Linda Liao's Reviews Page 36/90

The Kasuga Taisha Manyo Botanical Garden is located within the grounds of Kasuga Taisha Shrine and is surrounded by Nara's natural forests, offering different scenery in every season. Its main feature is its collection of plants associated with the beliefs of Kasuga Taisha, especially wisteria. During blooming season, the hanging clusters of purple flowers are particularly enchanting. The garden also has a variety of seasonal flowers and waterscapes, with a more relaxed pace than the shrine's worship area. Walking through the garden, you can experience the unique atmosphere created by the blend of Nara's natural scenery and shrine culture.

As soon as you enter Kasugataisha Shrine, the tall, stately old trees on both sides immediately shut out the noise from outside. Deep in the shade of the forest, there is also a coolness unique to spring, making it feel as though you are gradually entering the realm of the gods. Founded in 768 AD, Kasugataisha is one of Nara's most prominent shrines and enshrines the ancestral deities of the Fujiwara clan. The grounds are surrounded by a primeval forest, and ancient stone lanterns line the approach, adding a solemn and mysterious atmosphere. The most distinctive sight is the sika deer found everywhere. People in Nara believe that deer are messengers of the deities enshrined at Kasugataisha, so they have been especially revered since ancient times. Walking among the old trees, stone lanterns, and herds of deer, with sunlight filtering through the treetops, the surroundings are so quiet that you naturally slow your pace and feel the sacred atmosphere.

Himuro Shrine in Nara is a distinctive shrine associated with “ice.” Founded in 710 AD, it was originally connected to ancient rituals involving the preservation and offering of ice, which makes it quite unique. The shrine is not large, but the grounds have a peaceful atmosphere. Its most notable feature is the weeping cherry tree. When it blooms in spring, the pink flowers cascade like a waterfall, creating a beautiful contrast with the vermilion torii gate and shrine buildings. It is one of Nara's most iconic cherry blossom viewing spots. If you visit during cherry blossom season, it is easy to include a stop here while exploring the Nara Park area.

Himeji City Zoo is located right next to Himeji Castle and is a small zoo that is easy to visit while sightseeing in Himeji. The zoo is home to elephants, giraffes, lions, polar bears, and other animals. Although it is not very large, it has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. What makes it especially unique is that Himeji Castle can be seen in the distance from parts of the zoo. In spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the white Himeji Castle, pink blossoms, and zoo scenery come together to make for some nice photos.

For the last stop on my business trip, a colleague took me to Din Tai Fung on the sixth floor of Minamoa. Xiao long bao really are an absolute favorite among Japanese people—I honestly haven’t met anyone who doesn’t love them (laughs). One small bite, with thin wrappers and plenty of soup, melted away the entire day’s fatigue. Thanks to the yen’s recent weakness, eating a taste of home abroad didn’t feel expensive at all, and it actually worked out to be quite affordable. Ending this business trip perfectly with familiar flavors was so comforting!

Hozenji Yokocho’s Meoto Zenzai in Osaka is famous for its sweet red bean soup. One serving is divided between two bowls, symbolizing a happy marriage and a long-lasting relationship. It’s said to bring good luck in love to single people, while couples who eat it together will grow closer. The thick, rich soup is simmered with carefully selected Tanba Dainagon azuki beans, and each serving comes with salted kombu. The combination of sweetness and savory saltiness creates an exquisite flavor.

Nagatanien ochazuke is very convenient. When you open the package, you can see the green ochazuke granules mixed with thin strips of nori, and after adding hot water, the light tea aroma is very soothing. Just cook a bowl of white rice, sprinkle the seasoning over it, and pour in hot water. You can easily enjoy it without preparing any additional toppings. It’s especially handy on days off when you’re too lazy to cook, since you can make a meal in just a few minutes. Add a few pickles, and it’s savory and refreshing, with the feel of a Japanese family meal.

When browsing supermarkets or convenience stores in Japan, you'll often see Yamazaki Baking's “Lunch Pack,” a very iconic everyday bread in Japan. Soft white bread is cut in half and filled with different fillings, ranging from sweet to savory, with seasonal or limited-time varieties released from time to time. Since it's portable and doesn't need to be heated, it's great for breakfast, a snack, or a quick bite while traveling. It's also a familiar taste from childhood for many Japanese people.

Glico Almond Koka is one of the morning drinks we rotate through at home. Besides soy milk and dairy milk, it provides another healthy plant-based milk option. It has a mild almond flavor and a smooth taste, making it good with breakfast and suitable for vegetarians as well. Almonds contain nutrients such as vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids. Drinking it regularly adds different flavors and nutrients to breakfast and helps start the morning off right.

HORI Yubari Melon packs the rich aroma and sweetness of Hokkaido’s Yubari melons into a small dessert. Made with premium Yubari melon puree, it delicately blends the fruit’s fragrance and sweet flavor. As soon as you take a bite, you can savor the captivating, full-bodied melon aroma, as if tasting a piece of a Hokkaido orchard in summer.

Though small, each piece is packed with the essence of melon. It’s wonderfully fragrant and sweet without being overwhelming. There isn’t much, so you have to savor it slowly—a small everyday luxury and treat for yourself.