王小鈞's Reviews Page 2/40

When visiting Ueno Park, of course you should also stop by Shinobazu Pond! I found it very pleasant here. The pond is expansive and surrounded by green trees, creating a striking contrast with the lively, busy streets of central Tokyo. Unfortunately, I didn’t visit during lotus blooming season, so I missed out on some of the romantic scenery I had been looking forward to.

The area around the pond was still lively, though, with rowboats, pedal boats, and swan boats available to rent. Watching everyone leisurely boating across the pond and enjoying the sunshine and breeze really felt like being on vacation.

Sometimes slowing down during a trip, without rushing through an itinerary, and simply taking in the scenery and experiencing how local people live is also a wonderful way to travel.

When I arrived in Ueno, I thought I shouldn't spend the whole time rushing from place to place by train. Since I don't get to visit Tokyo often, I decided to explore slowly on foot and see what different scenery I might find along the way.

As I walked, I unexpectedly came across Ueno Tosho-gu. Since I'd made it there, of course I had to stop and take a look!

The large torii gate at the entrance has an impressive presence. Surrounded by tall trees, the entire area has a peaceful and solemn atmosphere that's very different from Ueno's bustling streets.

Ueno Tosho-gu is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, and it's said that people can pray here for victory and good luck. It's also a historic shrine within Ueno Park. Unfortunately, I hadn't planned to go inside this time, so I could only walk around the outside, take some photos, and admire the traditional architecture.

Although it was just a place I happened to come across during my trip, it added an unexpected surprise to my walk around Ueno. That's the thing about traveling—sometimes when you don't plan everything, you end up finding places that leave a lasting impression!

If you’re visiting Kichijoji, of course you should also make time for a walk around Inokashira Park! As soon as I entered the park, I was drawn in by all the greenery. Tall trees surround the area, along with beautifully maintained plants, making the whole environment feel especially pleasant.

This park, which has a history of more than 100 years, was Japan’s first park gifted by the Imperial Family. After walking around it, I really loved the relaxed atmosphere. Along the way, I saw many locals walking, jogging, and exercising, while others sat leisurely in the shade to rest. It feels like this place is simply part of their everyday lives.

The park is quite large and very well maintained. It’s relaxing just to stroll around and take photos. There are also temples, shrines, and plenty of restaurants nearby that you can visit at the same time.

Compared with Tokyo’s busy, bustling streets, I prefer places like this that are full of greenery and let you slow down. You don’t need any special plans. Simply taking a walk here feels very soothing!

While exploring First Avenue Tokyo Station, I happened to come across this milk specialty store. I was just curious to see what was special about it, but after one sip, I was genuinely impressed!

The fresh milk is delivered directly from the farm. It has a rich, full-bodied flavor with a wonderful milky taste, and it's smooth without being too heavy. It's really delicious! I couldn't help taking sip after sip.

Besides milk, the store also sells all kinds of milk-based desserts and snacks. There were more choices than I expected, so anyone who loves dairy products will probably have a great time browsing.

This is also their first permanent store in the Kanto region. I never expected a little shop I happened to find while walking around to become such a pleasant surprise during my trip to Tokyo!

On this trip to Ginza, I specifically planned to visit the popular Hanayama Udon, which is known for its lines. I had heard about Gunma Prefecture’s famous “belt udon” before, and I finally got the chance to try it for myself!

As soon as we sat down and the udon was brought to the table, I was honestly surprised by how wide the noodles were. Their wide, flat shape was very distinctive and completely different from the udon I usually eat. Both of us chose udon in broth. I originally thought the wide noodles would be the main highlight, but the broth was also excellent. It was savory, flavorful, and easy to drink, so I couldn’t help taking a few extra sips.

Since it’s a popular restaurant with a line, you need to be patient, but after trying it, I could see why it’s so popular. When you visit Ginza, besides shopping, don’t forget to stop by for a bowl of this highly distinctive belt udon!

