride-the first of its kind in the world.

• Osaka
• Observatories

Besides shopping and eating your way through Dotonbori, don’t forget to look up at this super unique oval Ferris wheel!
Hop on Don Quijote’s Ebisu Tower, and in 15 minutes you can take in the streets around Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi from above. It’s especially gorgeous at night when all the neon lights are on.
After the ride, you can head straight into Don Quijote to restock and pick up souvenirs. Night views and shopping all in one stop—definitely a must-add to any Osaka itinerary!

Ichiran Dazaifu Sando

Located on the path to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Ichiran Dazaifu Sando is famous for its "Ramen Focus Booth," where you can enjoy your tonkotsu ramen without distractions. This popular tonkotsu ramen chain has expanded both domestically and internationally, and the Dazaifu Sando branch is known for its unique "Success Ramen," which prays for the success of students.

• Fukuoka
• Ramen

This Ichiran in Dazaifu is really unique. I specifically ordered the limited-edition Success Ramen, and the pentagon-shaped bowl and extra-long noodles were such thoughtful touches. Hopefully it brings some good luck too. Definitely worth trying if you come here!

Ganso Nagahamaya

Nagahama Ramen was born in Nagahama, facing Hakata Fishing Port. Its distinctive ultra-thin noodles, which were designed to be quickly served to those working in the fish market, have a short boiling time. The original Nagahama Ramen, affectionately known locally as "Gannaga," began as a food stall in 1952 (Showa 27) - the Ganso Nagahamaya.

• Fukuoka
• Ramen

No fancy toppings, no flashy presentation. Just a bowl of ramen and a commitment that has carried on since 1952.

The ultra-thin noodles with the light tonkotsu broth are simple, but they get more satisfying with every bite. It makes sense that this place became the representative spot for Nagahama ramen.

Trying the kaedama noodle refill culture for the first time was fun too. Add another serving of noodles at the end, and the whole bowl feels reborn.

If you like bolder flavors, don’t forget to add some red pickled ginger and white sesame. Each bite brings out a different flavor. Definitely worth a ramen pilgrimage when visiting Fukuoka!

Hakata Daruma Main Store

Established in 1963, "Hakata Daruma Main Store" is a renowned Hakata ramen restaurant where the second-generation owner has inherited the traditional taste created by his father.

• Fukuoka
• Ramen

This bowl really left an impression! The tonkotsu broth was rich, aromatic, and full-bodied without being overly salty. Paired with the extra-thin straight noodles, every bite soaked up the soup, while the noodles still had a nice springy chew. I went with the shop’s recommended “firm” noodles, and they were just right!
The chashu and wontons were also excellent, and I still wanted to order extra noodles after finishing. If you like bold, flavorful tonkotsu ramen, this place is absolutely worth the wait. No wonder it’s a must-try spot for so many locals and ramen lovers.

Hakata Ikkousha Main Store

Of all the different Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen stores, “Hakata Ikkousha” is perhaps the most popular. Operating 5 different diverse brands, Ikkousha’s main store front is located in front of JR Hakata Station.

• Fukuoka
• Ramen

The tonkotsu broth was rich but not overly salty, and it went down really smoothly. The thin noodles soaked up the soup, so every bite was packed with deep tonkotsu flavor. The chashu was tender too, so it’s easy to see why this is known as the original “foamy-style” ramen.
If you’re visiting Hakata, you really shouldn’t miss this bowl. If you love tonkotsu ramen, I definitely recommend adding it to your plans and seeing whether you’ll end up like me—wanting to come back after just one visit!