Linda Liao's Reviews Page 3/90

While browsing the souvenir shops at Okayama Station, I was drawn to the cute look of the “Kibidango” and couldn’t help but stop! Okayama is the birthplace of the Momotaro legend, and this confection incorporates elements of the folktale that are sure to make you smile. The small dumplings are soft and chewy, with a delicately sweet filling that isn’t overly rich. In addition to the classic flavor, limited-time flavors are also available. Even the wrapping paper is incredibly cute, making this a souvenir full of Okayama character.

Namba Marui is located right next to Osaka-Namba Station, making it very convenient for shopping or planning a day around Osaka. It features clothing, lifestyle goods, accessories, and a variety of distinctive brands. The overall style is fairly youthful, making it a good place to take your time discovering interesting items. The department store also offers tax-free shopping, but Japan's tax-free system will switch to a refund system starting November 1, 2026, so it may take some time to get used to it after that~

After visiting the Nisshin Peace Memorial Hall in Shimonoseki, I still had some time, so I took a walk along the road to Akama Shrine. The bright vermilion Suitenmon gate has a dreamy, Dragon Palace-like feel, and its design is quite eye-catching. I visited in late fall, just as winter was beginning, when the maple leaves had turned shades of red and orange, adding a touch of poetry to the solemn shrine. However, Emperor Antoku, who is enshrined here, has a sad history: in the 1185 Battle of Dan-no-ura, the emperor, only eight years old, drowned at sea along with the Taira clan. Thinking about this history brings a faint sense of sorrow.

While traveling, I sometimes skip booking hotel breakfast to keep up with my itinerary. Instead, I look for a café along the way, buy a coffee to wake myself up, and get a sandwich to go to fill my stomach. Once, I stopped by Ueshima Coffee House and ordered a latte. The coffee was rich and aromatic, the milk flavor was mellow, and overall it was quite good—somewhere above average. Ueshima Coffee House is a coffee brand owned by Japan's UCC. It combines the charm of traditional kissaten with modern coffee culture, with a particular focus on coffee's rich, full-bodied flavor. The atmosphere inside is also a bit calmer and more nostalgic than at a typical fast-food coffee shop. If you have time, I also recommend sitting down and enjoying it at a leisurely pace.

When it comes to classic Japanese snacks, you can't leave out Fujiya's Peko-chan! This adorable girl with pigtails and her tongue sticking out has been part of many people's childhoods and remains a familiar, classic character today. As a child, my favorite treat was Fujiya's milk candy. Its rich milky aroma and sweet flavor still bring back so many memories. In addition to snacks, Fujiya also offers all kinds of Peko-chan merchandise, from desserts to everyday items that are hard to resist. I've visited Peko-chan specialty stores in Fukuoka and Kagurazaka, Tokyo. Every time I see all these cute products, I can't help but stop and look, as if I've rediscovered the happiness of childhood~

The Mojiko Retro Tourist Souvenir Hall “Minato House” has a food court and a variety of local souvenirs to choose from. I was just casually browsing when some banana-shaped treats caught my eye, and that’s when I discovered the special connection between bananas and Mojiko Port! Starting in the Meiji era, large quantities of Taiwanese bananas were imported to Japan through Mojiko Port. To quickly sell bananas that had been damaged or become overripe during transport, a unique culture of “banana hawking” gradually developed and became one of Mojiko Port’s signature features. When you visit Mojiko Port, don’t forget to take home a few banana treats to try〜

Take a ferry from Mojiko to Shimonoseki, and once you dock, you’ll arrive at Kamon Wharf near Karato Market. This seaside mall combines dining and souvenir shopping, with a variety of seafood dishes, fugu specialties, and local products. After exploring Karato Market, stop by for something to eat or to buy souvenirs. You can also stroll along the waterfront, admire the Kanmon Straits and passing boats, and enjoy the relaxed harbor atmosphere.

It wasn’t until I arrived at Mojiko that I discovered there’s a local specialty here you can’t miss—yaki curry! It may look like ordinary curry rice, but baking it in the oven gives it a different flavor. Rich curry is poured over rice and topped with cheese, and some restaurants also add an egg. It’s baked until the surface is lightly browned and the cheese has melted, making it wonderfully fragrant and especially tempting. This dish is said to have originated in Mojiko in the 1950s, when a café heated curry rice in the oven and accidentally came up with this way of serving it. It gradually became a signature local dish. If you visit Mojiko, don’t forget to try this specialty and add a memorable food experience to your trip!

When planning a visit to the Dogo Onsen shopping street and a hot spring bath, don’t forget to stop by this distinctive Starbucks! The store was converted from a classic Japanese-style building, and its wooden exterior and retro atmosphere fit in perfectly with the surrounding hot spring town. Inside, the nostalgic and warm ambiance makes it feel very different from a typical chain coffee shop. Besides having coffee and taking a short break, you may also find a locally inspired JIMOTO Mitsukarakusa mug, featuring design elements from Ehime that make it hard to resist collecting. I can’t believe I didn’t notice this mug the last time I visited, and thinking about it now, I really regret it! If I get the chance to visit again, I’ll definitely bring one home as a travel souvenir.

When visiting Shimonoseki, Karato Market is a seafood destination you shouldn’t miss! This market mainly sells fresh fish and seafood wholesale and retail. Because it is close to the Kanmon Strait, you can enjoy a fresh and abundant variety of seafood, especially the local specialty, fugu. The stalls are filled with all kinds of nigiri sushi, sashimi, and seafood dishes, so you can choose whatever you want, and the prices are quite affordable. After buying your food, find a spot to enjoy it while taking in the ocean view. It’s definitely a culinary experience full of local flavor!