Linda Liao's Reviews Page 5/90

The last time I came to Hankyu Kobe-Sannomiya Station, I spent too long exploring the Kitano Ijinkan and could only hurry through Sannomiya Center Gai, which was a shame. It's about a 2–3 minute walk from the station, and the covered shopping street stretches on with all kinds of stores along the way, including clothing shops, general merchandise stores, dessert shops, and restaurants. Next time, if I have enough time, I'd like to stay longer and pick up some local specialties.

There’s an interesting little milk stand next to Okachimachi Station. Despite its small size, it carries fresh milk from small dairy farms all across Japan. The bottles are neatly lined up, each with its own place of origin and distinctive flavor, making it hard to know where to look. The hardest part is having so many choices but only one stomach, so in the end I could only pick one bottle to try! Remember to return the glass bottle to the staff after you finish. This simple and fun way of drinking milk also made it a special experience.

Moegi House in Kobe's Kitano Ijinkan district is a Western-style wooden residence with a fresh, airy feel. Its pale green exterior and white window frames make it quite eye-catching. Inside, the original layout and Western-style decor have been preserved, and the furniture, wallpaper, and window details offer a glimpse into the lives of the foreign residents who lived there in the early days.

If you're in the Tokyo Bay area, don't miss MITSUI OUTLET PARK KISARAZU in Chiba! It's about 45–50 minutes by direct bus from Tokyo Station, and buses are also available from Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Yokohama, and Haneda Airport, so it's very convenient to get to. The mall has around 300 stores, offering everything from international brands and clothing to household goods, so you can easily spend the whole day browsing. This time, I especially came to visit one of my favorites, BEAMS, and bought a cashmere scarf for half price at the outlet. The quality is good, and it was such a great deal. I'm very satisfied~

Glover Garden is located on a hill and is a classic attraction that simply shouldn’t be missed when visiting Nagasaki. What surprises many visitors most is that the grounds are much larger than expected, with a wide variety of well-organized exhibits. It’s well worth setting aside 2–3 hours to stroll around and take everything in.

The garden preserves several Western-style residences from the former foreign settlement dating from the end of the Edo period through the Meiji era. The most famous is the Former Glover House, Japan’s oldest wooden Western-style building. These beautiful buildings are not only elegant and historic on the outside, but best of all, most are open for visitors to explore inside. The refined antique furniture, beautiful fireplaces, and nostalgic decor recreate the Western lifestyle of that era. Every corner and garden makes for a stylish, Instagram-worthy photo.

The garden also offers excellent views. From the observation deck or terraces at the top, you can take in the beautiful scenery of Nagasaki Port and the entire cityscape. The blue sky and sea, together with the red roofs and white walls, create a refreshing view. Whether you’re watching the ships anchored in the distance or enjoying the gentle breeze, it’s hard to leave.

Yokohama Landmark Plaza is a great shopping mall to explore, with all kinds of stores, restaurants, and specialty items. The spacious, bright surroundings make it very comfortable to walk around. Besides shopping, you can also experience the lively atmosphere of Yokohama Minato Mirai. When you need a break, stop by HARBS on the third floor for some cake. The slices are generous and have a delicate texture, and paired with a rich cup of coffee, they make for a relaxing moment during your shopping trip.

While shopping at Osu Shopping Street in Nagoya, you'll find the lively streets packed with all kinds of stores, from clothing and general goods to food, with plenty of treasures to discover at your own pace. When you get tired, stop by Komeda's Coffee for a break. After all, it's a coffee shop chain that originated in Nagoya, so of course you have to experience it for yourself while you're here. Order a drink in the morning, and you'll also get complimentary toast and a boiled egg or another breakfast option. For an afternoon snack, I especially recommend ordering some piping-hot, freshly fried French fries with ketchup. Simple and delicious.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck is located in central Shinjuku and offers views of Tokyo in different directions from the upper floors. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji in the distance to the west, Shinjuku Gyoen and the Yoyogi area to the south, the Shinjuku skyscrapers and central Tokyo to the east, and the Ikebukuro area to the north. During the day, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the bustling city, while after dusk, the city lights come on, revealing a completely different view of Tokyo at night.

Japan's SEKKISUI 5-in-1 skincare product is perfect for people looking for a simple skincare routine! One bottle takes care of the toner, lotion, serum, cream, and face mask steps, so you don't have to spend too much time applying multiple products one after another. You can use it right after washing your face to hydrate your skin and keep it soft and moisturized. It's very convenient when you're in a hurry in the morning or want to pack light for an international trip, making skincare easy.

After browsing Atre Ebisu in the evening, if you’re looking for a late-night bite, take a walk around the station. Along Ebisu Ginza Street by the west exit, there are izakayas, seafood restaurants, bars, and other places, creating an especially lively atmosphere at night. Near the east exit, Ebisu Yokocho has even more Showa-era charm, with small eateries clustered together offering everything from grilled skewers and oden to teppanyaki and meat dishes. It’s fun just to walk around and look.