Linda Liao's Reviews Page 36/75

Calbee potato chips are a popular Japanese snack, and if you're at Tokyo Station, I highly recommend trying the freshly fried chips and snacks! The freshly made chips are served piping hot, and you can smell the rich potato aroma as soon as you take a bite. They really do taste different from the packaged chips sold at supermarkets. The most interesting part is that you can watch the staff make them right in front of you, seeing the entire process from preparation to serving. Calbee fans shouldn't miss this when visiting Tokyo Station. The freshly fried texture is really worth trying!

The most eye-catching landmark is the giant spider sculpture "Maman" in front of the entrance, which makes for a very recognizable photo. It's actually more than just an office building—it also includes a shopping mall, restaurants, cafes, a movie theater, and other facilities, making it convenient for shopping and dining. Mori Tower is also home to the well-known Mori Art Museum and the Tokyo City View observation deck, offering sweeping views of the Tokyo cityscape.

The Roppongi Hills observation deck is on the 52nd floor of Mori Tower and is a great place to enjoy views of Tokyo. Looking down from above, you can see landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree, and on clear days, you may even be able to see Mount Fuji. General admission for adults is JPY 2,400, or JPY 2,200 when purchased online, so buying in advance is a better deal. The panoramic city views during the day and the city lights at night each have their own charm.

Matsunoya is a charming household goods store. As soon as I walked by, the woven rattan bags caught my eye, and I couldn't resist going inside to take a look. The store sells bamboo baskets, canvas bags, handmade everyday items, kitchen goods, and more. Many of the products have a simple, natural, handcrafted feel. There is no fancy packaging, which instead lets you appreciate the appeal of traditional Japanese household goods. People who like handmade items can come here to pick out practical little things that suit them. I'm sure they would make very memorable souvenirs.

The Curb Market is one of Hokkaido's popular markets for enjoying fresh seafood. It is filled with seafood shops and restaurants, where you can find Hokkaido specialties such as crab, sea urchin, and salmon. The huge crabs displayed throughout the market are especially eye-catching and have become a distinctive sight at markets in Hokkaido. Seafood lovers may want to set aside some time to look around.

Ueno Toshogu is located in Ueno Park. It is a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu and was founded in 1627. Once inside the grounds, the most eye-catching feature is the brilliantly gilded shrine building. Rows of stone and bronze lanterns extend from the entrance, adding a solemn, historic atmosphere. It is especially charming during cherry blossom season or when the peonies are in bloom, with the flowers complementing the traditional architecture.

Transportation in Japan isn't cheap. If your itinerary covers major destinations in the Kansai region, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, and Okayama, the Kansai Wide Area Pass is a very convenient option. It can be used on Shinkansen, limited express trains, and regular JR trains according to the applicable conditions, saving you quite a bit on transportation between cities. It's especially useful when visiting multiple cities, since you don't have to calculate the fare again for every trip. Using the pass makes traveling much easier. Make smart use of transportation passes and spend the money you save on good food, local treats, or souvenirs to get more value out of your trip!

Paris Ogawaken's Raisin Wich is a signature souvenir from this long-established Western-style confectionery shop in Tokyo's Meguro Ward. The cookies are filled with plenty of raisins and buttercream. Compared with Rokkatei's Marusei Butter Sandwich from Hokkaido, Ogawaken's cookies are slightly softer, with a mild buttery aroma but a stronger rum flavor. The raisins also have a distinct alcoholic aroma. Each has its own characteristics, but I would recommend Ogawaken more to those who enjoy a rich rum flavor.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street is about a 5-minute walk from Susukino, making it a great addition to an evening itinerary. After visiting Sapporo's attractions during the day, you can head straight to Tanukikoji at night to browse drugstores, souvenir shops, and all kinds of other stores, while also enjoying ramen, seafood, izakaya food, and more along the way.

Many people come to the restaurants in the complex after visiting the permanent exhibition to have a drink and enjoy a meal. The spacious dining areas and lively atmosphere make it a great place to experience Hokkaido's beer culture with family and friends.