Linda Liao's Reviews Page 23/75

While strolling along Church Street in Karuizawa, I unexpectedly discovered Bon Okawa, an impressive chocolate shop! Its classic “Karuizawa Chocolate Ball MIX Deluxe Gift Box” comes in colorful, eye-catching wrappers that are irresistible just to look at.

The box brings together several popular flavors, with thin, crisp, richly flavored coatings around crunchy centers. The textures are wonderfully layered, and they're sweet without being overwhelming. I couldn't resist picking up several boxes. They're perfect for enjoying slowly myself or taking home to share this sweet taste of Karuizawa with family and friends.

Standing quietly in the forest of Old Karuizawa, St. Paul's Catholic Church is a classic wooden building designed by renowned architect Antonin Raymond. Its enormous, steeply pitched triangular roof blends perfectly with the natural wooden structure, while the exposed wooden beams and columns inside create a warm yet solemn atmosphere. Sunlight streams through the stained glass, weaving together poetic patterns of light and shadow. A walk here offers not only a peaceful respite from the noise and bustle, but also a profound experience of Karuizawa's unique beauty and romantic charm.

When visiting Karuizawa, you absolutely shouldn’t miss the historic French Bakery. This long-established bakery is famous for having been a favorite of Beatles member John Lennon, and treasured photos of him still hang inside the shop.

The signature item is the French bread (Monovale), with a crisp, chewy crust and a firm interior filled with the aroma of wheat. The more you chew, the more you can savor its simple bread flavor. The rich apple pie and buttery croissants are also very popular. Picking up some freshly baked bread and hot coffee to enjoy on Old Karuizawa Ginza Street is one of the most authentic and relaxing ways to experience everyday life in Karuizawa.

When visiting Senso-ji Temple, as you make your way along the lively Nakamise Street, be sure to try this popular monaka specialty shop with lines out the door! Each order is freshly made, with thin, crisp, fragrant rice wafers filled with rich ice cream, Hokkaido red beans, and other generous fillings. The crunchy, aromatic rice wafers pair beautifully with the cold, creamy filling, creating layers of texture. It’s one of Asakusa’s most iconic sweets to enjoy while strolling around.

Pocky and Pretz, made by Ezaki Glico, are among Japan’s most iconic snacks! This classic cookie snack was created in 1966. During its development, a small section of the biscuit stick was intentionally left uncoated with chocolate to keep customers’ fingers clean while eating it. This thoughtful design became its signature feature worldwide, and even the name comes from “Pokkin,” the sound of biting into it.

At the Glico factory tour, you can see firsthand how the automated production lines manufacture and transport the products, and you can also try a DIY activity where you make your own giant Pocky. The facility displays classic packaging and limited-edition advertisements from over the years, while the shop offers a wide variety of regional flavors. It’s definitely a must-visit spot that combines delicious treats with fun!

If you want to try refined Japanese rice crackers, I highly recommend the upscale Akasaka shop Akasaka Kakiyama. Its rice crackers are delicate and bite-sized, with a crisp texture and elegant, subtle flavors that fully reflect the craftsmanship of top-quality Japanese confectionery. Each item comes in its own high-quality packaging, making it perfect for enjoying yourself or giving as a gift. There is a counter in the basement food hall of Shinjuku Takashimaya. Recommended for anyone who enjoys refined Japanese rice crackers!

How could you visit Sendai and miss out on the ultimate beef tongue experience! If you're passing through JR Sendai Station, I highly recommend visiting the extremely popular Tanya Zenjiro. Its signature thick-cut beef tongue is charcoal-grilled until crisp on the outside and tender and juicy inside, with a savory, salty flavor. Every traditional Sendai beef tongue set comes with fragrant barley rice, refreshing oxtail soup with chopped green onions, and special pickled takana greens and miso chili peppers. The layers of flavor perfectly complement the meat, making this an absolutely exceptional feast!

Gift-giving culture is extremely important in Japan, and one of my coworkers chose elegant treats from The Peninsula Tokyo as a souvenir. The fruit loaf cake has a dense, moist texture and is made with carefully selected, high-quality dried fruit, giving it a rich, refined fruit flavor. The generous size makes it especially suitable for slicing and sharing with coworkers, friends, and family. It's an easy way to enjoy something together while also appreciating the giver's taste and heartfelt thoughtfulness.

When visiting Tokyo Yaesu, you can also stop by the nearby Daimaru department store. The legendary sweets from “N.Y.C.SAND” on the first floor are not to be missed! Its signature “NY CARAMEL SAND” features rich, buttery cookies filled with a thin layer of dark chocolate and silky, slightly warm, gooey caramel. The moment you bite into it, the caramel oozes out, and the rich sweet-and-salty flavors are pure bliss for anyone with a sweet tooth. Since there are only a few locations and it’s quite popular, I’ve heard there can sometimes be a line to buy them. If you’re passing by, don’t miss the chance to pick up a box to share with family and friends~

After seeing it featured on many Japanese TV shows, I’ve always been interested in the Workman brand. It started out making workwear and focuses on highly functional clothing at affordable prices, making it popular with many Japanese people. However, most of its stores are located in the suburbs (which helps keep prices competitive), so if you’re in Ginza, be sure to take the opportunity to visit EXITMELSA. Everything is incredibly cheap—the prices on the tags will make your jaw drop. It’s easy to shop here, and you won’t feel bad replacing things once they’re worn out.