Linda Liao's Reviews Page 4/102

If you want to browse merchandise from all the most popular cartoon characters in one place, Tokyo Character Street is the place to go! It’s truly a paradise of cuteness, with surprises in every store. Crowds of shoppers pack the stores, happily picking out merchandise while exclaiming, “Kawaii!” The lively atmosphere makes it hard not to get excited too. On my first visit, I headed straight to the Pokémon Store. The dazzling selection of plush toys and merchandise was almost overwhelming, and there were also limited-edition Pikachu items worth collecting. Ghibli fans can hunt for treasures at Donguri Republic, while fans of Snoopy, Rilakkuma, or One Piece can also find dedicated stores. There are also limited-time pop-up shops, so every visit feels fresh.

Anyone who has ever tried wearing a Japanese kimono will surely be familiar with these delicate Japanese floral hairpins~ Once you've put on the kimono and styled your hair, adding a beautiful floral hair accessory instantly gives the whole look an extra touch of elegance. If you're in Kyoto, consider booking a workshop to experience the fun of traditional fabric flower-making. They use finely textured, lightweight, and smooth habutae silk with a natural sheen. With skillful folding, it can be transformed into delicate flower petals and is also a common material used for maiko hair accessories. A patient instructor provides guidance, so even those with no crafting experience can participate with confidence. The finished piece is small and cute, and it can also be made into a special hair accessory for a child. It's definitely a travel keepsake filled with Kyoto charm!

When it comes to Ikebukuro’s iconic shopping complexes, Sunshine City is definitely one that can’t be left out. I still remember meeting up with friends in Ikebukuro years ago, and this was always our most familiar meeting spot. Since opening in 1978, this large complex has become an Ikebukuro landmark. In addition to its dazzling array of shops and restaurants, it also has an aquarium, planetarium, indoor amusement park, and an observation deck on the upper floors, so you can spend the whole day here without getting bored. Every time I walk in, it feels like I’m returning to those wonderful times spent with friends. It brings back fond memories.

The Japan Olympic Museum is located in Meiji Jingu Gaien in Tokyo’s Shinjuku area, near the National Stadium. It is a cultural attraction where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the Olympic spirit. Through valuable historical materials, videos, and interactive exhibits, the museum takes visitors through the history of the Olympic Games. You can also get a close look at commemorative items such as torches and medals. Most interestingly, some of the hands-on exhibits make you feel as if you were in the stadium, letting you experience the passion and emotion of athletes pushing their limits!

The museum opened in 2019 in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It was established to carry on the Olympic spirit and help more people learn about the history and emotion behind sports. The museum displays Olympic torches, athletic uniforms, and valuable historical materials. A visit here is not just about looking back at the Games, but also about appreciating the spirit of peace and unity conveyed by the Olympics.

The Hakata Traditional Craft and Design Museum is a free, lesser-known spot in Fukuoka that’s worth bookmarking. If you like traditional Japanese crafts, don’t miss it~ The museum displays many traditional works unique to Hakata, such as colorful, expressive Hakata dolls and delicate, charming ornaments. Each piece is full of local character. Hakata dolls capture the spirit of their subjects through meticulous craftsmanship, paired with vivid yet soft colors that make them hard to stop admiring. The museum isn’t very large, so you can take your time and see everything in about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Afterward, you can also pick out a favorite craft as a souvenir. If you have time, plan a relaxing little outing filled with culture.

I once received TOKIYA dorayaki as a gift from a Japanese client, and I still can’t forget its gently sweet, comforting flavor. Founded in 1948, TOKIYA is a long-established Japanese sweets shop in Shinjuku. Its signature dorayaki is even said to be the inspiration for Doraemon’s favorite snack. The soft, fluffy pancakes have a subtle egg aroma and are filled with plenty of homemade red bean paste. They’re sweet but not overly so—simple, yet full of the warmth of skilled craftsmanship. If you’re shopping at Shinjuku West Exit HALC, consider getting this timeless classic to go.

Tokyo Midtown is located in Roppongi and is one of Tokyo’s most iconic upscale mixed-use commercial districts. The surrounding area is filled with luxury residences, hotels, and office buildings, creating a stylish and elegant atmosphere. At its center is the large, interconnected Tokyo Midtown shopping complex, where you can leisurely shop and enjoy a meal. Walking around here, you can almost get a sense of the lifestyle and tastes of Tokyo’s wealthy residents. Every winter as Christmas approaches, a limited-time outdoor ice-skating rink is also set up, filling the area with Christmas spirit. If you’re interested, you can rent skates on-site and join in the fun~

This time I bought a 3-day Hakone Free Pass and was pleasantly surprised to find that I could also take transportation to Gotemba Premium Outlets. It was a really good deal! I set aside a relaxing afternoon to shop here. Gotemba Premium Outlets is a well-known large outlet mall in Japan, with many international designer brands, sports brands, and household goods. You can also see Mt. Fuji in the distance and enjoy the scenery while shopping. It takes about an hour by bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station, so it’s quite convenient to get there. On this trip, I not only bought some clothes I liked but also picked out several pleasantly scented hand creams to give to my family.

This time, while browsing the FUJITV SHOP Fujisan store at Tokyo Station, I unexpectedly came across merchandise from the classic retro Japanese anime Sazae-san, which instantly brought back many childhood memories. Sazae-san centers on the everyday life of an ordinary Japanese family, portraying family interactions and daily moments through humorous, heartwarming stories. It is a long-running anime known in virtually every Japanese household.

Even more interestingly, Chibi Maruko-chan once featured this classic series, which made it feel especially familiar. It was rare to come across merchandise with such a nostalgic feel, so I ended up choosing a box of specialty sweets to take back to Taiwan and share with my coworkers.

When I come to downtown Tenjin to visit clients, I often pass by Tenjin Central Park. This lush green space feels like a small oasis in the middle of the bustling city. During work hours on weekdays, you can often see office workers taking a break under the shade of the trees during some downtime, enjoying a moment of leisure and a little breathing room in their busy lives. Last time, I happened to visit during the Christmas season. The park had quietly taken on a festive new look, the Christmas tree decorations were going up, and there was a nighttime illumination event. It was very lively〜