王小鈞's Reviews Page 6/25

Sapporo Clock Tower

The Sapporo Agricultural College Demonstration Hall was once built to train leaders for the development of Hokkaido. The Sapporo Clock Tower, now a beloved landmark of Sapporo, was completed under the Chief Hokkaido Development Commissioner Kiyotaka Kuroda, who visited the city during its completion ceremony.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Tourist Attractions

How can you visit Sapporo and miss the Sapporo Clock Tower? It’s a little smaller than I expected, but seeing it in person was still charming. The wooden architecture and century-old history really capture the spirit of Hokkaido.

Take a look inside, browse the historical exhibits, and listen to the clock chime on the hour as you soak in the city’s story. You don’t need to spend long here, but it’s definitely worth stopping by for a few photos.

Atsuta Houraiken Main Store

Founded in 1873 in front of Atsuta Jingu Shrine, this restaurant is the birthplace of "Hitsumabushi", Nagoya's famous eel dish. Hitsumabushi, which is a registered trademark of Atsuta Horaiiken, is a dish of broiled eel chopped into small pieces and served on a bed of rice in a container called an "o-hitsu".

• Nagoya
• Japanese Cuisine

You can’t visit Nagoya without trying hitsumabushi!

Atsuta Houraiken Main Store truly lives up to its reputation, and it’s worth the wait. The eel is crispy on the outside and tender inside. Paired with the special sauce, it has the perfect sweet-savory balance and is packed with flavor.

First, enjoy the eel and rice as is. Next, add nori, green onions, and wasabi. Finally, pour dashi over it to make eel ochazuke. Each way offers a different flavor.

It’s easy to see why this place has stayed so popular for so many years. I’m still craving that amazing taste!

If you’re traveling to Nagoya, be sure to add this classic eel dish to your itinerary!

Ekikama Kishimen Chuo-dori

Ekikama Kishimen Chuo-dori is the perfect spot to casually savor kishimen, Nagoya's renowned flat noodle dish, conveniently located within the concourse of Nagoya Station. Situated close to the Shinkansen ticket gates, it's ideal for grabbing a quick bite right before departure.

• Nagoya
• Japanese Cuisine

Tucked inside Nagoya Station is a hidden gem known mostly to locals. No need to go out of your way—it’s perfect for a quick bowl before catching the Shinkansen.

Their specialty is Nagoya-style kishimen. The springy, chewy flat noodles are served with a rich dipping sauce made from bonito and mackerel broth blended with soy sauce. It’s savory and flavorful without feeling heavy, and every bite leaves you wanting more. The noodles are made by a century-old noodle maker, which explains their fantastic texture.

If you’re not sure what to eat first in Nagoya or need a quick meal before your train, definitely add this spot to your list!

Noritake Garden

This is the birthplace of Noritake, a western tableware brand highly acclaimed globally. The park is a lush green space to relax in, with stores, cafes, restaurants, and a museum.

• Nagoya
• Museums

Nagoya has more to offer than just shopping—there are relaxing places like this too.

Noritake Garden is the birthplace of the famous Japanese tableware brand Noritake. The century-old red-brick factory buildings give the grounds a charming vintage feel. There’s plenty of greenery, and it doesn’t feel rushed like the city center. When you need a break, you can stop by the café or browse the beautiful tableware.

I originally came just because it was along the way, but I ended up liking it more than expected. It’s a great place to slow down and enjoy a leisurely visit.

Yasui Konpiragu

Located in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, the shrine venerates Emperor Sutoku, Minamoto no Yorimasa, and the major deity from Kotohira Shrine in Sanuki. It has long been affectionately known as "Yasui no Konpira-san."

• Kyoto
• Shrines & Temples

The most unique part of this Kyoto trip was visiting Yasui Konpiragu!
This shrine is famous not for wealth or romance, but for “letting go” of unwanted ties (lol).
You write your wish on a piece of paper, crawl through the large stone, and then attach the paper to it. It’s said to help cut ties with toxic people, bad situations, and bad luck while welcoming new, positive connections. Seeing everyone—from adults to kids—seriously trying to squeeze through was pretty cute. Hopefully, I left all the bad stuff behind in Kyoto and brought the good luck home with me.

