Linda Liao's Reviews Page 20/90

Odaiba Marine Park is a very popular recreational spot along Tokyo Bay, with a rare sandy beach and expansive ocean views. Walking along the shore, you can see the Rainbow Bridge over Tokyo Bay, boats passing by, and the cityscape across the water. It's especially nice for watching the sunset in the evening.

While shopping and sightseeing in downtown Nagoya, I wanted to find somewhere to take a break, so I stopped by the Chunichi Building on a whim to look for a drink shop. I unexpectedly came across YATAGARASU on B1F. The shop has a simple design with a slightly artsy feel and mainly sells Japanese tea drinks and sweets.

I ordered an iced matcha au lait that day. The fresh aroma of the matcha blended perfectly with the smoothness of the milk. It went down smoothly with a subtle tea fragrance and was refreshing and thirst-quenching.

When visiting Mojiko, Kaikyo Plaza is a convenient place to stop by and shop for souvenirs. There are many specialty stores inside, where you can find everything from Mojiko specialties to regional foods from across Kyushu, such as the classic baked curry, banana sweets, mentaiko, seafood, and famous Fukuoka confections. In addition to food, they also sell unique goods and souvenirs exclusive to Mojiko and the Kanmon Straits, with a wide variety of options.

Stepping into Nagoya Castle feels like being transported back to the Edo period of Tokugawa Ieyasu in an instant! The most impressive sight is the pair of golden shachihoko on the roof, gleaming brilliantly in the sunlight and showcasing the authority and splendor of the Edo shogunate. Walking along the moat, the massive stone walls rise in layers, and the weight of history surrounds you, making it impossible not to admire the extraordinary craftsmanship of the ancient builders.

The most stunning part is the recently restored Honmaru Palace. The moment you step inside, the dazzling gold wall paintings and intricately detailed carvings recreate the luxurious life of the shogun's family. It's breathtakingly beautiful. You may also run into the Nagoya Omotenashi Busho-tai, dressed in armor, whose lively interactions bring history to life. Whether surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring or colorful maple leaves in fall, this is definitely an essential attraction when visiting Nagoya!

While driving from Biei to Asahikawa, consider stopping for a short break at Roadside Station Asahikawa to recharge during your trip. It's a very convenient rest stop for a road trip around Hokkaido. In addition to hot meals, coffee, and other food and drinks, you can buy souvenirs, sweets, and local agricultural products from around Hokkaido. If you're looking for local ingredients or souvenirs, you can browse around before getting back on the road.

Mojiko Retro is perfect for a leisurely walk. Along the way, you can see many Western-style houses and historic buildings that retain the architectural styles of the Meiji and Taisho periods, including Mojiko Station, the Former Moji Mitsui Club, and the Former Osaka Shosen Building. As you stroll through the area, the retro Western-style buildings and harbor views create the feeling of stepping back in time. If you want to explore all the main attractions, it's best to set aside at least half a day. You can also enjoy curry rice and shop for souvenirs.

At the Marukin Soy Sauce Factory, you can get a glimpse into the traditional Japanese process of making soy sauce. Soybeans, wheat, and other ingredients are steamed, cooked, and made into koji, then mixed with salt water to ferment and mature. Only after pressing, blending, and other steps does the soy sauce develop its deep color and rich aroma. You can also appreciate the artisans’ many years of accumulated brewing expertise. Everything from the ratio of ingredients to the fermentation time affects the final flavor. After the tour, be sure to try the special soy sauce soft serve! It starts with a smooth, rich, milky flavor, followed by a subtle hint of soy sauce. The sweet and salty flavors are surprisingly harmonious, making this limited treat well worth trying while you’re here.

The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is one of Hakodate's most iconic tourist attractions, with rows of historic red brick buildings lining the bay. Once used as warehouses, the buildings have now been revitalized into a mix of shopping, dining, and recreation, blending vintage charm with modern touches. The warehouse complex has many different kinds of stores, including shops selling Hakodate souvenirs, Japanese-style general stores, and places offering desserts and coffee, making it quite fun to explore. Besides shopping, you can enjoy views of the harbor and the red brick buildings while taking in Hakodate's unique historical atmosphere. If you want to browse each store carefully and take your time choosing souvenirs, I recommend allowing about 1–2 hours so you won't feel rushed.

When visiting Hakodate, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse BAY HAKODATE is well worth adding to your itinerary. As you stroll along the bay, you can see historic red brick buildings whose vintage exteriors complement the scenery of Hakodate Port, creating the unique character of a port city. The Kanemori warehouses have many distinctive shops, desserts, and souvenirs, so you'll need some time to look around.

If you visit during the Christmas season in winter, there are also evening illuminations, making the entire neighborhood seem wrapped in a soft glow. The cold air, historic buildings, and sparkling lights come together to create a romantic, dreamlike atmosphere unique to winter.

At the tea culture museum created by Ito En, you can learn more about Japanese tea culture and feel that tea is not just a beverage, but also a delicate and warm part of everyday life.

I had also visited an Ito En tea house elsewhere before, and the ochazuke left a particularly strong impression on me. A lightly salty, savory tea broth was poured over steaming white rice. The tea aroma was delicate and not too heavy, and the dish was simple but never got tiring. A bowl in winter is especially soothing, with the warm tea broth warming you from the inside. You can also get a refill of the tea broth, which is a very thoughtful service〜