Linda Liao's Reviews Page 42/90

Daimaru Kyoto is located in the Shijo-Karasuma area and is a great department store for shopping in central Kyoto. This time, I came specifically to buy the popular souvenir “GOUTER de ROI” French bread rusks for someone. I happened to find the limited-edition Halloween version, with cute seasonal touches added to both the packaging and the rusks themselves. Just looking at them made it hard not to pick up a few extra boxes. Besides the classic version, there are often limited-time products, so browsing here can bring some nice surprises.

Located inside Hakata Station, HAKATA DEITOS brings together a wide variety of authentic local souvenirs, making it a popular spot for travelers shopping for regional specialties. The most popular must-buy souvenirs here include the charming chick-shaped Hakata Hiyoko manju with their smooth filling, as well as the rich, velvety Hakata Torimon. You can also easily find mentaiko rice crackers and a wide selection of locally exclusive sweets.

While traveling through Aso, I passed by Komezuka and was drawn to its cute, distinctive upside-down-bowl shape, so I couldn't resist stopping to take a photo. Komezuka is a small volcano in the Aso volcanic group that formed about 3,300 years ago. Its gently rounded slopes are covered in lush green grasslands, making it especially soothing in spring and summer. Legend has it that Komezuka was rice given to the local people by a deity, which is how it got its warm and charming name. From a distance, it looks like a small green bun on the earth. Simple yet memorable, it's a scene well worth capturing on a trip to Aso.

Founded by the renowned confectionery brand FRANÇAIS, ichigo shop is Japan's only specialty store dedicated to strawberry desserts. Its signature creations perfectly combine sweet and tart strawberries with a rich milky flavor, offering exquisite treats such as strawberry milk sandwich cookies, mille-feuille pastries, and chilled cakes. They are also highly popular souvenirs from Tokyo Station.

This shopping center is connected to the long-established Matsuzakaya Ueno store and is designed as a stylish space that caters to sophisticated adult tastes. Both the mall and the connected Matsuzakaya offer a wide variety of panda-themed limited-edition goods and souvenirs. Because panda culture has long been deeply rooted in Ueno, many brands and cafes in the mall often offer charming panda-themed items and specialty dishes, making it a great place to look for comforting souvenirs.

The Ito-Yokado Ario Kameari store is huge, and there’s so much to browse that your feet will hurt from walking! The complex brings together Ario Mall and a large Ito-Yokado supermarket, with a full range of clothing and household goods brands, as well as an extensive food court and specialty souvenir shops. After shopping, I especially recommend heading straight to the supermarket for fresh seasonal strawberries. Each one is large, plump, sweet, and juicy, and taking them back to the hotel to enjoy is incredibly satisfying.

When you’re tired from shopping at LaLaport Toyosu, enjoying healthy, delicious, additive-free soups and signature oven-baked bread at Soup Stock Tokyo is a great way to recharge! There’s a wide variety of soup and curry combinations, and the dining area is comfortable. Even if you’re alone, you can easily mix and match a set meal based on how hungry you are and enjoy a warm, comforting meal at your own pace.

While traveling, I passed through JR Kyoto Station and stopped by Isetan to stock up on Ogurasansou rice crackers. Their rice crackers aren’t too hard, and the seasoning is mild, making them irresistible to both adults and children. Whether it’s the classic “Yama Shunju” or senbei in flavors like seaweed and curry, they’re all delicious and make great gifts.

When I came to shop at NEWoMan Yokohama, I made a special trip to find MAISON CACAO, which my Japanese coworker highly recommended! Their signature item is the incredibly moist and aromatic nama chocolate. It melts in your mouth and bursts with a delightful fruity aroma. There are three flavors, and they were gone as soon as I opened the package〜

Shiba Park is an excellent spot for photographing Tokyo Tower. The open views and lack of obstructions let you perfectly capture the majestic tower against the lush greenery. Whether you look up at it during the day or enjoy the illumination at night, you can easily take iconic photos of Tokyo!