Linda Liao's Reviews Page 53/90

A souvenir brought by a coworker from Fukuoka. If I remember correctly, the manju had a smooth white bean paste filling, and the milky flavor blended very well with the aroma of the bean paste. The outer layer was soft and not dry, and the sweetness was fairly pronounced. It combines Japanese wagashi with a Western-style milky flavor, but I’d still recommend having it with tea or coffee so it doesn’t feel too rich.

Shibamata Taishakuten Daikyo-ji Temple is Shibamata's most iconic temple and an important place of worship for local residents. Founded in 1629, one of the temple's most appealing features is its exquisite wood carvings. A closer look reveals many remarkably lifelike works. After walking along the quaint approach to the temple, the bustle of central Tokyo gives way to the relaxed atmosphere of a traditional shitamachi neighborhood. Shibamata was also made famous by the movie series Otoko wa Tsurai yo, so come here to worship, take a stroll, and experience its strong shitamachi character.

A snack and candy shop filled with Showa-era nostalgia. Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time. The shelves are packed with all kinds of nostalgic Japanese snacks, many with cute and interesting retro packaging. Some are even old-fashioned flavors that are rarely seen today, and just browsing around is a lot of fun. Although the shop isn't large, it has quite a few little surprises hidden inside, making you feel as if you've gone back to the Showa era.

Mugwort dango is a Japanese sweet that I personally like quite a bit. The dango is soft with a little chewiness, and the more you chew, the more you can taste the aroma of rice and the subtle fragrance of mugwort. It's simple but something you won't get tired of eating. The shop's exterior is quaint yet unpretentious, and while walking along the approach to Shibamata Taishakuten, seeing a traditional shop like this feels especially charming. You can buy some and enjoy it while taking a walk~

Located near Shibamata Station, this center provides travel information, maps, and introductions to attractions around Shibamata. You can also learn about ways to explore Taishakuten, the approach to the temple, and the Edogawa area. If it’s your first time in Shibamata, it’s worth stopping here to pick up some information before you start exploring so you can enjoy your visit even more.

Shibamata Taishakuten Sando retains a strong old-town atmosphere. It runs from Shibamata Station to Taishakuten, and although it’s only a short street, it has a lot of character. Traditional wagashi shops, rice cracker shops, eel restaurants, and snack shops line both sides, with many long-established businesses that make you feel as if you’ve stepped back into the Showa era. It was also an important setting for the film series Otoko wa Tsurai yo, adding to Shibamata’s nostalgic charm. Compared with central Tokyo, Shibamata has a much more relaxed pace. It’s a great place to browse the shops slowly, grab a snack, and then visit Taishakuten to experience the warmth of old Tokyo.

Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is a well-known spot in Tokyo for viewing plum blossoms, attracting many visitors in early spring. I've been here several times, and every time I see the plum blossoms set against the shrine buildings, I still find the scene especially beautiful. The shrine is said to have been founded in 458 and later came to enshrine Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning, making it a famous place in Tokyo to pray for academic success. The grounds aren't very large, so they're perfect for a leisurely stroll. During plum blossom season, there are also food stalls selling hot dishes such as yakisoba, with small stools where visitors can sit, eat, and rest. Sitting down to admire the plum blossoms after walking around creates a very relaxing atmosphere.

This is a very popular Okinawan souvenir made with Yukishio salt from Miyakojima, Japan. The cookies have a light salty flavor and are crisp without being overly sweet. The delicate saltiness of Yukishio gives the cookies more depth of flavor. They’re individually wrapped, making them easy to share and carry, and they’re perfect for bringing back to Taiwan to give to friends and family. Compared with the generally sweeter Japanese snacks, these are recommended for people who like sweet and salty treats.

TOKYO SKYTREE is another iconic Tokyo landmark following Tokyo Tower. Besides going up the tower to enjoy views of Tokyo, there’s actually a lot to browse inside. It has many stylish shops offering everything from souvenirs and desserts to household goods, and you can often find various collaboration and limited-edition items.

Atre Ebisu is a shopping complex I personally really enjoy browsing. Compared with large department stores, it has more unique little shops, and I often unexpectedly find small items that I want to take home. I especially like the Afternoon Tea home goods store on the 5th floor. From tableware and household goods to all kinds of cute little items, the designs are simple yet stylish, and I can't help stopping in for a look every time I pass by.