When visiting Akihabara, of course you can’t miss Marugo, this popular tonkatsu restaurant! There’s always a crowd lined up outside. We made a special trip to try it this time, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

The restaurant has two floors, and the two of us were seated at the counter on the first floor, where we could watch the chefs cook up close. I was worried that sitting in front of the fry station would leave us surrounded by the smell of oil, but there was none at all, which really surprised me.

Besides the delicious food, the service also made us feel very comfortable. The staff were extremely friendly and attentive. As soon as they noticed that our teacups were empty, they immediately refilled them without being asked. The whole dining experience felt warm and welcoming.

The star of the meal, the tonkatsu, was also very satisfying! The breading was golden and crispy, while the meat inside was extremely tender and not dry at all. It wasn’t greasy either, and it went perfectly with the piping-hot white rice.

It also came with shredded cabbage salad and a lime wedge. I especially liked squeezing the lime juice over the shredded cabbage. The tangy, refreshing flavor went well with the tonkatsu, cutting through the richness and whetting the appetite.

By the end of the meal, everything from the food to the service had left a very good impression. No wonder this restaurant always has a long line. If you like Japanese tonkatsu, it’s definitely worth adding to your Akihabara itinerary!

On this trip to Shinjuku, Tokyo, I specifically planned a meal of premium Wagyu yakiniku and chose Yakiniku Onuki in Shinjuku 2-chome. I already had high expectations for this restaurant, and after sitting down and trying the food, it really was a wonderful dining experience!

This time I ordered the black tongue set, and the thick-cut black tongue was what impressed me the most. Just looking at the thickness of the meat and its beautiful marbling was enticing. After grilling, it was very fragrant, with a slightly charred exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside. It had a substantial, pleasantly chewy texture and was truly delicious!

Another great thing about this place is that it offers tableside grilling service. The staff grill the meat for you, handling everything from flipping it to controlling the heat just right. Every piece of meat can be enjoyed at the ideal doneness. You don't have to do anything yourself and can simply sit back and enjoy the food.

The restaurant also thoughtfully provides a selection of different sauces and salts. Pairing them with each type of meat lets you better appreciate the natural sweetness and aroma of the Wagyu.

Overall, not only was the quality of the meat excellent, but the service was also very attentive. The entire meal was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. If you want to treat yourself to a nice meal in Tokyo, this place is definitely worth adding to your list!

On this food trip to Tokyo, I made a special visit to the main Ningyocho Imahan location to properly enjoy the long-established wagyu cuisine recommended by locals!

Before even entering the restaurant, I was drawn to the traditional red Japanese building. It has a strong old-town atmosphere that fits in well with the surrounding streets. Compared with typical modern restaurants, this place feels more nostalgic and elegant. Just standing at the entrance gives you the sense of occasion that comes with visiting a long-established restaurant in Japan.

There are set menus at different price points. The one I chose this time was around 18,000–25,000 JPY. Although it wasn't cheap, since I had made a special trip here, of course I wanted to fully enjoy the meal!

The Kuroge Wagyu was what I was looking forward to most. As soon as it was brought to the table, I could see the beautiful, even marbling, and the slices looked very tempting. The meat was truly very tender, with a rich beefy aroma, and I enjoyed savoring every bite. Although the main course only came with 2–3 slices of wagyu, which was less than I had imagined, the other ingredients and side dishes made the overall portion more generous than expected, and I felt quite full afterward.

Another thing that really added to the experience was that the set meal wasn't only impressive for its main course. Everything, from the appetizers and side dishes to the final dessert and hot tea, was of a high standard. The service and pacing of the courses also felt very comfortable. You can eat slowly and take your time without feeling rushed, which made the dining experience really enjoyable.

This time, I not only got to enjoy delicious Japanese wagyu but also experienced the attention to detail that a long-established restaurant puts into its cuisine. Although the price is on the high side, treating yourself to a meal like this once in a while during a trip is a worthwhile experience!

