Linda Liao's Reviews Page 25/75

The Matsuya Ginza department store is located along a main street in Tokyo’s Ginza district. Its striking glass curtain wall makes it a neighborhood landmark, blending modern design with a century-old department store tradition. Inside, there are many well-known Japanese brands and boutiques, offering everything from fashion and cosmetics to household goods. The popular basement food floor is a great place to find elegant wagashi, sweets, and souvenirs. In addition to shopping, Matsuya Ginza frequently hosts art exhibitions and limited-time events, attracting many visitors.

If you're passing through Tokyo Station, you might want to stop by KITTE Marunouchi next door. This commercial complex has a very modern design and a good selection of souvenirs and restaurants. This time, I picked up the Jiichiro Baumkuchen recommended by a coworker. The many layers of cake are delicate and soft, with a moist, dense texture and subtle buttery and egg aromas. The sweetness is just right and not overpowering. You can taste the delicate layers in every bite, and it pairs well with coffee or tea.

I tried sake made by Houzan Sake Brewery at an izakaya. It was crisp and delicate, with a subtle rice aroma, gentle sweetness, and a smooth, rounded mouthfeel. The finish was clean and long, showcasing the pure flavor of sake brewed with Niigata’s high-quality rice. This experience wasn’t just about enjoying a good glass of sake—it also made me more curious about Niigata’s sake-brewing culture. The next time I travel to Niigata, I’d love to visit the brewery in person to learn about the sake-making process, from quality rice and koji to fermentation and brewing, and to gain a deeper understanding of Houzan Sake Brewery’s story and craftsmanship.

Sanrio fans shouldn’t miss SANRIO CAFE in Ikebukuro Sunshine City💕 Popular characters like the adorable Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi join you for a relaxing afternoon tea. Every corner is perfect for taking photos and checking in, and the latte art is so creative. The character designs are so cute that you almost won’t want to drink them!

Located in Osaka's Dotonbori, Kani Doraku has become one of the street's most prominent landmarks thanks to its giant crab sign, making it recognizable almost at a glance. The restaurant specializes in crab dishes, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and careful preparation. Crab sashimi, charcoal-grilled crab, crab sushi, and crab hot pot are all quite popular, making it a popular choice for many travelers visiting Dotonbori.

When I was a student, I once took an overnight bus from Kyoto. I fell asleep and woke up in Shinjuku, Tokyo. At the time, I thought it was the most affordable way to travel. It saved me the cost of a night's accommodation and left the entire day free for exploring. Looking back now, it's hard to imagine still being able to travel so carefree on an overnight bus, but that memory is also one of the truest reminders of my youth. Today, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal remains a major transportation hub in Tokyo, connecting the city with destinations throughout Japan and carrying countless travelers as they depart and arrive.

Located on the second floor of Kyoto Station, the Kyoto Tourist Information Center “Kyo-navi” is the perfect starting point for exploring Kyoto. It offers an extensive selection of attraction brochures and sightseeing maps, thoughtfully organized by area and season, making it easy for travelers to quickly find what they're looking for. Whether you're a first-time visitor gathering travel information or a repeat visitor looking for lesser-known, in-depth routes, you can find suitable inspiration and tickets here and easily plan the perfect trip.

If you're shopping in Umeda, Osaka, don't miss Grand Front Osaka! Located right next to Osaka Station, it's extremely convenient to get to. Combining shopping, restaurants, cafés, and office space, it's one of Umeda's most iconic commercial complexes. It features many Japanese brands and unique shops, with plenty to browse, from fashion and beauty products to household goods. It's also home to the largest MUJI flagship store in the Kansai region, spanning three floors. In addition to an extremely extensive selection of clothing, household items, and food, it also has Cafe & Meal MUJI, which serves healthy light meals, as well as a dedicated home design consultation area. It's a pilgrimage spot MUJI fans shouldn't miss.

Every year around Christmas, Hakata Station Plaza lights up with a million dazzling lights and hosts a festive Christmas market. Vendors sell limited-time treats such as mulled wine and German sausages. The strong holiday atmosphere and romantic lights make it a great place to gather with a few friends, have fun, and take memorable photos.

BIG BOX Takadanobaba is a great place to browse! It’s conveniently located right outside the station and has stores such as UNIQLO and LOFT, plus restaurants like Sushiro on the 9th floor. It meets all your shopping, everyday purchasing, and dining needs in one place, and you can easily spend 2 to 3 hours here! There are also plenty of entertainment options, including claw machines, billiards, and bowling. It often attracts students and young people looking to hang out and relax after school or on their days off.