Linda Liao's Reviews Page 11/90

KOKO HOTEL Osaka Namba

Located in the Nipponbashi district, known as the heart of Osaka's subculture scene, you'll find shops selling anime merchandise, figurines, model kits, and IT gadgets. While the area offers easy access to Namba and Shinsaibashi, the hotel's interior has become a talking point, thanks to its refined design, which underwent a complete overhaul during its rebranding in 2021.

Shinsaibashi, Namba, Nipponbashi (Minami)
Hotels

10 Oct 2026 See More

This was my first time staying at a KOKO hotel. The room was a pretty good size, all the necessary amenities were provided, and everything was clean. I think it's actually quite good for a business hotel. Prices vary quite a bit between weekdays and weekends or holidays, so staying from Sunday through Thursday is a better deal!

Tokiwado Kaminari-okoshi Honpo

Tokiwado Kaminari-okoshi Honpo Kaminarimon Main Store sits tall on two centuries of renown as an “okoshi” confectionery shop from its spot just steps from Asakusa's iconic Kaminarimon Gate. Okoshi is a traditional Japanese sweet made by binding roasted rice, millet, or other grains with a sweet syrup (such as sugar or malt syrup). It is well-loved for its crispy texture, pleasant aroma, and subtle sweetness. Kaminari-okoshi, the shop’s signature product, combines puffed rice with ingredients like peanuts.

Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
Sweets Shop & Desserts Shop

10 Oct 2026 See More

When strolling around Kaminarimon and Sensoji Temple, you'll often see rice crackers made by Tokiwado Kaminari-okoshi Honpo, the most iconic of which is okoshi. This traditional snack is made with rice grains, sugar, and other ingredients. It's crispy, sweet without being too rich, and has long been a popular everyday treat in Asakusa. The individually wrapped pieces are perfect for taking home to share with friends, family, or coworkers〜

Hotel Associa Shizuoka

This city hotel boasts an excellent location about a 1-minute walk from the North Exit of JR Shizuoka Station. It is convenient not only for business travelers but also as a base for sightseeing in Shizuoka City and exploring the surrounding area. The hotel offers 250 guest rooms in a wide range of configurations, from singles and twins to suites. Decorated in soothing tones, the rooms feature free Wi-Fi, humidifying air purifiers, and other amenities for a comfortable stay.

Shizuoka
Hotels

10 Oct 2026 See More

Hotel Associa Shizuoka is in a really convenient location, right next to JR Shizuoka Station. Just exit the station and it's on your right, so you barely have to drag your luggage anywhere. It saves a lot of time and effort for independent travelers, and it's convenient for taking the Shinkansen or visiting attractions around the city. The hotel is comfortable and clean overall, and the service is also very good. It's a highly recommended place to stay when visiting Shizuoka.

Fujikawa Bridge

Fujikawa Bridge is a 1,373-meter-long bridge between Shin-Fuji Station and Shizuoka Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Spanning the Fujikawa River, a first-class river that flows along the western side of Mt. Fuji into Suruga Bay, it is famous as a scenic spot with stunning views of Mt. Fuji.

Shizuoka
Nature Spots

10 Oct 2026 See More

While riding the Shinkansen from Shinagawa to Shizuoka, a railroad bridge spanning the river comes into view between Shin-Fuji Station and Shizuoka Station. As the train crosses the bridge, looking toward Mt. Fuji from the bridge creates a distinctive scene where the mountain and railway come together. I couldn't help but pick up my camera to capture the moment, and it made me look forward even more to the beautiful scenery and surprises ahead on my trip to Shizuoka.

Ginza Tamaya Tokyo Skytree "Goma Tamago"

These charming, egg-shaped sweets feature black sesame paste and smooth black sesame filling wrapped in fluffy castella cake, all coated in white chocolate. The shape and size resemble a real egg, and slicing one open reveals a visually appealing four-layered cross-section. With delightful flavors created by layering different textures, this treat is perfect as a thoughtful souvenir to delight friends and family.

Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
Snacks

10 Oct 2026 See More

This souvenir from Ginza Tamaya looks like a small egg, with a cute white exterior. When you cut it open, you can see the rich black sesame filling, paired with sweet, soft cake. The texture is delicate without being too rich. The first time I tried it, I thought the sesame aroma was very distinctive. It's just right with some hot tea and is a small treat with a real Tokyo feel.

Former Moji Customs House

Facing the Kanmon Strait, the red-brick Former Moji Customs House is one of the cultural properties that make up the Japan Heritage site “Nostalgic Kanmon Strait.” Located in the Mojiko Retro District, it is a landmark that beautifully reflects the atmosphere of the port.

Mojiko, Kokura
Museums

10 Oct 2026 See More

When I arrived at Mojiko and took a walk along the harbor, I was soon drawn to a historic red-brick building. Its exterior is simple and elegant, and the red-brick walls look especially striking in the sunlight. Standing in front of the building and taking in the surrounding scenery, you can sense Mojiko's former importance as an international trading port.

Hokuseiyama Lavender Garden

Hokuseiyama, a symbol of Nakafurano town that attracts popularity as a ski resort in winter, has a municipal lavender field on its hillside, where beautiful flowers can be enjoyed in summer.

Furano and Biei
Tourist Attractions

9 Oct 2026 See More

I visited Hokuseiyama Lavender Garden in late June. Unfortunately, it wasn't yet the season when the lavender was in full bloom, so there was no dreamy sea of purple flowers. Still, strolling through the garden, the fresh air and expansive countryside scenery felt very soothing. Looking at the flower fields, I couldn't help imagining what they would look like in full bloom. I'll just have to come back next time to take in the beautiful scenery.

Pacifico Yokohama

Opened in 1991, Pacifico Yokohama is one of the largest integrated MICE facilities in Japan, featuring a range of restaurants, coffee shops, and convenience stores within its premises.

Yokohama
Museums

8 Oct 2026 See More

Located on the Minato Mirai waterfront, Pacifico Yokohama is a top-class convention and exhibition center with a grand, sail-shaped design and a modern feel. Although it usually hosts large international conferences and concerts, its most appealing feature is its location right next to the spacious and pleasant Rinko Park, where you can stroll and enjoy views of the harbor. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to walk around properly this time, so I'll come back for another look when I get the chance.

Ganso Uwajima Taimeshi Gansui Main Store

Ganso Uwajima Taimeshi Gansui Main Store is located on Okaido in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. This taimeshi specialty restaurant has been in business for more than 100 years. It serves Uwajima Taimeshi, a local specialty from the Uwajima region in southern Ehime Prefecture.

Ehime
Japanese Cuisine

8 Oct 2026 See More

Ganso Uwajima Taimeshi is located across from the Matsuyama Ropeway boarding area, so it's worth considering a stop when planning a visit to Matsuyama Castle. Its signature dish is a classic fisherman's meal made by mixing fresh sea bream slices with a special sauce and raw egg yolk, then placing them over piping-hot white rice. If you don't like raw food, don't worry—the restaurant also offers cooked options such as tempura, which are just as tasty.

Hiroshima Minato Yume Fireworks Festival

Held on the fourth Saturday of July every year, this fireworks festival lights up Hiroshima’s summer night sky. Set against the backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea, Approx. 10,000 fireworks are launched under the theme of dreams. The show features a wide variety of fireworks, including marine starmines whose colorful lights reflect on the water, musical fireworks perfectly synchronized with melodies, and shaped fireworks such as hearts and smiles floating in the night sky.

Hiroshima Station, Hijiyama, Ujina
Summer festivals & Events

7 Oct 2026 See More

I was really looking forward to this fireworks show at Hiroshima Port. Luckily, the weather was clear that day, so I arrived early in the evening to secure a spot and waited for nightfall. As the first firework rose into the night sky and burst into a dazzling display of colors, the crowd erupted in cheers and exclamations of surprise. With the gentle sea breeze and wave after wave of brilliant fireworks, the whole summer night felt both romantic and lively. Everyone gazed up at the sparkling night sky together and took in the powerful atmosphere, adding many wonderful memories to that summer〜