Linda Liao's Reviews Page 32/90

When visiting Ehime, I highly recommend trying the local fish cakes. Tanimoto Kamaboko-ten makes a variety of fish cakes from fresh fish paste. Once grilled or heated, the fish flavor becomes richer, with a lightly charred exterior and a springy, tender texture. This type of fish cake comes from the food culture of the Seto Inland Sea coast, where fish are abundant. In the past, people ground fresh fish into paste and processed it to make it easier to preserve and to make full use of the catch. Today, it comes in many flavors and is one of Ehime's most representative local foods.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine enshrines Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning. It is one of Fukuoka's most iconic shrines and a popular spiritual spot where many people pray for success in their studies and exams. When I visited in early spring, the plum blossoms throughout the grounds were beginning to bloom. The flowers were small and delicate, with a charm completely different from cherry blossoms. After praying, I strolled along the lively approach to the shrine and bought a sweet and tasty umegae mochi. Eating it while browsing the shops made for a relaxing and pleasant experience. It's a great place to spend half a day taking in the atmosphere of Dazaifu at a leisurely pace.

When I passed by the Namba main store, I saw the long line outside, and my curiosity was immediately piqued. I couldn't resist joining the line and buying one to try. The freshly baked cheesecake was piping hot, with a milky aroma rising with the steam that made my mouth water. The cutest part was when the staff stamped the shop's signature “りくろーおじさん” branding onto the surface of the cake. Such an adorable little detail. The cake looked quite substantial, but it was surprisingly light, fluffy, and soft. Shared among two or three people, it was gone in no time. It definitely lived up to the long line.

Himeji Castle is known as the “White Heron Castle” because of its white walls and elegant appearance, and it is one of the most iconic surviving castles in Japan. It is not only designated as a National Treasure of Japan, but was also one of the first Japanese castles to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, giving it an important place in the history of Japanese castles. Walking through the castle, the layers of stone walls, winding passageways, and well-preserved wooden structures make it easier to imagine its defensive design in the past. Admiring the white main keep from a distance, you can really feel the elegant grandeur it has retained over the years.

Especially when cherry blossom season arrives in spring, it feels as though everyone has planned to meet up and flock to Himeji Castle to see the flowers. From far away, you can see the bridge packed with people, all joining in the festivities. It is such a lively scene. The cherry blossoms throughout the grounds are in full bloom, and the pale pink blossoms paired with elegant Himeji Castle create an unforgettable view!

Compared with the dazzling golden exterior of Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji is not actually covered in silver leaf. Its understated, elegant wooden architecture gives a stronger sense of the Japanese beauty of wabi-sabi. The Ginshadan sand garden and Kogetsudai platform are also quite distinctive, creating a quiet and serene atmosphere alongside the scenery of the four seasons. If Kinkaku-ji represents splendor, Ginkaku-ji showcases another side of Kyoto’s aesthetic—simple and understated.

Kitano Tenman Shrine, located near Kobe’s Kitano Ijinkan district, sits on a hillside and is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. Climb the stone steps for a wide-open view overlooking Kobe and its cityscape. Although the shrine is not large, its vermilion torii gate and traditional shrine buildings have a distinctly Japanese atmosphere, creating an interesting contrast with the Western-style residences in the surrounding area. It’s worth stopping by while visiting the Ijinkan district.

Kuroyuri is a famous oden restaurant in Kanazawa, and as an oden fan, of course I had to make a pilgrimage here. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere. I ordered my favorite basics, including daikon and tofu, and everything was thoroughly soaked in the broth and warm and comforting. They also have hanpen, which is relatively uncommon in Taiwan. It’s a white, fluffy, soft fish paste product that becomes light yet springy when cooked, making it something of a rare find in Taiwan.

Tsutenkaku Tower is a must-see landmark in Osaka’s Shinsekai district. After going up to the observation deck, you can look out over the city of Osaka from above, but what left the deepest impression on me was Billiken, who is enshrined inside. This golden-haired, grinning god of fortune has a pair of especially prominent soles. It’s said that rubbing the soles of his feet and making a wish will bring good luck and fortune, as well as blessings for business prosperity, passing exams, finding a good match, and more.

I arrived at Senagajima in the afternoon and took a leisurely walk along the coast. With the sea breeze gently blowing, everything seemed to slow down. You can enjoy expansive ocean views here, and occasionally see planes flying overhead. Unfortunately, my schedule didn’t allow me to fully enjoy the beautiful sunset. I hope I’ll have a chance to visit again〜

The first impression Heian Jingu Shrine gives is one of grandeur. The enormous vermilion torii gate and brightly colored shrine buildings are very eye-catching, while the spacious white gravel courtyard inside evokes the solemn atmosphere of the Heian period. Heian Jingu Shrine was built in 1895, with its buildings modeled after the Imperial Palace complex of Heian-kyo. Behind them is a shrine garden covering about 30,000 square meters. After visiting in person, I felt that the architecture and gardens each had their own distinctive character, making it a great place for a leisurely stroll.