Linda Liao's Reviews Page 15/90

Downtown Omihachiman isn’t very large. We strolled along the old streets, and before we knew it, we had arrived at Himure Hachimangu Shrine. When we visited during cherry blossom season, the shrine grounds were surrounded by soft pink blossoms. The cherry blossoms and old shrine buildings complemented each other beautifully, and every casual photo had a distinctly Japanese feel. I especially noticed that the shrine’s torii gate wasn’t the bright red I had imagined, but had an aged wooden color that gave it an even more rustic charm.

If you’re visiting the Chofu area of Tokyo, it’s worth planning Jindaiji Temple and Jindai Botanical Gardens for the same day! Jindaiji is an ancient temple in Tokyo with a strong sense of history. The grounds are lush with greenery, making it especially peaceful to stroll around. After visiting the temple, you can explore the nearby old streets and try the area’s famous Jindaiji soba. There are also quite a few shops selling wagashi and souvenirs along the street. It’s also an easy walk from Jindai Botanical Gardens, making it perfect for a half-day stroll where you can enjoy the relaxed temple-town atmosphere that is rarely found in central Tokyo.

FUNAYA is a historic, long-established ryokan in Dogo Onsen. It retains a strong Japanese atmosphere throughout, and the garden scenery is especially impressive. You can experience the distinctive qualities of Dogo Onsen’s spring water while bathing, and the meals also feature plenty of local Ehime flavors. It’s a place that makes you want to visit again.

I visited Jindai Botanical Gardens in Tokyo in early March, just as the plum blossoms were in full bloom. The weather was clear, and the gardens were livelier than I expected, with many people taking advantage of the nice weather to enjoy the flowers and spend time outdoors. As I slowly strolled through the gardens, the plum trees were blooming one after another, and a light fragrance drifted through the air. From time to time, I also came across people quietly sketching beneath the trees, which was very elegant.

Jindai Botanical Gardens is very large and also has a greenhouse. Stepping inside feels like entering another world. From tropical plants and unusual leaves to colorful flowers, you can find all kinds of plants here that aren’t easy to see in everyday life. Anyone who likes plants will definitely enjoy exploring it.

Dogo Prince Hotel is located in the Dogo Onsen area, a little farther back than the main bathhouse. The surrounding area is relatively quiet, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. The hotel is spacious and has quite a wide range of facilities, giving you a sense of the character of a traditional Japanese hot spring inn. It's a short walk to the Dogo Onsen Main Building or the shopping street.

A common energy drink in Japan that you often see at convenience stores and drugstores. It has a sweet, carbonated taste and is refreshing to drink. It isn't a very strong caffeinated drink, so it's worth considering when you want an energy boost while traveling. It's also commonly found at stations and roadside vending machines.

If regular Pocky feels too common, try Lotte Toppo chocolate-filled pretzel sticks! This is also one of the snacks our family regularly restocks. Unlike snacks with chocolate coating the outside of the biscuit stick, Toppo hides rich chocolate filling inside a crispy biscuit. When you bite into it, you first get the crisp texture of the biscuit, followed by the chocolate filling gradually spreading in your mouth, and it isn't overly sweet. Most importantly, it doesn't easily get all over your hands, making it convenient for watching shows, afternoon tea, or keeping at the office as a small snack.

Finally arrived in Okayama, known as the “Land of Sunshine”! Okayama is located along the Seto Inland Sea, with a mild climate and plenty of sunshine, and is also one of Japan’s well-known fruit-producing regions. As soon as you step out of Okayama Station, the first thing you see is the statue of Momotaro with the dog, monkey, and pheasant, which really reflects the local character. It turns out that the story of Momotaro is closely connected to Okayama. Before even starting to explore the city, you can already get a strong sense of Okayama’s local charm.

When shopping on Tanukikoji in Sapporo, Hokkaido, you definitely shouldn’t miss this SATUDORA store. The store is very spacious and bright, with neatly arranged displays that don’t feel crowded, so you can comfortably browse all kinds of cosmetics, skincare products, and popular medicines. There’s a wide selection of products, and it’s very comfortable and relaxing to shop here. You can also use coupons for additional discounts.

When spring comes to Osaka, the cherry blossom season is what I look forward to most. The park is filled with a lively atmosphere during the Osaka Castle Spring Festival, and from beneath the cherry trees to the edge of the moat, you can see people enjoying the blossoms in different ways everywhere. Groups of friends sit on the ground, eating snacks and having a little drink while admiring the cherry blossoms in front of them. Some people take advantage of the blossoms being at their best to capture as many photos as they can and create their own spring memories. Others simply sit and let their minds wander, watching the petals drift in the wind and quietly enjoying the moment. The blossoms last only a few short days, making this limited spring beauty feel even more precious.