Jumbo Tsuribune Tsurikichi

Located just a 1-minute walk from Tsutenkaku Tower, this unique entertainment restaurant offers an exciting combination of fishing and dining. At the heart of the restaurant, you'll find three massive boat-shaped seating areas, surrounding an enormous 120-ton fishing pond. Here, you can reel in live fish such as sea bream and pufferfish, experiencing the thrill of fishing like a true fisherman. Once you've caught your fish, the chefs will prepare it in your preferred style-sashimi, tempura, sushi, or grilled-ensuring the freshest and most satisfying meal possible.

• Osaka
• Japanese Cuisine

This place is so much fun! We thought we were just coming for a meal, but we actually got to catch our own fish. Chatting with friends while waiting for a bite was more challenging than expected, and finally catching one was incredibly satisfying!

The restaurant will even cook whatever you catch, so it couldn’t be fresher. Everything tasted fantastic. It’s perfect for a get-together with friends or a family outing. More than just a meal, it’s a fun memory to take home. Highly recommended when visiting Osaka!

Hokkyokusei Shinsaibashi Honten

Founded in 1922, Hokkyokusei is a venerable Western-style restaurant known as the birthplace of omurice. The main restaurant was built in 1950 in the sukiya-zukuri style of traditional Japanese architecture, offering a unique moment with an iconic dish and picture-perfect view out over a Japanese garden.

• Osaka
• Western Restaurants

I originally thought, “Isn’t omurice just omurice?” But this completely changed my mind. Hokkyokusei truly lives up to its reputation as the birthplace of omurice. The egg is so tender it practically melts in your mouth, while the classic tomato fried rice inside is comforting and never too heavily seasoned. It keeps you coming back for another bite.

The charming, Showa-era building makes the experience even more special and really captures the feeling of traveling in Japan. If you’re shopping in Shinsaibashi, I highly recommend stopping by for a plate. You’re not just enjoying a classic—you’re savoring a piece of nostalgia.

Yokohama Anpanman Children's Museum

Interact with the world and characters of “Let’s Go! Anpanman” at this museum (3F). Here you can meet super-popular characters like Anpanman and Baikinman, and there’s even a stage-based performance where children can sing and dance with Anpanman!

• Yokohama
• Museums

It was our first time visiting the Yokohama Anpanman Children's Museum, and now I finally understand why so many parents highly recommend it!
From the moment you step inside, it feels like you’ve entered the world of Anpanman. Familiar characters are everywhere, and there are live performances where kids can sing and dance along. The atmosphere is super cheerful. The kids were busy exploring and playing pretend, while the adults were busy taking photos. Seeing the children smile so happily made it all worth it.
If you’re traveling to Yokohama with little ones, I really recommend setting aside half a day for this place!

Kami City Takashi Yanase Memorial Museum

A memorial museum in Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, the hometown of manga artist Takashi Yanase. Through rare original drawings, illustrations, poems, and picture books centered on his signature Anpanman series, visitors can explore the path of his creative work and the thoughts behind it.

• Kochi
• Museums

If you think this place is only about Anpanman, you’d be wrong.
As soon as you walk in, it feels like you’ve fallen right into your childhood memories. Familiar characters are everywhere, along with incredibly precious original manuscripts and illustrations. As I wandered around, I realized how much warmth Takashi Yanase put into his work.
If you’re visiting Kochi, it’s definitely worth stopping by, whether or not you’re with kids!

Calbee+ Tokyo Station

Calbee+ is an antenna shop operated by the popular snack maker Calbee. Located inside Tokyo Okashi Land at First Avenue Tokyo Station, it is a popular spot where visitors can enjoy snack foods and other treats that showcase the unique appeal of Calbee.

• Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
• Local Products Center & Souvenir Stores

I only meant to pick up a souvenir, but the smell of freshly fried potato fries pulled me right in. The fries at Calbee+ are seriously dangerous. Hot and crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and on a totally different level from what I usually eat!

After that, I quietly grabbed several bags of limited-edition snacks to take back to the hotel. I thought I’d save them and enjoy them slowly back in Taiwan, but they were almost gone before the trip was even over.