Linda Liao's Reviews Page 15/75

Shiseido Parlour's classic chocolate crisps come in limited-edition packaging at the Tokyo Skytree gift shop. The finely crafted Tokyo Skytree-shaped tin makes a great souvenir and can be reused to store small items after you finish the chocolates. The crisps have crunchy rice crackers inside and are coated in rich chocolate that isn't overly sweet, giving them a crisp yet light texture. Besides the Tokyo Skytree limited-edition packaging, these chocolate crisps are also available at the Ginza flagship store and some Shiseido Parlour counters in department stores.

Nakanoshima is not only a waterfront attraction in central Osaka, but also an important setting in the city's early development. During the Edo period, it was already a thriving rice market and distribution hub, where merchants gathered and goods were traded frequently, establishing Osaka's status as “the nation's kitchen.” Walking around Nakanoshima today, classical architecture blends with the riverside scenery, and you can also sense the historical path Osaka took from a major commercial center of the past to a modern city.

If you want to experience life in Osaka during the Edo period, take a trip to the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living! With models, streetscapes, and interactive exhibits, it recreates the streets of Edo-period Osaka and makes you feel as if you’ve instantly traveled back more than 200 years. The most fun part is that you can also rent a yukata and wander through the old-fashioned streets in traditional clothing for a real “time travel” role-playing experience! The scenes inside also change with the time, shifting from day to night along with the atmosphere of the streets, which makes taking photos a lot of fun. Rather than simply visiting a museum, this feels more like a historical experience you can take part in yourself. It’s great for families with children or anyone who enjoys taking photos~

A classic nostalgic Japanese ice pop, with a refreshing blue appearance that feels just like summer. It has a light soda aroma when you take a bite, and it’s icy without being overly sweet, making it very refreshing. The ice pop has a crisp texture, and enjoying the soda flavor as you eat brings back the simple joy of having frozen treats as a child. Having one on a scorching summer day is cooling and comforting, and it’s perfect for anyone who likes nostalgic Japanese snacks.

While exploring the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter on a scorching summer day, I happened to notice the sign outside Miyake Shouten and couldn’t resist going in to enjoy the air conditioning and take a break. This long-established café is tucked inside an old machiya townhouse, and the moment you open the door and step inside, you can feel its strong nostalgic atmosphere.

The interior retains the layout of a traditional Japanese building and has an old-fashioned charm, along with a small garden. Sitting down and looking at the greenery outside the window feels especially relaxing. The café uses low tables with Japanese-style floor seating, which adds even more traditional old-house character when paired with tea and sweets. In addition to drinks, desserts, and meals, it also sells various household goods and curated items. If you’re tired from walking around, it’s worth stopping in to rest your feet, enjoy a snack, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the old house. It’s a very comfortable little place to rest during a walk around Kurashiki.

The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a charming little town with a relaxed, old-fashioned atmosphere. As you walk along the Kurashiki River, willow trees sway in the breeze on both banks, and small boats slowly pass along the water from time to time, creating a particularly picturesque scene. Turn into one of the nearby alleys and you’ll see rickshaws traveling through them, adding even more Edo-period charm. The well-preserved white-walled storehouses and traditional machiya townhouses lining the streets now house cafés, dessert shops, souvenir stores, and distinctive little shops in all kinds of styles. Around every corner, you may find another place that makes you want to stop.

Besides enjoying the streetscape, it’s also a great place to browse the shops at a leisurely pace or sit down and rest at a café. I recommend setting aside at least half a day so you can truly experience the charm of the Kurashiki Bikan

Historical Quarter. Also, anyone who likes washi tape shouldn’t miss it! The familiar MT washi tape originated in Kurashiki, and while walking around the Bikan Historical Quarter, you’ll often see shops displaying an astonishing amount of washi tape. From classic designs to limited-edition, collaborative, and special patterns, there are so many choices that it can be overwhelming. Some shops even offer free craft activities where you can create something with washi tape yourself, which is a lot of fun. Many special designs can only be found locally, so for washi tape fans, it feels like discovering treasure. As you browse, you really can’t help but exclaim, “I never knew washi tape could be this much fun!” It added an unexpected surprise to this trip to Kurashiki.

Ario Kurashiki is right next to JR Kurashiki Station and adjacent to Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki, making it very convenient to get to. The mall brings together all kinds of stores, including clothing, household goods, restaurants, and a supermarket, so you can shop and eat all in one place. The most eye-catching feature is the large clock tower in the central plaza. It chimes every hour, making it a distinctive feature of the mall and a convenient landmark for meeting up with friends.

For introverts who dread having sales associates hover over them, visiting Dress Table by ShinQs Beauty Palette on the first floor of SHIBUYA109 is definitely a relaxing and unique shopping experience. This semi-self-service beauty boutique was created by Tokyu Department Store's ShinQs, and its biggest highlight is how it breaks down the sense of distance found at traditional beauty counters.

The store cleverly combines upscale beauty-counter brands, popular Japanese drugstore brands, and trendy Korean cosmetics. Best of all, it offers an extensive space where you can freely try products. Here, you can take your time trying shades and textures yourself and see whether a product suits your skin tone and feels comfortable on your skin, without anyone watching closely or pressuring you to buy. I found a great item here this time and bought a renowned, high-quality blush from the Korean brand Dear Dahlia. The marble-patterned packaging is beautiful, and I was even more pleased with how it looked after trying it.

I made a special trip to Osaka Takashimaya to eat at one of my favorite restaurants, Toyotei. Their signature chilled beefsteak tomato was eye-catching as soon as it arrived at the table. They use a large, round, plump tomato that was cool and refreshing, with a sweetness that was especially impressive. The hamburger steak is another popular must-order, with plenty of juices and a wonderful aroma. Paired with the classic sides, it was very satisfying. Finally, don't forget to save some room for their signature pudding. It was smooth and rich, sweet without being overwhelming. Everything from the appetizer to dessert was very satisfying.

Okayama Airport is not just a gateway to Okayama; it is also full of local character from the “Land of Sunshine.” The airport is small and easy to navigate, yet it offers many Okayama specialties and souvenirs, such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and kibidango. The most interesting items are the Momotaro-themed products, ranging from snacks and sweets to keepsakes. It’s a great place to pick up any last-minute souvenirs at the end of your trip. Tigerair currently offers direct flights to Okayama, which is truly convenient.