Linda Liao's Reviews Page 22/75

After visiting Naruko Onsen, it’s hard not to be drawn to the adorable kokeshi dolls. It wasn’t until I watched an artisan make one in person that I realized how much meticulous work goes into what looks like a simple wooden doll. From carving and sanding the wood to painting the facial expression and body patterns, every step requires years of practice. The thickness of the lines and the proportions of the designs especially test the artisan’s touch and experience. Each piece has the artisan’s own style and is truly one of a kind. I hope more young people will learn this precious traditional Japanese craft so that the art of making kokeshi can continue to be passed down.

When visiting Sendai, don’t miss the local edamame-themed sweets! Many shops sell edamame mochi as souvenirs, with sweet, smooth edamame filling wrapped in chewy mochi. They’re bite-sized, making them easy to enjoy without feeling too heavy. The small, individually wrapped packages also make it perfect to buy a few boxes and share with friends.

Located in Harmonica Yokocho by the north exit of Kichijoji Station, Yakitori Tetchan is a skewer izakaya with an old Tokyo feel. The interior is small but full of character, using recycled network cables, acrylic, and other materials to create an artistic design. Combined with the lively alley atmosphere, sitting at the counter with some grilled skewers and a beer is a lovely way to end the day.

Kanazawa Urata’s “Kaga Hachiman Okiagari Monaka” is just so cute. It looks like a small, round roly-poly doll and immediately caught my eye while I was browsing the souvenir shop. The thin, crispy shell is made with glutinous rice from Ishikawa Prefecture and filled with sweet red bean paste made from Hokkaido azuki beans. It’s sweet but not overly so and goes well with hot tea. Its shape comes from Kanazawa’s traditional good-luck toy, the “Kaga Hachiman Okiagari,” which symbolizes wishes for children to grow up safe, healthy, and strong. So, besides being an everyday gift, it’s also often chosen as a souvenir for celebrations such as births and weddings.

If you come to Kumamoto and want to try local ramen, Kurotei is a long-established restaurant that many people know. Its signature Kumamoto ramen has a pork bone broth base with fragrant black garlic oil, giving it a more distinctive flavor than typical tonkotsu ramen. I originally really wanted to try the popular raw egg pairing, but since I’m not really comfortable eating raw eggs, I ended up choosing the chashu ramen. The thick slices of chashu, smooth noodles, and rich broth made for a satisfying and enjoyable meal.

Échiré butter cookies are affectionately nicknamed the “Louis Vuitton of cookies” by many people. Made with French Échiré A.O.P. cultured butter, they have a rich yet delicate buttery aroma, a crumbly texture, and a subtle milky flavor. In addition to the classic butter cookies, there are also financiers, madeleines, and a variety of other sweets to choose from. They’re hard to resist if you love the aroma of butter.

In winter, I used the “JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata area)” to explore the region by Shinkansen. The endless, pure white snowy scenery along the way was breathtaking. My most vivid memory is of the beautiful snow country scenery from the train, as well as someone standing quietly with their dog and watching the train pass by, creating a heartwarming winter scene.

Directly connected to JR Nagano Station, MIDORI Nagano is a top destination for shopping for Shinshu souvenirs and enjoying local cuisine! The shopping center offers a wide variety of Nagano specialties, from aromatic Shinshu soba and oyaki with a chewy exterior to sweets made with Kamikochi Kyoho grapes and apples. The Shinshu souvenir section on the second floor is well stocked and fun to browse. It’s convenient to stop by before transferring to the Shinkansen or Shinano Railway, and you can take the delicious flavors of Nagano home with you!

While strolling along the Old Karuizawa shopping street, it’s hard not to be drawn to the modern larch forest-inspired design and glass building. This museum focuses on Japanese contemporary art and avant-garde works, with spacious exhibition areas and beautiful use of light and shadow. In addition to its wide range of special art exhibitions, the White Birch Chapel designed by Kengo Kuma is a classic work that blends nature with architectural philosophy. When you need a break from walking, you can also enjoy the elegant atmosphere at the on-site café. Highly recommended for travelers who love aesthetics and modern art!

Located on B1 of Tokyo Station, this Snoopy specialty store is a little haven that Snoopy fans shouldn't miss! The store is packed with PEANUTS merchandise, and the biggest highlight is the Tokyo Station-exclusive collection—including an exclusive Snoopy plush dressed as a stationmaster and commemorative goods. Stop by while passing through Tokyo Station and pick up the cutest Tokyo souvenirs.