王小鈞's Reviews Page 15/29

Maruya Honten Meieki 3-chome

Maruya Honten Meieki 3-chome is a hitsumabushi specialty restaurant located a five-minute walk from Nagoya Station. It is known for its hitsumabushi made with eel grilled over Bincho charcoal until fragrant, paired with 100% Japanese-grown rice. A sweet tare based on traditionally made tamari soy sauce brings out the eel’s natural umami, earning strong support from locals and tourists alike.

• Nagoya
• Japanese Cuisine

How could you come to Nagoya and miss hitsumabushi?

This time I visited Maruya Honten, about a 5-minute walk from Nagoya Station, and the aroma of charcoal-grilled eel hit me as soon as I walked in.

Their signature hitsumabushi was seriously amazing. For the first serving, you enjoy the simple, original flavor of the eel and rice. The eel skin was lightly charred and fragrant, while the meat was tender and delicate. I didn’t notice any bones at all, and the texture was super pleasant.

For the second serving, you add seasonings for a more layered flavor. Finally, you pour in the broth to make it like ochazuke. It was warm, smooth, and comforting, with a different surprise in every bite.

What impressed me most was how carefully the eel was prepared. There was none of that bony feeling I had imagined, so even people who are usually nervous about fish bones can dig in with confidence. Paired with the sweet-savory sauce and chewy rice, it was impossible to stop eating!

If you’re making a must-eat list for Nagoya, hitsumabushi absolutely needs to be on it. This meal was totally worth it!

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

This is a huge aquarium with dolphins, beluga whales, orcas, and other sea creatures in the North wing, and various tanks with live coral and other sea creatures in the South wing.

• Nagoya
• Zoos & Aquariums

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium is definitely worth setting aside half a day to explore at a relaxed pace!
As soon as I walked in, I was hooked by the dolphins, beluga whales, and orcas. The highlight was the show at one of Japan’s largest main pools—the dolphins leaping high and the public orca training were so impressive that I couldn’t stop taking photos. After the North Wing, I headed to the South Wing, where watching all kinds of marine life swim around was so soothing. If I could pick only one family-friendly spot in Nagoya, I’d definitely choose this place!

Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho Store

Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho Store is the discount shop drawing shoppers from near and wide for its whopping selection and unbeatable prices. Sat at the entrance of Kabukicho, Japan’s largest entertainment district, the store is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year so you can easily pop in for shopping whether on your way during the day or night.

• Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
• Commercial Buildings

How can you come to Japan and not stop by Don Quijote? Every time I say, “I’ll just buy a few things,” I end up walking out with several bags in my hands.

You can find everything here: snacks, drugstore items, cosmetics, electronics, and souvenirs. The prices are often cheaper than expected, and there are lots of limited-edition items to hunt for.

Whether you’re stocking up or just buying random stuff, it’s way too easy to go overboard here. I recommend making a list first. Also, download the app so you can use coupons! Otherwise, your wallet might cry!

Yokohama Cosmo World

This multi-level urban amusement park has a bit of everything, from thrilling rides like a giant Ferris wheel and roller coasters to games, haunted houses, virtual reality attractions using VR and 3D technologies, and children’s rides like merry-go-rounds and character cars.

• Yokohama
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

The giant Ferris wheel is what drew me to Yokohama Cosmo World the most. The ocean views during the day and the night views after dark are both gorgeous! Best of all, there’s no admission fee. You just buy tickets for the rides you want, so it won’t wreck your budget.

They have everything from thrilling roller coasters and VR attractions to cute merry-go-rounds. It’s great for dates, family trips, or hanging out with friends. When the Ferris wheel lights up at night, it feels so romantic. If you’re visiting Yokohama, definitely add this stop to your itinerary!

bills Osaka

Opened in 2017 at LUCUA 1100, a commercial facility directly connected to JR Osaka Station, bills Osaka is the eighth all-day dining "bills" restaurant in Japan by Bill Granger, a restaurateur from Sydney.

• Umeda, Osaka Station, Nakanoshima Area (Kita)
• Western Restaurants

I just had to try the super popular bills! I came specifically for their signature pancakes this time. They’re made to order, so you do have to wait a bit, but the first bite made it totally worth it 🥞.

They were fluffy and soft, with a light eggy aroma, and not too sweet. The butter and syrup were just right. The relaxed dining atmosphere plus a hot plate of pancakes made for one of the most comforting moments of the trip. I’d definitely come back next time.

