Linda Liao's Reviews Page 4/90

While strolling around Mojiko, I was drawn to this Western-style building with its exotic atmosphere. Since it was still early, I decided to buy a ticket and take a look inside. The Former Moji Mitsui Club was built in 1921 as a social club where Mitsui Bussan could entertain company guests and provide accommodations. It also bears witness to Mojiko’s thriving trade during that era. Inside, the refined wooden structure, ornate fireplaces, and vintage furnishings make you feel as though you’ve traveled back in time to experience the elegance of a century ago. The biggest surprise was learning that Einstein and his wife stayed here for five days during their trip to Japan in 1922! Their room from that time has been specially recreated on the second floor, along with related commemorative exhibits. The building also introduces Fumiko Hayashi, a writer from Moji. I had only gone in on a whim because the exterior caught my eye, but I unexpectedly learned so many historical stories, adding an extra discovery to my stroll around Mojiko.

Akihabara Electric Town is one of Tokyo's best-known hubs for electronics and subculture. Originally known for its home appliance stores, it has evolved into a popular destination for fans of anime, manga, video games, and models. Large electronic billboards, anime characters, and themed stores can be seen everywhere, with a dazzling variety of products ranging from computer parts and video games to figurines and capsule toys. It's not to be missed if you're interested in Japanese otaku culture. As you explore the distinctive shops, you'll often come across unexpected collectibles and limited-edition items.

Located in Tokyo's Odaiba district, Miraikan is an interactive museum that connects science with everyday life. Topics ranging from space, Earth, and life to artificial intelligence can be explored through large-scale exhibits and interactive installations. Many of the exhibits are not just for viewing but can be operated firsthand, making abstract scientific concepts easier to understand. The museum's most eye-catching feature, Geo-Cosmos, displays the Earth on a large sphere, offering a completely different impression depending on the viewing angle. After visiting Odaiba's other attractions, this is a great place to spend a few hours exploring at a leisurely pace, especially for anyone interested in technology and the future of everyday life.

The Japan Mint in Osaka began operating in 1871 and marked an important starting point in the establishment of Japan's modern currency system. At the Mint Museum, you can see actual objects that trace the evolution of Japanese currency. The museum displays ancient currency, gold and silver coins, medals, and coins from around the world. The enormous and striking Tensho Hishi Oban is especially worth seeing. In addition to admiring the intricate designs and craftsmanship of the coins, you can learn how Japan's minting technology developed over time. It's a very distinctive history museum.

Hama-Rikyu Gardens is located beside Tokyo Bay, only about a 10-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station. This imperial garden, which dates back to the Edo period, features Tokyo's only seawater pond, Shioiri Pond, whose appearance changes with the tides. Surrounded by old pine trees, the garden has elegant scenery, and the Nakajima-no-Ochaya teahouse in the middle of the pond is an excellent place to enjoy matcha and wagashi. Walking through the garden, you can experience the tranquil charm of a traditional Japanese garden while also taking in a distinctive urban landscape where modern high-rises rise in the distance.

Kema Sakuranomiya Park is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Osaka, stretching along both banks of the Okawa River. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in spring, the entire riverbank seems to be surrounded by a sea of pink flowers. As you walk beneath the rows of cherry trees, you can admire the blossoms while watching boats slowly pass along the river, adding a touch of romance to the cityscape. During cherry blossom season, there are also vendors and crowds of visitors along the river, creating an atmosphere that is both lively and relaxed. If you're visiting Osaka in spring, it's well worth setting aside some time to see the blossoms here.

Osaka Castle is one of Osaka's most iconic historical landmarks. Construction was originally begun by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583, and it served as an important base after he unified the country. After being damaged in war and rebuilt, the castle tower seen today is not the original structure from the Toyotomi era but a reconstruction completed in 1931, with an exterior that preserves the familiar appearance of the castle. The castle tower is not the only highlight. The expansive castle park, moat, and towering stone walls are also quite impressive, and walking through the grounds gives you a sense of the castle's former scale. When the cherry blossoms bloom in spring, it also becomes one of Osaka's most popular cherry blossom viewing spots.

When visiting Dazaifu, you definitely shouldn't miss umegae mochi! The surface is stamped with a plum blossom design, and the outer layer is made with glutinous rice. Fresh off the grill, it has a lightly toasted aroma and a chewy yet slightly crisp texture, with smooth red bean paste inside that isn't overly sweet. Many shops along the approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine sell them. Buying one to eat while strolling around and enjoying it piping hot and freshly grilled is very satisfying.

The English House has a strong British atmosphere. Its interior is designed in the style of a British home, with vintage furniture, tableware, and household items that make you feel as if you've stepped into a British home from the past. The most interesting part is that free Sherlock Holmes-style costumes are available. You can dress up as a detective and take commemorative photos inside, instantly transforming into a detective from a novel. Compared with simply touring the building, the interactive experience makes the visit more fun. It's also a good place to take amusing photos with friends, making a visit to the historic Western-style houses even more memorable.

While shopping in Daikanyama, I happened to wander into Forestgate Daikanyama and discovered that Blue Bottle Coffee had opened here, so I stopped in for a break. The entire commercial complex features a blend of nature, greenery, and modern architecture. It doesn't feel crowded like a traditional shopping mall, but instead has a more relaxed and refined atmosphere. In addition to the coffee shop, it also has restaurants and lifestyle stores, making it a great place to take a break while shopping and experience Daikanyama's distinctive slower pace.