Linda Liao's Reviews Page 14/75

The Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Center is located near Kumamoto Castle and is a great place to learn about Kumamoto's traditional crafts. The museum displays a wide variety of crafts, including pottery, woodwork, bamboo crafts, and textiles, allowing visitors to get an up-close look at the craftsmanship and delicate techniques artisans have developed over many years. In addition to the static exhibits, you can see parts of the production process and finished pieces, ranging from everyday items to intricate works of art, each with its own distinctive character. Stopping by after visiting Kumamoto Castle is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of Kumamoto's local culture and craftsmanship.

Olive Hill in Tama New Town is an Italian family restaurant that offers great value for the money. The spacious and comfortable restaurant serves a wide variety of affordable Italian dishes. This time, I ordered a freshly baked pizza. The crust was crispy, the toppings were generous, and it tasted unexpectedly good, making for a satisfying and filling meal. Overall, the food is affordable and delicious, and the restaurant is suitable for gatherings with family or friends as well as dining alone. It's a good choice when you want to casually enjoy affordable Italian food!

If you're looking for a less crowded place to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto, I highly recommend taking a walk along the Yamashina Canal! This is the section of the Lake Biwa Canal that runs through Yamashina in Kyoto. Cherry trees line both sides of the canal, and when they bloom in spring, the pale pink cherry blossoms mingle with the golden-yellow rapeseed flowers. The layers of pink and yellow, together with the gently flowing canal and mountains in the distance, create a breathtaking view!

Yamashina is very close to Kyoto Station and can be reached in about 5 minutes by JR. It's easy to get to, yet has a relaxed atmosphere away from the city center. Compared with popular cherry blossom spots such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Philosopher's Path, there are relatively fewer tourists here. Slowly walking along the canal and admiring the spring scenery of cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers together is very soothing. I recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds and leisurely enjoy this lesser-known flower-viewing spot that Kyoto locals also love.

What caught my eye most in the store were the jars of colorful, adorable candies. Packaged in vintage-style, delicate candy jars, they make cute little souvenirs. I highly recommend stopping by if you like traditional Japanese sweets, vintage goods, or are looking for unique souvenirs.

FRANÇAIS mille-feuille cookies are a very popular souvenir. Crispy cookies are layered with different flavored fillings and coated in dark chocolate, giving them a crisp texture and a rich chocolate aroma. The different fillings balance well with the slightly bitter dark chocolate, and the sweetness is just right without being cloying. The elegant packaging is also easy to carry, making them suitable both as a gift and for yourself.

KARASAWA is a long-established and popular local shop in Onomichi that has been around for many years, and it’s an ice cream shop loved by many locals as well. The shop specializes in homemade ice cream and offers a wide variety of flavors. In addition to the classics, you can also try special seasonal flavors. The most distinctive option pairs ice cream with a crispy monaka wafer—simple, yet unique. Pick one up while strolling along the Onomichi waterfront and enjoy a cold dessert in the sea breeze—a little moment of happiness during your trip〜

Naturie Skin Conditioning Gel has a light, hydrating texture that spreads easily, making it suitable for daily skin care. The Job's tears extract and moisturizing formula replenish the skin with hydration, keeping it soft and comfortable. You can use it with toner: apply toner first to hydrate the skin, then apply the gel for extra moisture, leaving the skin feeling more hydrated and smooth. It feels light and not heavy, making it convenient for both morning and evening skin care.

The Nintendo Museum in Uji is very popular, and visits must be reserved online in advance. Popular time slots usually fill up quickly. The museum's design incorporates elements from Nintendo games throughout the years, with everything from early toys and game consoles to classic titles on display. The interactive exhibits are also a lot of fun. My favorite was the Pikmin-related interactive experience, where you can play and take photos with the cute characters using the museum's facilities. After browsing the merchandise area, I couldn't resist choosing three Pikmin to take home. At checkout, a staff member even took special care to choose a suitable bag for me. That thoughtful little detail was very touching, and the bag is so cute 💕 I can't bring myself to use it!

Jumbo Ferry is an important sea transportation service connecting Kobe, Takamatsu in Kagawa, and Shodoshima, allowing passengers to leisurely enjoy the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. The trip from Kobe to Takamatsu takes about 4 hours, with ocean views along the way. If you're planning a trip around the Setouchi Triennale, you can also use the Shodoshima route to connect to the various art islands. The ferry has dining and lounge areas, so you can get a good rest even during a long journey.

When visiting Kokusai Street in Okinawa, if you want to buy all your Okinawan specialties in one place, you can shop at Okashigoten International Street Matsuo Store〜 The store carries a variety of popular souvenirs, with its signature Purple Sweet Potato Tart being the most iconic. The rich purple sweet potato filling is paired with a crisp, fragrant tart crust, creating a sweet, layered flavor. There are also many Okinawa-exclusive products, including chinsuko and other purple sweet potato treats, with plenty to choose from.