Linda Liao's Reviews Page 21/75

Himuro Shrine in Nara is a distinctive shrine associated with “ice.” Founded in 710 AD, it was originally connected to ancient rituals involving the preservation and offering of ice, which makes it quite unique. The shrine is not large, but the grounds have a peaceful atmosphere. Its most notable feature is the weeping cherry tree. When it blooms in spring, the pink flowers cascade like a waterfall, creating a beautiful contrast with the vermilion torii gate and shrine buildings. It is one of Nara's most iconic cherry blossom viewing spots. If you visit during cherry blossom season, it is easy to include a stop here while exploring the Nara Park area.

Himeji City Zoo is located right next to Himeji Castle and is a small zoo that is easy to visit while sightseeing in Himeji. The zoo is home to elephants, giraffes, lions, polar bears, and other animals. Although it is not very large, it has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. What makes it especially unique is that Himeji Castle can be seen in the distance from parts of the zoo. In spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the white Himeji Castle, pink blossoms, and zoo scenery come together to make for some nice photos.

For the last stop on my business trip, a colleague took me to Din Tai Fung on the sixth floor of Minamoa. Xiao long bao really are an absolute favorite among Japanese people—I honestly haven’t met anyone who doesn’t love them (laughs). One small bite, with thin wrappers and plenty of soup, melted away the entire day’s fatigue. Thanks to the yen’s recent weakness, eating a taste of home abroad didn’t feel expensive at all, and it actually worked out to be quite affordable. Ending this business trip perfectly with familiar flavors was so comforting!

Hozenji Yokocho’s Meoto Zenzai in Osaka is famous for its sweet red bean soup. One serving is divided between two bowls, symbolizing a happy marriage and a long-lasting relationship. It’s said to bring good luck in love to single people, while couples who eat it together will grow closer. The thick, rich soup is simmered with carefully selected Tanba Dainagon azuki beans, and each serving comes with salted kombu. The combination of sweetness and savory saltiness creates an exquisite flavor.

Nagatanien ochazuke is very convenient. When you open the package, you can see the green ochazuke granules mixed with thin strips of nori, and after adding hot water, the light tea aroma is very soothing. Just cook a bowl of white rice, sprinkle the seasoning over it, and pour in hot water. You can easily enjoy it without preparing any additional toppings. It’s especially handy on days off when you’re too lazy to cook, since you can make a meal in just a few minutes. Add a few pickles, and it’s savory and refreshing, with the feel of a Japanese family meal.

When browsing supermarkets or convenience stores in Japan, you'll often see Yamazaki Baking's “Lunch Pack,” a very iconic everyday bread in Japan. Soft white bread is cut in half and filled with different fillings, ranging from sweet to savory, with seasonal or limited-time varieties released from time to time. Since it's portable and doesn't need to be heated, it's great for breakfast, a snack, or a quick bite while traveling. It's also a familiar taste from childhood for many Japanese people.

Glico Almond Koka is one of the morning drinks we rotate through at home. Besides soy milk and dairy milk, it provides another healthy plant-based milk option. It has a mild almond flavor and a smooth taste, making it good with breakfast and suitable for vegetarians as well. Almonds contain nutrients such as vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids. Drinking it regularly adds different flavors and nutrients to breakfast and helps start the morning off right.

HORI Yubari Melon packs the rich aroma and sweetness of Hokkaido’s Yubari melons into a small dessert. Made with premium Yubari melon puree, it delicately blends the fruit’s fragrance and sweet flavor. As soon as you take a bite, you can savor the captivating, full-bodied melon aroma, as if tasting a piece of a Hokkaido orchard in summer.

Though small, each piece is packed with the essence of melon. It’s wonderfully fragrant and sweet without being overwhelming. There isn’t much, so you have to savor it slowly—a small everyday luxury and treat for yourself.

For independent travelers, taking the Aso sightseeing bus not only eliminates the hassle of driving on mountain roads and making transfers, but also provides a smooth connection along the main route between JR Aso Station and the mountaintop. The itinerary covers spectacular sights such as the smoke-shrouded Nakadake Crater of Mount Aso, the lush grasslands of Kusasenri, and Shirakawa Falls. You can take in the magnificent scenery right from the bus and experience the beauty of Aso in depth in the easiest and most comfortable way.

The Osaka specialty “Kuidaore Taro Pudding” is fun just to look at~ Inspired by Kuidaore Taro, the famous mascot of Dotonbori in Osaka, the pudding comes in an adorable bottle that you can keep as a little collectible after finishing it. The pudding has a smooth, delicate texture, and the caramel sauce adds a sweet, fragrant flavor. It tastes rich without being overly heavy. The cute design also makes it a fun gift.