Linda Liao's Reviews Page 17/102

Hama-Rikyu Gardens is located beside Tokyo Bay, only about a 10-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station. This imperial garden, which dates back to the Edo period, features Tokyo's only seawater pond, Shioiri Pond, whose appearance changes with the tides. Surrounded by old pine trees, the garden has elegant scenery, and the Nakajima-no-Ochaya teahouse in the middle of the pond is an excellent place to enjoy matcha and wagashi. Walking through the garden, you can experience the tranquil charm of a traditional Japanese garden while also taking in a distinctive urban landscape where modern high-rises rise in the distance.

Kema Sakuranomiya Park is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Osaka, stretching along both banks of the Okawa River. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in spring, the entire riverbank seems to be surrounded by a sea of pink flowers. As you walk beneath the rows of cherry trees, you can admire the blossoms while watching boats slowly pass along the river, adding a touch of romance to the cityscape. During cherry blossom season, there are also vendors and crowds of visitors along the river, creating an atmosphere that is both lively and relaxed. If you're visiting Osaka in spring, it's well worth setting aside some time to see the blossoms here.

Osaka Castle is one of Osaka's most iconic historical landmarks. Construction was originally begun by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583, and it served as an important base after he unified the country. After being damaged in war and rebuilt, the castle tower seen today is not the original structure from the Toyotomi era but a reconstruction completed in 1931, with an exterior that preserves the familiar appearance of the castle. The castle tower is not the only highlight. The expansive castle park, moat, and towering stone walls are also quite impressive, and walking through the grounds gives you a sense of the castle's former scale. When the cherry blossoms bloom in spring, it also becomes one of Osaka's most popular cherry blossom viewing spots.

When visiting Dazaifu, you definitely shouldn't miss umegae mochi! The surface is stamped with a plum blossom design, and the outer layer is made with glutinous rice. Fresh off the grill, it has a lightly toasted aroma and a chewy yet slightly crisp texture, with smooth red bean paste inside that isn't overly sweet. Many shops along the approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine sell them. Buying one to eat while strolling around and enjoying it piping hot and freshly grilled is very satisfying.

The English House has a strong British atmosphere. Its interior is designed in the style of a British home, with vintage furniture, tableware, and household items that make you feel as if you've stepped into a British home from the past. The most interesting part is that free Sherlock Holmes-style costumes are available. You can dress up as a detective and take commemorative photos inside, instantly transforming into a detective from a novel. Compared with simply touring the building, the interactive experience makes the visit more fun. It's also a good place to take amusing photos with friends, making a visit to the historic Western-style houses even more memorable.

While shopping in Daikanyama, I happened to wander into Forestgate Daikanyama and discovered that Blue Bottle Coffee had opened here, so I stopped in for a break. The entire commercial complex features a blend of nature, greenery, and modern architecture. It doesn't feel crowded like a traditional shopping mall, but instead has a more relaxed and refined atmosphere. In addition to the coffee shop, it also has restaurants and lifestyle stores, making it a great place to take a break while shopping and experience Daikanyama's distinctive slower pace.

The last time I came to Hankyu Kobe-Sannomiya Station, I spent too long exploring the Kitano Ijinkan and could only hurry through Sannomiya Center Gai, which was a shame. It's about a 2–3 minute walk from the station, and the covered shopping street stretches on with all kinds of stores along the way, including clothing shops, general merchandise stores, dessert shops, and restaurants. Next time, if I have enough time, I'd like to stay longer and pick up some local specialties.

There’s an interesting little milk stand next to Okachimachi Station. Despite its small size, it carries fresh milk from small dairy farms all across Japan. The bottles are neatly lined up, each with its own place of origin and distinctive flavor, making it hard to know where to look. The hardest part is having so many choices but only one stomach, so in the end I could only pick one bottle to try! Remember to return the glass bottle to the staff after you finish. This simple and fun way of drinking milk also made it a special experience.

Moegi House in Kobe's Kitano Ijinkan district is a Western-style wooden residence with a fresh, airy feel. Its pale green exterior and white window frames make it quite eye-catching. Inside, the original layout and Western-style decor have been preserved, and the furniture, wallpaper, and window details offer a glimpse into the lives of the foreign residents who lived there in the early days.

If you're in the Tokyo Bay area, don't miss MITSUI OUTLET PARK KISARAZU in Chiba! It's about 45–50 minutes by direct bus from Tokyo Station, and buses are also available from Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Yokohama, and Haneda Airport, so it's very convenient to get to. The mall has around 300 stores, offering everything from international brands and clothing to household goods, so you can easily spend the whole day browsing. This time, I especially came to visit one of my favorites, BEAMS, and bought a cashmere scarf for half price at the outlet. The quality is good, and it was such a great deal. I'm very satisfied~