王小鈞's Reviews Page 14/29

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.

• Shinsaibashi, Namba, Nipponbashi (Minami)
• 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!

Hakata Ramen Shin-Shin Tenjin

This popular Hakata Ramen restaurant has six locations in Fukuoka Prefecture. The restaurant boasts a unique pork bone broth that is distinctly different from both Nagahama and Hakata ramen, based on the concept of "pure soup that everyone, young and old, men and women, will drink up.

• Fukuoka
• Ramen

The broth looks rich, but it tastes surprisingly light. No wonder they say it’s a tonkotsu soup that “even seniors and kids can finish.”

It’s simmered slowly with pork bones, chicken bones, and Kyushu vegetables, with none of that heavy gamey smell—just lots of clean, savory sweetness. Paired with the extra-thin noodles, every bite soaks up the broth and goes down so easily.

The biggest surprise was the chashu. It had a slight sweetness and practically melted in my mouth without much chewing. The simple toppings—chashu, wood ear mushrooms, and green onions—actually made the ramen itself stand out even more.

Fujiko·F·Fujio Museum

This museum is located in Kawasaki, the city where Fujiko·F·Fujio, the manga artist who created series such as “Doraemon” and “Perman,” lived for many years.

• Kawasaki
• Museums

The moment you step inside, it feels like walking into a manga world. You can enjoy precious original artwork, watch exclusive animated shorts, and every corner is filled with childhood memories.

The café was what really made me lose it. The cute character-themed dishes are both photogenic and tasty. Then, of course, you end up at the shop bringing home limited-edition merch, and your wallet just gives up.

If you grew up watching Doraemon too, this place will have you smiling the whole time. Your inner child comes right back!

Canal City Hakata

On the vast 43,500m² premises, a shopping mall, movie complex, theater, amusement park and two hotels cluster. Its symbol, a 180m-long canal, crosses along the center of the space lined with colorful buildings.

• Fukuoka
• Commercial Buildings

Canal City Hakata is seriously fun to explore. It’s the kind of place where you plan to stay for an hour, then somehow end up spending half the day there.
Shopping, food, cafés, and hotels are all in one place, so when you get tired, you can just sit down and take a break somewhere. What surprised me most was the fountain show on the first floor. With the music, the atmosphere was awesome. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s relaxing just to sit nearby and zone out while watching the fountains.
If you’re in Fukuoka and don’t know where to go, you really can’t go wrong here. Eat, shop, and take tons of photos all in one stop!

YAMAMOTOYA SOHONKE　Honke（Main store）

A long-established store of Nagoya's famous "Miso Nikomi Udon" made by simmering noodles in Mame Miso （soybean red miso） based broth. It is combined with white miso which is blended with "Kakukyu Hatcho Miso" from Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture.

• Nagoya
• Japanese Cuisine

Nagoya has so many must-try foods, but if I had to pick just one, I’d definitely vote for the miso nikomi udon at Yamamotoya Sohonke!

It arrives still bubbling hot in a clay pot, and the rich miso aroma hits you right away. The broth, made with Hatcho miso blended with white miso, is deeply savory without being overly salty. The more you sip, the better it gets. The udon was the biggest surprise: super chewy and springy, totally different from the usual udon. Every bite has real presence, and it’s seriously addictive.

Locals even use the clay pot lid as a small plate to cool the noodles while eating, which feels like such an authentic Japanese way to enjoy it! And this miso broth with white rice is a perfect match. I highly recommend adding a bowl of rice. You’ll leave completely satisfied.

Yabaton Yaba-cho Main store

It is a famous store of Nagoya's well known "Miso-katsu" founded in 1947. The Tonkatsu is covered with sauce made from naturally brewed bean miso from Aichi prefecture that has been aged for a year and a half.

• Nagoya
• Japanese Cuisine

When you come to Nagoya, you definitely can’t miss the super popular miso katsu spot, Yabaton Yaba-cho Main Store.

Their signature pork cutlet is topped with a special miso sauce that’s rich but not too heavy. It has the aroma of naturally brewed miso and pairs perfectly with the crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside cutlet.

I thought the miso sauce would be really salty, but it was actually sweet, smooth, and so easy to keep eating. With white rice, it’s almost dangerously good! If you want to try local Nagoya food, this place absolutely belongs on your must-visit list.