Linda Liao's Reviews Page 44/90

I highly recommend this long-established wagashi shop! The sweets are delicious, but the service is even more memorable. As soon as you enter, the warm and friendly staff serve you hot tea and a small treat, which feels especially heartwarming when visiting in winter. The shop offers many kinds of wagashi, and you don't have to buy a large box all at once. Many sweets are sold individually, so you can choose the flavors you like. It's convenient whether you want to buy a few as gifts or enjoy them yourself. If you have the chance, stop by and experience the attentive and warm hospitality of a traditional Japanese shop!

When shopping in Shinjuku, besides visiting the major department stores nearby, I also often come to Bic Camera at Shinjuku Station West Exit HALC. You can find everything from home appliances, cameras, and beauty products to all kinds of popular Japanese items, making it convenient for shopping for gifts or electronics. The biggest advantage is its location near the west exit of Shinjuku Station. It's in the same station area as other shopping spots, which saves a lot of time when planning your itinerary. It's just right for stopping by while you're out shopping!

Ginza Mitsukoshi is one of Ginza's most iconic long-established department stores. Its exterior blends historic and modern design, with a clean, streamlined facade and a prominent “M” logo that have made it a classic Ginza landmark. The department store focuses mainly on luxury brands and fashion, bringing together international brands, beauty products, household goods, and food. The basement food floor is also quite popular, making this a representative place to experience Tokyo's upscale department store culture.

The Sendai Castle ruins are larger than I imagined. Walking around, you can get a sense of the scale of the former castle. There are no complete buildings left to visit, and the most striking sight is the equestrian statue of Date Masamune, a must-see landmark here. That day, I also came across elementary school students on a field trip. The children listened attentively to the guide and learned about Sendai's history. Their focused and adorable expressions left a deep impression on me. The castle ruins are located on high ground, offering wide-open views overlooking downtown Sendai.

As you walk down the street, you'll see Korean restaurants, kimchi shops, Korean food, and general goods everywhere. The signs and the aroma of grilled meat drifting through the air make you feel as though you've arrived in Korea. For Koreans living in Japan, this isn't just a place to shop and eat. It also offers a familiar taste of home that can ease some of the homesickness of living abroad.

If you're traveling from Osaka to Kyoto for sightseeing, I highly recommend taking the Kyo-train GARAKU. In my opinion, it's definitely a great value! Unlike many sightseeing trains that require advance reservations and charge higher fares, you can ride the Kyo-train GARAKU for just the regular Hankyu train fare. No additional reservation is needed, and you can enjoy a distinctive train filled with Kyoto charm.

The greatest appeal of the Kyo-train GARAKU is that each of its six cars has a different theme, such as maple leaves or winter scenery. Every car has its own atmosphere, making it feel as though you've already begun a short trip before even reaching Kyoto. The interiors feature plenty of wood, traditional Japanese design, and subdued colors, creating a strong sense of Zen. The seats and window views are also thoughtfully designed, turning what would normally be simple travel time into one of the highlights of the journey.

You don't have to pay extra for a sightseeing train or scramble to reserve tickets to travel to Kyoto on such a beautiful train. It's especially suitable for first-time visitors to the Kansai region. Next time you go from Osaka to Kyoto, consider adding the Kyo-train GARAKU to your itinerary!

When it comes to electronics retailers in Japan, people from Taiwan are probably more familiar with Bic Camera and Yodobashi. But EDION is also a well-known Japanese electronics retailer, with stores mainly in western Japan, from the Chubu and Kinki regions to Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu. It carries a comprehensive selection of appliances and electronics, from beauty appliances and consumer electronics to household appliances, along with excellent after-sales service. Consider stopping by EDION next time~

One of Osaka's most romantic winter sights—the Midosuji Illumination! Held along Midosuji in Osaka from around November to December each year, it stretches from Yodoyabashi to the Shinsaibashi area, lighting up the entire street with a dazzling sea of lights. The area around Shinsaibashi left the deepest impression on me. While shopping and strolling around, you can look up and see the sparkling lights. Walking among them really puts you in a festive winter mood, and every photo looks good!

GINZA INZ is located in Ginza 1-chome. What's most distinctive is that the shopping complex sits beneath the elevated Tokyo Expressway and consists of several buildings. It brings together all kinds of stores selling clothing and household goods, as well as restaurants. Compared with Ginza's upscale department stores, it feels more affordable and down-to-earth. GINZA INZ 1 also has an officially licensed Moomin specialty store with lots of cute merchandise. I really enjoy stopping by to browse.

GINZA BOUL'MICH is known for its elegant desserts. Its waffles have a cute appearance, and the crisp, fragrant waffles paired with a delicate sweetness create a rich texture. In addition to waffles, the shop also offers cakes, chocolates, and other desserts. There is also a counter at Tokyo Station, making it convenient for travelers to buy them.