Linda Liao's Reviews Page 10/90

Hakone Kowakien YUNESSUN combines exciting water attractions with unique hot springs. Just put on a swimsuit and enjoy playing in the water and soaking in the baths. Best of all, regular visitors can purchase admission without staying at the hotel and still experience this hot springs theme park! Whether you're traveling with family, on a date, or taking a trip with friends, everyone can have a fun and enjoyable time〜

When visiting Hokkaido, the drugstore you'll see most often is SATUDORA. Located in the bustling Tanukikoji 5-chome shopping district, this bright, well-stocked store is a great place to shop. It has everything from popular cosmetics and a variety of health supplements to popular everyday items. You can browse at your leisure, pick out all kinds of things you like, and check everything off your shopping list in one go. It's definitely a shopping spot you shouldn't miss when visiting Hokkaido~

When visiting Osaka, Osaka Station City is also well worth exploring! Centered around Osaka Station, it brings together shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and transportation, making the entire station feel like a large urban shopping complex. It has commercial facilities such as LUCUA, offering everything from clothing, cosmetics, and general goods to food. I especially recommend taking a walk around the Sky Plaza, where you can enjoy views of the Umeda area from above.

This extremely popular Japanese nori furikake is the perfect match for white rice! Sprinkle it over a bowl of piping-hot rice, and the aroma of nori immediately fills the air. It's savory and keeps you coming back for more, making even a simple meal satisfying. It's especially good in the summer when you don't have much of an appetite, helping you eat a few more bites. For a different way to enjoy it, you can add hot dashi to make Japanese-style chazuke. It's light yet full of flavor, and the price is very affordable.

“Mio” is an extremely popular sparkling sake in Japan. Even the bottle itself looks refreshing and stylish! It has subtle grape- and apple-like aromas, with a sweet taste, mild acidity, and fine bubbles that make it refreshing, smooth, and not too heavy. At around 5% alcohol, it’s easier to drink than regular sake, so even people who don’t usually drink much can enjoy it easily. It tastes even better chilled, like a slightly boozy sparkling fruit drink. It’s great for yourself or as a gift!

Dassai “Junmai Daiginjo 45” is a sake that many older relatives specifically ask people to buy for them in Japan! It has subtle apple and melon aromas, with a smooth taste and a touch of natural sweetness, without being too harsh. It’s made with Yamada Nishiki, known as the king of Japanese sake rice, polished down to 45%, giving it a delicate aroma and texture. It’s also relatively affordable and consistently high in quality, so whether you drink it yourself or give it as a gift, it makes a great impression. No wonder it’s so popular!

On the way to Hiroshima by jet ferry, you pass through the scenic Ondo no Seto. Boats travel back and forth through the narrow strait, with views of the islands and mountains of the Seto Inland Sea along the way. Two bright red bridges span the water, creating a striking contrast with the blue seascape. As the boat moves forward, the scenery constantly changes, and seeing it from the water has a charm all its own.

The fluffy, delicate cake is filled with rich, smooth custard that melts in your mouth and is sweet without being overwhelming. A souvenir I always buy whenever I visit Kagoshima! Since it is made with fresh ingredients and not too many additives, it has a short shelf life, so I recommend stocking up the day before leaving Japan. During your trip, you can first buy a single one at a local store to satisfy your craving~

The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium truly is a breathtaking, dreamlike world! As soon as you step inside, the wide variety of exhibits gives you so much to take in. The most stunning part has to be the light show in the fish tank, paired with schools of small fish swimming together in graceful, flowing patterns. The interplay of light, shadow, and life is incredibly beautiful and awe-inspiring.

In addition to the visual feast, the aquarium’s star animals have also won countless fans. The spectacular performances by the intelligent belugas and dolphins are impossible to look away from, with their lively movements and interactions keeping you completely captivated. This aquarium is not only beautiful and fun; with its focus on the “Journey to the Antarctic” and “Evolution,” its thoughtfully designed ecological exhibits also convey an ocean vision with deep educational significance and conservation value.

Finally, there’s the gift shop filled with a dazzling array of merchandise. All the adorable, beautifully made marine animal items are impossible to resist—you simply can’t leave empty-handed! Highly recommended for anyone who loves aquariums.

A Japanese friend told me that Ehime's sea bream rice can be eaten two ways, with the fish either raw or cooked, so I made time to try authentic Uwajima sea bream rice. Once the meal arrived, I mixed fresh “Date Madai” sea bream sashimi with raw egg yolk and their secret special dashi broth, then put it over steaming white rice. It was quite unique, and I could really enjoy the sea bream's springy texture and the sweetness of the fish!