Linda Liao's Reviews Page 19/90

The Kanmon Straits lie between Japan's islands of Honshu and Kyushu. They are an important sea route connecting the Seto Inland Sea and the Sea of Japan, and also separate Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture from the Mojiko area of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture. At their narrowest point, the straits are only a few hundred meters wide, and ships pass through very frequently. If you're visiting Mojiko or Shimonoseki, it's worth stopping by for a walk.

This large bridge over the sea connects Fukuoka Prefecture in Kyushu with Yamaguchi Prefecture in Honshu. Looking out from the Mojiko area, you can take in the expansive scenery created by the bridge and the straits. It's especially impressive on a clear day, when the blue sky, sea, and bridge complement one another. While strolling through the Mojiko Retro district, you can also enjoy views of the Kanmon Bridge from different angles, and you may even see ships passing underneath it!

Anpanman, who almost every child in Japan knows! I've heard that in many Japanese families, Anpanman's words sometimes work even better than Mom and Dad's, haha. No wonder there are so many Anpanman museums, themed attractions, and special trains throughout Japan.

I also watched the Anpanman cartoon when I was little, and seeing the familiar characters again as an adult still brings a little sense of nostalgia. On this trip to Shikoku, I also planned to ride an Anpanman-themed train. Departing from Matsuyama Station, the train travels along the Yosan Line. Northbound trains go to Iyo-Saijo and Takamatsu, with some services continuing all the way to Okayama. Southbound trains head toward Iyo-Ozu, Yawatahama, and Uwajima. While enjoying the scenery of Shikoku along the way, adults can also relax and enjoy the fun of being surrounded by Anpanman.

IKSPIARI is a shopping and entertainment complex next to Maihama Station at Tokyo Disney Resort. It is open to the general public, and you don’t need a Disney ticket to enter. It’s just a short walk from the south exit of JR Maihama Station, so it’s very convenient to get to. The complex has clothing stores, general merchandise, household goods, souvenirs, desserts, and all kinds of restaurants, as well as a supermarket and movie theater. The overall atmosphere feels less like a typical station mall and has a strong resort vibe. When you get tired of shopping, you can take a break at a café, or stay for dinner in the evening. If you have some free time before or after visiting Disney, it’s a good place to stop by and look around.

Summers in Japan have become unbearably hot over the past year or two, so it’s no wonder that many companies have started offering “extra-cooling body wipes”! And yes, they really are incredibly cooling when you use them (laughs). The sheets are larger than regular wet wipes, so you can wipe everything from your face and neck to your body, arms, and legs. They’re especially useful after exercising or spending an entire day walking outdoors. GATSBY also offers many different scents, so there are plenty to choose from. While browsing, I even came across a fig scent. It was honestly a little bizarre, and I couldn’t help taking a second look. Keep a pack in your bag when you go out in the summer, and you can freshen up anytime!

KITTE Hakata is in a very convenient location. Just turn left after exiting Hakata Station, and you’ll get there quickly. It’s an easy stop whether you’re transferring trains, shopping, or getting something to eat. Inside, there are plenty of restaurants, lifestyle goods stores, and souvenir shops, so you can take care of both shopping and dining in one place. There’s also a supermarket on the first floor. In the past, before heading home from every business trip, I would make a special stop here to stock up, especially on natto, since it was convenient and they carried several different brands. One visit during Christmas was particularly memorable. The area around the station was covered in lights, and once they lit up at night, the atmosphere became especially lively. With all the travelers coming and going and the festive decorations, the entire Hakata Station area was filled with a cheerful mood.

I saw it recommended in a travel guide, so I made a special trip to Jiyuken while visiting Namba, Osaka, to try this classic curry specialty for myself. The curry and white rice are mixed together beforehand, giving it a soy sauce-like color, with a raw egg placed in the middle. It’s completely different from regular curry rice. First, I tried a bite as is, then mixed in the egg yolk. The rich curry gained an eggy flavor and a smoother texture. Finally, I added a little Worcestershire sauce to taste, which gave it even more depth.

A Japanese coworker brought back some Kabaya electrolyte candies to share during a business trip. Each one is small and easy to carry, so you can have one while out in the summer or after exercising to replenish the salt lost through sweating. The lightly salty and sweet flavor isn't too heavy, and they're handy to keep in your bag during hot weather.

If you're in Nakasu, Fukuoka, and want some quality yakiniku, Yakiniku Jin is worth considering. The restaurant specializes in carefully selected Kyushu-raised Kuroge Wagyu, offering everything from common cuts to rare ones. The meat has fine marbling, and a quick grilling brings out its rich flavor. Very satisfying.

Omihachiman is one of my favorite places to see cherry blossoms. If you're also looking for a less crowded spot where you can experience springtime in Japan, I highly recommend visiting Omihachiman. In early April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, you can take a small boat along the waterways and watch the scenery on both banks unfold like a spring painting.

Unlike popular attractions in the city that are always bustling with people, this place has a rare sense of tranquility. The boat moves slowly along, and from time to time you can hear the boatman's melodious calls. With the sunlight shimmering gently on the rippling water, the entire trip has a relaxed, old-fashioned atmosphere. Small bridges cross the water, while the greenery along the banks blends with the pale pink cherry blossoms. Some of the blooming branches even hang down close to the water, and when the breeze blows, their reflections sway gently with the ripples.

There's no need to rush while sitting on the boat. Just quietly taking in the scenery is enough to experience Omihachiman's unique charm as a waterside town. When the cherry blossoms, old streets, river, and spring sunshine all come into view at once, it looks like a scene from a poem or painting.