When visiting Tokyo, besides Disney, Yomiuriland is also well worth adding to your itinerary! It’s about a 30-minute trip from Shinjuku, and both adults and children can have a great time. The nighttime light show is especially beautiful—it really makes you not want to leave!

After exiting Keio-yomiuriland Station, there’s still some distance to go before reaching the amusement park. You can take a taxi, bus, or gondola up the hill. We originally planned to take the gondola, but it was suspended because of strong winds, so we had to walk uphill. It takes about 20–30 minutes, so remember to check the gondola’s operating status before heading out!

If you take the gondola, I recommend using an IC card since it’s more convenient. There are also big crowds when everyone leaves at night, so make sure whether the line is for buying tickets or boarding so you don’t get in the wrong one.

The park is filled with colorful lights everywhere, and every ride is decorated with sparkling lights in a wide variety of changing colors. Together with the nighttime view of the whole park, it really feels magical! There are great photo opportunities wherever you go, and you can even take beautiful pictures while waiting in line for rides.

When taking the gondola back down the hill, you can also enjoy a view of the entire amusement park lit up along the way. Be sure to take the opportunity to enjoy it—it’s really worth it!

A quick tip: Some rides have height restrictions for children, such as a minimum height of 90 cm. Remember to check the rules for each ride in advance so you don’t wait in line only to find out they can’t ride.

We didn’t enter the park until around 7 p.m. We bought our tickets online in advance, and scanning the QR Code at the entrance was very convenient. After entering, remember to keep the red wristband on. Since we had limited time, we had to quickly choose a few rides for the kids, and there were still so many we didn’t have time to try!

What left the deepest impression on us this time was Yomiuriland’s nighttime lighting and atmosphere. It was truly magical and romantic! It’s not only suitable for families with children, but also a great place for couples on a date.

If time allows, I really recommend planning to spend the whole day there, from daytime through the evening. That way, you can enjoy both the rides and the nighttime lights without feeling too rushed.

For this trip to Tokyo, we specifically set aside two days to visit Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea separately, so we could finally fully experience the magic of Disney!

In comparison, I think the attractions at Tokyo Disneyland are more suitable for young children. The entire park feels like stepping into a fairy-tale world, with each attraction telling its own story. It’s very immersive and really great for family trips.

We lined up at the entrance at 8:00 a.m. and entered the park at around 9:10. Even though it was a weekday, the lines for popular attractions were still very long. I recommend downloading the Tokyo Disney app in advance and researching the attractions you want to experience. If necessary, you can purchase DPA for faster access, which can really save you a lot of time!

My top recommendation from this visit is Beauty and the Beast! The castle and scenes are recreated with incredible accuracy, and together with the music and story, it feels like you’ve stepped right into the movie. The moment when the Beast turns back into the prince especially made me exclaim, “How can this be so magical?” Even if you’re not a devoted fan, it’s easy to be moved, and it’s definitely worth experiencing! I suggest watching the original animated movie before you go, as it will make the experience even more meaningful.

Another thing that left the strongest impression on me was the nighttime parade! Familiar cartoon characters appeared one after another, accompanied by gorgeous floats, synchronized dancing, and cheerful music. Before I knew it, I was swaying to the beat. The atmosphere was truly wonderful!

There was also the Reach for the Stars castle light show, which combines projections, lasers, fire effects, fireworks, and music to present exciting stories featuring Disney characters. The visual effects rival those of a blockbuster movie, so you really shouldn’t miss it! There was also an earthquake that day, and the fireworks show was paused midway through. It became a very unique memory from the trip.

Although the food in the park isn’t cheap, some of it is shaped so adorably that it almost feels too cute to eat! With family-friendly facilities and stroller parking areas, it’s also very convenient to visit with young children.

Tokyo Disneyland isn’t just an amusement park; it feels more like a beautiful fairy-tale dream. The most precious part of this trip was being able to accompany my daughter into the princess world of her dreams and create wonderful memories of our own.