Kocho Dim Sum Shop Main Store

Home to past champions of the World Chinese Cuisine Competition, Kocho is a renowned restaurant group that brings its award-winning flavors to the heart of Yokohama Chinatown. At its flagship dim sum shop, visitors can casually enjoy a wide variety of freshly made delicacies.

• Yokohama
• Chinese Food

I only meant to take a look, but the aroma pulled me right in.

I didn’t have huge expectations at first, but once I tried it, I was genuinely impressed! The dim sum at Kocho Dim Sum Shop had chewy wrappers and generous fillings. Every bite was really well done, easily on par with famous places people line up for.

Having a world competition champion chef here is clearly no joke. Next time I’m in Yokohama Chinatown, I’d definitely come back!

Marion Crepes - Harajuku Takeshita Street Store

Established in 1976, this leading crepe chain is the pioneer brand in Japan that first tried wrapping crepes in paper as an on-the-go snack. The sweets brand has always stayed ahead of the curve, exploding with sheer popularity since launching in Harajuku, the hub for youth fashion and culture. Today, there are around 80 stores nationwide.

• Aoyama, Omotesando, Harajuku
• Sweets Shop & Desserts Shop

How can you go shopping in Harajuku without getting a crepe?

This long-standing shop has grown alongside Harajuku and turned the idea of eating a handheld crepe while walking around into a classic everyday treat. It’s also a must-try for many people visiting Takeshita Street.

I thought it might be really sweet, but it was surprisingly light. The cream wasn’t heavy, and the crepe itself was chewy and fragrant. Every bite went down so easily that I finished it in no time. Shopping with a crepe in hand really is the happiest Harajuku classic!

Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park

Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park is located on Mt. Ikoma at an elevation of 642 meters. 27 unique attractions are spread out in this vast site, including the “Cycle Monorail” for an aerial cycling experience with a panda or other animal car, the spinning “Kurukuru Rollercoaster,” the rapid water slide “Gold Rush” taken on a wooden boat. There are also five game areas for more fun.

• Nara
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

I thought it would just be a tiny amusement park, but I ended up loving it way more than expected! Since it was a weekday, there were hardly any visitors, so it felt super relaxed and never crowded.

I definitely recommend taking the cable car. The higher you go, the more the view opens up, and every photo looks scenic. The air up on the mountain was refreshing, and the nostalgic flying tower added to the charm. The whole place had such a laid-back vibe.

If you don’t like the crowds at popular tourist spots, this place is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

Gero Hot Springs (Gero Onsen)

The historic hot spring “Gero Onsen” is said to have been discovered in the Engi era (901-923) and the Tenryaku era (947-957). During the Edo period, a Confucian scholar who served the Tokugawa family, Hayashi Razan, noted the hot spring as one of "the three famous springs in Japan," alongside Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture and Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture.

• Gifu
• Hot Springs & Hot Spring Resorts

Even Oda Nobunaga loved coming to soak in this hot spring, so of course I had to try it too!
Gero Onsen isn’t just rich in history—the water feels so soothing that after soaking, all I wanted to do was zone out. Strolling through the onsen town, grabbing a few snacks, then relaxing in a warm bath... this is exactly the kind of happy travel rhythm I love. No wonder it’s firmly ranked as one of Japan’s three famous hot springs. It’s definitely worth experiencing at least once!

Mt. Inasayama Observatory

At 333m above sea level, this observatory stands at the top of Mt. Inasayama at the center of Nagasaki City. The observatory with a cafe and restaurant offers a view over Nagasaki Bay, Unzen, Amakusa and Goto Islands.

• Nagasaki
• Observatories

If you come to Nagasaki, you definitely shouldn’t miss Mt. Inasayama Observatory! Take the ropeway up to the 333-meter summit, and you’ll be greeted with a stunning 360-degree view.
During the day, you can see Nagasaki Bay, Unzen, Amakusa, and the Goto Islands in the distance. At night, it becomes truly breathtaking, with countless lights spread across the mountains and sea like jewels scattered over the earth.
No wonder Nagasaki’s night view was once chosen as one of the “New Three Great Night Views of the World.” Sitting at the observatory with a gentle breeze, watching the whole city slowly light up, I honestly couldn’t help thinking, “This trip was absolutely worth it!”