Linda Liao's Reviews Page 12/90

What I was looking forward to most at the Kagoshima City Aquarium was seeing the whale shark in the Kuroshio Great Water Tank! Watching it glide through the deep blue water, its enormous body slowly passing before my eyes, it looked so graceful and unhurried. The sight of it swimming with the other schools of fish was especially spectacular. Before I knew it, I had been standing in front of the tank for a long time, reluctant to leave.

If you like financiers, you definitely have to try this place~ As soon as I opened the package, the rich aromas of cultured butter and freshly ground almonds immediately filled the air! The outside was slightly crisp, while the inside was moist. They’re very finely made and also make a generous gift.

When I visited Jozankei, I happened to catch the local carp streamer display, which was an unexpected surprise! Long rows of carp streamers were hanging above the gorge, constantly fluttering in the wind. The colorful streamers stood out beautifully against the blue sky and mountain scenery, creating a spectacular sight. When the breeze blew, the carp streamers looked as if they were actually swimming through the air, making me stop and admire them. It was a rare chance to see this seasonal scenery, so I quickly took out my camera to capture the beautiful view before I missed it.

I rode my bike to the Kurushima Strait, and the ocean views along the way were beautiful. Cycling in the sea breeze felt especially refreshing, and I finally understood why this is called a dream route for cyclists. Along the way, you can enjoy the deep blue sea, impressive bridges, and distant islands. The scenery kept making me stop again and again to take photos. Besides cycling, you can also take a tidal current sightseeing boat for an ocean adventure. The seawater moves rapidly with the tides, creating whirlpool-like patterns all around, which is very interesting.

The karst terrain here is a rare and surprising natural landscape in Japan. As soon as you arrive, the view opens up, with blue skies, greenery, and a vast expanse of gray rocks scattered across the landscape. You naturally slow down, and your mind feels more open too.

Limestone rocks of all different shapes are scattered across the ground. After a long period of weathering and erosion, they have formed the unique landscape seen today. From a distance, the clusters of rocks look like a flock of sheep leisurely grazing on the grassland. The longer you look, the more interesting it gets! You can't help but marvel at nature's craftsmanship. If you like nature, it's well worth planning a trip here~

Meijo Park is a rare patch of greenery in central Nagoya. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s especially pleasant and relaxing to stroll through. The park has shady trees and spacious lawns, with different scenery in every season. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, swaying gently in the breeze; summer is lush and green, while fall brings warm colors. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk along the paths, taking in the reflections on the pond and Nagoya Castle’s keep in the distance. It’s a great place for a walk, a picnic, or simply slowing down and enjoying Nagoya’s more relaxed side.

While visiting Dogo Onsen, I unexpectedly found this brand-new footbath café opened by the historic Yamatoya ryokan. Regular visitors can enjoy it without staying at the ryokan!

What’s unusual is that they don’t sell admission tickets. Each person just needs to order at least one drink to use the footbath, and a complimentary footbath towel is also provided. Sipping a drink while soaking my feet in the warm water, I gradually felt completely relaxed. Greenery has been deliberately planted along the side facing the road, so sitting there feels like being in a forest, surrounded by lush greenery.

I stopped by Shibuya Hikarie, a shopping center that combines shopping, food, and lifestyle offerings. This time, I browsed all the way up to the 5th floor and picked out several elegant and practical handkerchiefs in the household goods section as souvenirs for friends and family. After shopping, I went up to the 11th floor, where there is a free observation area offering views of Shibuya’s bustling streets and crowds from above. You can enjoy the city views while shopping, getting the best of both.

After climbing Kotohiragu Shrine, I returned to the shopping street and was immediately drawn to the ice cream shop. I ordered the original soft serve, and the best part was that the shop provided “oiri,” a traditional celebratory sweet unique to Kagawa, so you could decorate it yourself. The colorful, cute toppings made the ice cream look great in photos, and they were crispy, light, and melted in my mouth. Every bite was so satisfying!

When I traveled on a tight budget as a student, I would always stay at a guesthouse near Ikebukuro's west exit. Every day when I went out, I often passed through the lively Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park, and I still miss those familiar street scenes. Before heading back to the guesthouse, I would also make a point of stopping by a nearby standing noodle shop for a steaming bowl of soba. It was inexpensive, tasted pretty good, and offered great value for the money.