Linda Liao's Reviews Page 43/90

Kaku Highball is an easy-drinking alcoholic beverage that's suitable for everyday enjoyment. Adding sparkling water to the whiskey makes it refreshing, with subtle woody notes and a sweet aroma, and it doesn't taste as strong as straight whiskey. Many people enjoy it with izakaya dishes, fried foods, or grilled meat, and it's very common in Japan.

Mishima Yukari shiso rice seasoning is the perfect companion for white rice! Just sprinkle on a little, and it instantly adds plenty of aroma. The shiso has a uniquely fresh, herbal fragrance, with a light saltiness and refreshing flavor. Its aroma is natural and not too heavy, giving even plain white rice more depth. It's easy to find at regular supermarkets, and anyone who likes the aroma of shiso should definitely try it!

When you visit the Hanshin Department Store in Umeda, Osaka, don't miss the hugely popular local favorite “Hanshin Meibutsu Ikayaki,” which has even been featured on Japanese TV! It isn't a whole squid grilled as is. Instead, pieces of squid are mixed with batter, pressed, and cooked on a griddle. It looks like okonomiyaki, but has a chewier texture, and you can still taste the freshness of the squid. Topped with the special sauce, it's savory with a hint of sweetness and hard to stop eating. It's affordable and easy to take to go, and has long been a classic B-class food familiar to people in Osaka.

Whenever I come to Kyoto, I always think of taking a stroll through Nishiki Market~ Known as “Kyoto's Kitchen,” it's packed with all kinds of Kyoto foods and long-established shops. It's really fun to browse, eat, and shop as you go. Besides all kinds of Kyoto-style pickles, you can also find dashi tamagoyaki from Nishiki Hirano, tamagoyaki from Miki Keiran, and fresh seafood from Nishiki Uoriki. If you like pickles, don't miss long-established shops such as Nishiri and Masugo. The colorful varieties of Kyoto pickles have flavors that are also very distinctive of Kyoto. Along the way, you can also pick up popular snacks such as soy milk donuts, takoyaki, and matcha sweets. There's a new surprise every few steps. If you want to experience Kyoto's everyday side, Nishiki Market is the place to go!

This place is on my go-to list. Whenever I'm traveling alone for work or leisure and don't know what to eat but want some hot and comforting rice soup, I think of it. The fragrant, rich dashi is served with rice and various toppings such as salmon and sea bream. It's light yet flavorful, comforting, and filling. The best part is how comfortable it is to dine here alone, and you don't feel awkward finishing your meal quickly.

Tokyu Plaza Ginza is located around Sukiyabashi in Ginza. What catches the eye most is its distinctive, futuristic exterior, with expansive glass curtain walls and geometric shapes that always make me take another look as I pass by. Inside, there are fashion, beauty, household goods, and dining shops, and the overall style is modern and fashionable.

If you enjoy browsing bookstores, I highly recommend adding this stop to your Ikebukuro itinerary! The Junkudo Bookstore Ikebukuro Main Store is huge, with everything from novels, manga, magazines, travel, and food books to all kinds of specialized publications. The floors are also clearly organized, so you can take your time browsing and choosing books. In addition to Japanese books, there are plenty of foreign-language books and stationery items. Even if you don't buy anything, it's interesting just to see what people in Japan usually read. The entire bookstore has a quiet, comfortable atmosphere, making it a nice place to step inside for some air conditioning while shopping, casually flip through books, and experience the distinctive culture of Japanese bookstores.

This is a well-known cherry blossom viewing spot in central Tokyo, with charming scenery during both the day and evening. In the daytime, sunlight shines down as cherry blossoms bloom along the moat, while swan boats dot the water and leisurely glide among the blossoms. The scene is as romantic as a movie. At night, the illuminated cherry blossoms create a completely different atmosphere. Soft lights shine on the trees in full bloom, making the setting even more dreamlike. If time allows, I highly recommend visiting once during the day and again at night to experience the beauty of the cherry blossoms along Chidorigafuchi Green Way at different times.

The MUJI flagship store in Ginza has several floors and a very extensive selection of products. You can browse everything from clothing, household goods, and stationery to food all in one place, making it a stop that MUJI fans definitely shouldn't miss. The store is spacious and neatly organized, and it's easy to spend quite a bit of time browsing. Tax-free shopping is also available for international visitors, which is very convenient.

When I visited Japan in the fall, I didn't expect the weather to be colder than I had imagined. I hadn't brought enough clothes, so I hurried to UNIQLO at Isetan to look for a jacket~ Isetan Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's most iconic long-established department stores. It has a wide variety of brands, offering everything from luxury goods, clothing, and beauty products to food. The basement food hall is especially popular. The overall shopping environment is refined, and the product displays are very tasteful.