Linda Liao's Reviews Page 46/90

Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store

Since its beginning in 1673 as a kimono store, Echigoya, Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store has built its history for 350 years as the face of Nihombashi area. It was announced to become a department store in 1904 as the first in Japan.

Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
Commercial Buildings

21 Sep 2026 See More

Nihombashi Mitsukoshi is one of Japan's oldest and most iconic department stores. Its history dates back to Echigoya, founded in 1673. Located in the heart of Nihombashi, its exterior has an elegant and dignified style. Last time, I came specifically to shop at the Bic Camera electronics store on the 6th and 7th floors.

Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka, Sennichimae Main Store

Located in the bustling area of Namba, surrounded by attractions like "Kuromon Market" and "Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street ". It's no surprise to see a line even on weekdays, and the skilled chefs at the storefront prepare takoyaki at a pace that matches the incoming flow of customers.

Shinsaibashi, Namba, Nipponbashi (Minami)
Japanese Cuisine

21 Sep 2026 See More

You have to eat takoyaki when you come to Osaka! Takoyaki originated in Osaka and gradually became one of the city's most iconic foods for ordinary people. A small piece of octopus is wrapped in piping-hot batter, slightly crisp on the outside and soft inside, then topped with a savory sauce and Japanese mayonnaise and sprinkled with aonori and bonito flakes. It's wonderfully fragrant. Each little ball may look simple, but everything from the batter ratio to the heat requires skill!

PORTA Kagurazaka

On the west side of JR Iidabashi Station, starting from the bottom of Kagurazaka-Dori and climbing a couple of minutes, there is a building located on the left side. On the top floor is a facility connected to Tokyo University of Science, and the lower 2 floors house shops surrounding a restaurant.

Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
Commercial Buildings

21 Sep 2026 See More

PORTA Kagurazaka is a multipurpose commercial facility in the Kagurazaka shopping district that combines restaurants, shops, and everyday conveniences. You can stop in and look around while taking a walk through Kagurazaka. There are quite a few places to eat, with options ranging from everyday meals to afternoon tea. After exploring Kagurazaka and its old-town atmosphere, you can come here to experience modern Tokyo life and see another side of Kagurazaka, where the old and new come together.

Kokyo Gaien National Garden

This park is located in the area outside the Main Gate to Japan’s Imperial Palace. At the center is the Garden Plaza, where green lawns are dotted with about 2,000 black Kuromatsu pine trees.

Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
Parks & Gardens

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The moat surrounds the Imperial Palace, with neatly trimmed pine trees and greenery along its banks. The scenery is simple yet very peaceful. Interestingly, once you leave this green space, you're surrounded by the high-rises of central Tokyo, creating a striking contrast between the bustling city and the tranquility of the Imperial Palace. Some areas of the Imperial Palace aren't always open to visitors, and entry is limited to designated times and subject to certain rules, so it's best to check the opening information before coming.

Matsumoto City Museum of Art

Opened in April 2002 with its eye-catching polka-dotted exterior, the museum showcases the works of the globally renowned avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, who hails from Matsumoto City. After undergoing extensive renovations lasting about a year, it reopened in April 2022 to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Nagano
Museums

21 Sep 2026 See More

The colorful polka dots and bold shapes are full of the artist's distinctive style, making this one of Matsumoto's most iconic photo spots. Yayoi Kusama was born in Matsumoto, and the museum houses many of her works, from her early creations to her classic series, offering a more complete experience of her artistic world.

Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street

It is a shopping street that developed from a collection of stores that served foreign customers at the time of the opening of the port of Yokohama, which dates back more than 150 years ago. The 600-meter-long main street with a sophisticated Western-style atmosphere is lined with a wide variety of highly-sensitive stores, including apparel, sundry, interior and accessory stores. There are also many sophisticated cafes and restaurants, so it is also attractive that you can enjoy shopping slowly while taking a break.

