Linda Liao's Reviews Page 16/75

Shinkyogoku Shopping Street is a classic covered shopping arcade with a long history in Kyoto. The overall atmosphere is lively and youthful. The street is packed with trendy clothing stores, anime merchandise, souvenir shops, and all kinds of food, and there’s no need to worry even on rainy days. Hidden within the shopping street is the popular Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. It is believed to be especially effective for academic success and warding off misfortune. The “Nishiki Water” that springs from the shrine and its distinctive fortune slips add traditional cultural charm to this modern, fashionable shopping street.

Unlike regular Black Thunder, White Black Thunder is mainly made with white chocolate, combined with crunchy cookies and chocolate. It's sweet and crunchy, and just right when you're craving a snack. The white packaging also reflects Hokkaido's snowy character, and many tourists buy it as a souvenir. Each small piece is easy to carry, making it great for enjoying yourself or sharing with friends and family. If you like Black Thunder, look for White Black Thunder when you visit Hokkaido and see which one you prefer!

While strolling around Gion, the eye-catching sign for the Japan Kanji Museum unexpectedly caught my attention, and I ended up discovering a very interesting attraction! Its official name is the Kanji Museum & Library, and it focuses on the history, evolution, and culture of kanji, using interactive exhibits to tell the story of how kanji developed from ancient times to the present. The most interesting part is seeing how kanji evolved from pictographs into the familiar characters used today, along with lots of fascinating kanji facts.

Marumiya rice seasoning is convenient and practical. Just sprinkle it over white rice and gently mix it in to quickly add aroma and flavor. It also goes well with bento or rice porridge. When you're busy, it's also delicious for making rice balls~

I had always wanted to see Amanohashidate, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views, with my own eyes. This time, I finally had the chance to visit with my family, and after experiencing it in person, I truly felt the trip was worthwhile. The train ride from downtown Osaka to Amanohashidate took nearly three hours. Although it was a long journey, the scenery gradually changed from city to countryside, which made us even more excited.

After arriving at Amanohashidate, we took a single-seat chairlift up to the observation deck. As the chairlift slowly climbed, the ground below grew farther away and the view gradually opened up. The gentle breeze on my face felt especially pleasant. When we reached the observation deck and saw the famous view of Amanohashidate before us, everyone couldn't help taking out their cameras. Amanohashidate is a sandbar covered with about 8,000 pine trees that stretches across Miyazu Bay. Viewed from above, it looks like a long green bridge crossing the sea, which is how it got the name “Amanohashidate.”

The biggest surprise during this visit was that it was cherry blossom season. The pink cherry blossoms, lush green pine forest, and blue bay complemented one another, adding a romantic atmosphere to the already distinctive scenery. Near the observation deck, there is also a small amusement park with a nostalgic feel. The rides surrounded by spring cherry blossoms made it seem as though we had stepped into a painting, and it was hard to look away.

Amanohashidate, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views, had long been on my bucket list, so I made a special point of adding it to this Kansai trip and finally checked it off my list. It takes about 2–2.5 hours by train from Kyoto or about 2.5–3 hours from Osaka. Although it’s not a short journey, the beautiful scenery makes it all worthwhile.

I visited during cherry blossom season, and several cherry trees near the observation deck were in beautiful bloom. From the right angle, you can capture the soft pink blossoms together with the winding stretch of Amanohashidate. The bay, pine forest, and cherry blossoms blend together like a landscape painted by nature itself.

Looking down at this scenery from above, I couldn’t help but marvel at the wonders of nature. I never knew such a breathtaking view could be hidden between the mountains and the sea. 🌸✨

Walking from Inuyama Station toward Inuyama Castle, you’ll pass through a castle town shopping street full of traditional Japanese charm. The old-fashioned streetscape has been preserved, and each little shop has its own character, so you won’t get bored while strolling and browsing. I also ran into a lot of Taiwanese people along the way. Hearing familiar Chinese instantly made me feel at home 😂 It seems Inuyama Castle really is a popular stop for many people visiting Nagoya. There are also plenty of snacks and souvenirs to buy along the way. It’s very relaxing to pick up a small snack and eat it while walking.

I-YOKAN SHIKA SHINAI is a recently launched souvenir inspired by Ehime's specialty citrus fruit and made into madeleines. They have a naturally sweet and tart citrus aroma, and the cake is moist and soft. They taste refreshing without being overly sweet. Compared with the traditional Ehime souvenirs commonly available, these feel fresh and new. I highly recommend trying them. I happened to spot them at a local 7-Eleven and bought them right away.

When visiting Ehime, I highly recommend trying the local fish cakes. Tanimoto Kamaboko-ten makes a variety of fish cakes from fresh fish paste. Once grilled or heated, the fish flavor becomes richer, with a lightly charred exterior and a springy, tender texture. This type of fish cake comes from the food culture of the Seto Inland Sea coast, where fish are abundant. In the past, people ground fresh fish into paste and processed it to make it easier to preserve and to make full use of the catch. Today, it comes in many flavors and is one of Ehime's most representative local foods.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine enshrines Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning. It is one of Fukuoka's most iconic shrines and a popular spiritual spot where many people pray for success in their studies and exams. When I visited in early spring, the plum blossoms throughout the grounds were beginning to bloom. The flowers were small and delicate, with a charm completely different from cherry blossoms. After praying, I strolled along the lively approach to the shrine and bought a sweet and tasty umegae mochi. Eating it while browsing the shops made for a relaxing and pleasant experience. It's a great place to spend half a day taking in the atmosphere of Dazaifu at a leisurely pace.