Linda Liao's Reviews Page 33/90

The moment I walked out of Kanazawa Station, I was immediately struck by the magnificent Tsuzumi-mon Gate! The enormous wooden pillars paired with the transparent glass Motenashi Dome make it instantly recognizable, and it has become Kanazawa’s most iconic city landmark. The gate stands 13.7 meters tall and was inspired by the drums used in Kanazawa’s traditional Noh theater. Its two massive wooden pillars use modern construction techniques, combining traditional charm with a contemporary feel. The Motenashi Dome above was designed around the idea of “holding up an umbrella for travelers,” reflecting Kanazawa’s rainy and snowy climate. On my first visit to Kanazawa, the station itself already made a lasting impression, so it’s no wonder it was selected as one of the world’s most beautiful train stations.

Okinawa’s super-popular Houki Boshi cannelés are irresistible just from the packaging alone! Opening the box feels like stepping into a starry sky—it’s exquisite and dreamy. With the smallest 4-piece box, you can choose different flavors. The mini cannelés are made with brown sugar from Tarama Island, Okinawa. They’re slightly crisp on the outside and moist and soft inside, with a subtle brown sugar aroma. In addition to classic brown sugar, there are many distinctive flavors such as Okinawan milk, pineapple, and coffee. Each one is so tiny and cute that I almost couldn’t bear to eat it!

Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s premier cherry blossom viewing spots, with nearly 1,000 cherry trees of more than 65 varieties planted across its expansive lawns. From the early-blooming kanzakura and Kawazu cherry trees to the final display of Somei Yoshino and double-flowered cherry blossoms, the different varieties bloom one after another. The garden combines Japanese, English landscape, and French formal garden designs, creating enchanting scenery. Every spring, visitors and local residents bring picnic blankets and sit beneath the cherry trees, enjoying food and the romantic views while taking in the feeling of spring in Tokyo.

This Starbucks was designed by master architect Kengo Kuma. Its most striking feature is the use of approximately 2,000 pieces of traditional timber, woven diagonally and extending from the interior to the exterior. The entire building was constructed without a single metal nail. The flowing wooden lines perfectly complement the historical and cultural atmosphere of Dazaifu, blending nature, tradition, and modern architectural aesthetics. It’s an artistic landmark and photo spot you definitely shouldn’t miss when visiting Tenmangu Shrine!

The most unforgettable part of cycling along the Shimanami Kaido is crossing one bridge after another over the sea, with sweeping views of the deep blue water, scattered islands, and distant mountains along the way. This approximately 70-kilometer route connects Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture with Imabari in Ehime Prefecture, linking several islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Riding across the bridges with the sea breeze and expansive ocean views is a very special travel experience.

Among the Kitano Ijinkan, Weathercock House is one of the most iconic buildings and a must-visit for many tourists. Built during the Meiji era, it was once the residence of a German trader. Its exterior features red brick and timber construction, while the weathercock on the roof is the building’s most distinctive symbol. Inside, you can see furniture and living spaces left from when foreigners lived there and get a sense of the international culture that gradually developed after the Port of Kobe opened. The architectural details are also worth taking the time to appreciate.

The Kobe Kitano Ijinkan area is a popular attraction for first-time visitors to Kobe. After the Port of Kobe opened, many foreigners came to live here, leaving the Kitano area with numerous Western-style residences and buildings that make up today’s famous Ijinkan district. As you walk along the slopes and streets, you can see buildings from different eras and in different styles, each with its own story and distinctive features. However, there are quite a few houses, so if you want to visit them all at once, you should set aside at least half a day, or even a full day for a more relaxed visit. If you have limited time, consider buying a combination ticket and choosing a few Ijinkan that interest you. This will make your itinerary much more manageable.

I happened to come across Fujiyama Cookie by Lake Kawaguchi and fell in love at first sight! The classic Mt. Fuji shape is delicate and cute, with chocolate on top representing snow. They look almost too good to eat. The store offers a variety of tempting flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and matcha, so it’s no wonder it’s always packed with tourists choosing souvenirs. I picked up a few to try, and they’re quite suitable as souvenirs to share with family and friends.

JR Central Towers is connected to JR Nagoya Takashimaya, making it very convenient to get to. After arriving by Shinkansen or train, you can enter the shopping center directly without taking a detour. On this visit to Nagoya, of course I immediately stopped by the Ogura Sanso counter to stock up! The basement food floor has many popular Japanese souvenirs, and after shopping there, you can continue browsing clothing, household goods, and restaurants, which saves travelers a lot of time. It’s especially convenient to get all your snack and souvenir shopping done here before boarding the Shinkansen.

Nagoya’s Sekai no Yamachan truly lives up to its reputation for Maboroshi no Tebasaki! The skin is grilled until golden and crispy, and the savory, salty flavor of the signature pepper seasoning pairs perfectly with it. Juices burst out with every bite. A plate may look like a lot, but they’re so addictive that you can’t help eating one after another, and they’re gone in no time. No wonder they’re a must-try Nagoya specialty!