Yokohama
Shopping Streets

21 Sep 2026 See More

This is a long-established shopping street that gradually developed after the Port of Yokohama opened, and it still retains a strong sense of Western culture and port-town charm. The street isn't very wide, but it's packed with clothing stores, leather goods shops, dessert shops, cafes, and other unique little stores, giving it a more refined feel than a large shopping mall. Strolling along the street, you can experience Motomachi's distinctive sense of style. It's also one of Yokohama's most iconic shopping streets.

Kagurazaka

Kagurazaka, in Shinjuku, Tokyo, first got its start as a bustling geisha district. Visitors here will find a large shopping street that’s home to trendy shops and cafes, but just a few steps from the main drag sits a few cozy, veteran Japanese eateries, chic cobblestone streets and black, wood-latticed fences.

Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
Famous Places

21 Sep 2026 See More

Kagurazaka is one of my favorite places to stroll and shop. As you walk up the gentle slope, there are all kinds of small shops, restaurants, and cafes on both sides. The street has a slightly international atmosphere while still retaining the distinctive charm of an old Tokyo neighborhood. I would browse any shop that caught my eye and stop to try any food that looked good. Kagurazaka has quite a few specialty dessert and food shops, even a cheese specialty store, so eating while walking around was really enjoyable. The convenience, safety, and quality of life here are all excellent, so it's no wonder many young women consider it an ideal place to live.

Kanagawa Prefectural Government's Office (King's Tower)

The Kanagawa Prefectural Government's Office, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, is affectionately known as the "King's Tower." Along with Yokohama Customs Building's "Queen's Tower" and Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall's "Jack's Tower," it forms the "Three Towers of Yokohama." The building stands about 49 meters tall and is one of the symbolic structures of Yokohama Port.

Yokohama
Tourist Attractions

21 Sep 2026 See More

When I passed the Kanagawa Prefectural Government's Office, the beautiful exterior immediately caught my eye. I didn't realize it was a building with such a rich history. Completed in 1928, it is the fourth-generation prefectural government building, rebuilt after the Great Kanto Earthquake. It is known for its distinctive geometric decorations and tall tower, and the central “King's Tower” is one of the Three Towers of Yokohama. The building is still used as the prefectural government office today and has been designated a National Important Cultural Property.

Minatomirai Line One-Day Ticket

The Minatomirai Line is a railroad line connecting Yokohama Station to Motomachi- Chukagai (Chinatown) Station. Although the line has only 6 stations, it runs through Yokohama's representative tourist spots, such as the Minatomirai district, Yamashita Park, and Yokohama Chinatown, making it a strong ally of active tourists who wish to visit many areas in a single day.

Yokohama
Tickets & Passes

21 Sep 2026 See More

If you're planning to visit places like Minatomirai, Motomachi-Chukagai, and Yamashita Park in one day, the Minatomirai Line One-Day Ticket is worth buying. It offers unlimited rides at every station on the Minatomirai Line, letting you travel from Yokohama Station through Shin-Takashima, Minatomirai, Bashamichi, Nihon-odori, and Motomachi-Chukagai. It connects nearly all the attractions along the line. If you're getting on and off several times in one day, it's much more convenient than buying individual tickets.

Yumekaze Plaza in front of Todaiji Temple Gate

This is a facility consisting of restaurants and retail stores in Nara Park known for its wild deer. It is located in front of Todaiji Temple, famous for the Great Buddha within a walking distance from World Heritage Sites such as Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest, Kofukuji Temple, and Nara National Museum, making it the perfect place to stop by during sightseeing.

Nara
Commercial Buildings

20 Sep 2026 See More

After visiting Todaiji Temple, don’t rush to leave Nara! Be sure to stop by Yumekaze Plaza in front of the temple to browse and shop for distinctive Nara souvenirs. They have everything from delicate trinkets and local specialties to popular foods, as well as cute deer charms. Pick out a few to take home and share with family and friends.