Linda Liao's Reviews Page 55/90

So many cute capsule toys. You can spend quite a while just hunting for treasures inside the store. I can only say I’m really impressed by the Japanese sense of design and creativity. There are so many delicate little decorations that it’s hard not to give in. If you get your favorite design on the first try, you’ll be very happy. It’s a little paradise where you can forget your worries for a while.

I was totally drawn into the store by Kuidaore Taro! The store is packed with Osaka-themed merchandise, from cute little items to all kinds of souvenirs, many of which you can only buy here. Even though I wasn't looking for anything in particular, I had a great time just browsing and checking out all the interesting products. If you come to Dotonbori, I recommend stopping in and hunting for treasures.

Kyoto Gyoen is located in central Kyoto and is much larger than I imagined, with broad tree-lined paths, lawns, and straight roads crisscrossing the grounds. Most of the main paths are gravel, giving a distinct sense of the ancient capital. The area was once home to the Imperial Family and the residences of court nobles, and it bears important witness to Kyoto’s long history as Japan’s political and cultural center.

The highlight is the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where generations of emperors once lived and held important ceremonies. The different buildings are not just beautiful on the outside; each palace, hall, and residence served a different purpose, from formal court ceremonies and receiving guests to the daily lives of the emperor and members of the Imperial Family. You can see the carefully planned spaces of Japanese court life. I recommend taking a guided tour to explore it more thoroughly and fully enjoy the visit.

The Yojiya Shijo Kawaramachi Store is located in Kyoto’s bustling Kawaramachi area. Blending traditional Kyoto aesthetics with a modern feel, it’s a souvenir shop worth stopping by during your trip. Popular items include Kyoto-exclusive and seasonal products. In addition to oil blotting papers, lip balm, hand cream, and Kyoto-inspired fragrances are also quite popular. With elegant packaging and Kyoto-style designs, they’re perfect for either personal use or gifts.

Hanamikoji-dori Street is located in Kyoto’s Gion district and is one of the city’s most iconic historic streets. As you stroll along, you’ll see well-preserved traditional machiya townhouses, lattice windows, and teahouses on both sides. The stone-paved road and understated, elegant streetscape create a strong sense of the Edo period. This is an important setting for Kyoto’s geisha district culture. Since the Edo period, Gion gradually flourished thanks to visitors to Yasaka Shrine and its teahouse culture, developing unique traditions such as geisha and maiko.

Hanamikoji-dori Street is especially charming in the evening, when the lantern-lit street feels quiet and mysterious. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko hurrying by in a gorgeous kimono!

What sets GRAND Calbee apart is its thick-cut, crispy texture and variety of limited-edition flavors, making it suitable as either a snack or a gift. This time I bought the “Ariake Nori” flavor. It had a rich seaweed aroma and a savory, salty taste with plenty of umami. It was a pleasant surprise the first time I tried it, but it was also relatively expensive.

If you're traveling to Kumamoto and want to bring home a variety of local specialties, Higo Yokamon Market is worth checking out. It offers a wide selection of Kumamoto specialties and souvenirs, from sweets and snacks to local products. They're great as gifts for family and friends or for enjoying yourself.

AMU PLAZA Kumamoto is a large shopping mall next to Kumamoto Station in Japan that combines shopping, dining, and entertainment. It has many clothing stores, lifestyle goods shops, and restaurants, meeting the needs of different visitors all in one place. The mall's biggest features are its spacious, bright interior and its greenery-filled atrium. There's also an outdoor observation area on the top floor where you can enjoy views of Kumamoto City.

In the evening, you can shop and find something to eat at the multi-purpose commercial complex SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto. Transportation, shopping, dining, and entertainment are all combined in one place, making it very convenient.

This time, I happened to come across a Taiwan promotional event, which was such a pleasant surprise! The air was filled with familiar, nostalgic aromas, and all kinds of Taiwanese street food, including bubble tea, fried chicken cutlets, and braised snacks, appeared on the streets of Kumamoto. The flavors of Taiwan filled the air in Kumamoto and felt especially comforting.

Standing tall in the heart of the city, Kumamoto Castle is not only Kumamoto's most iconic landmark but also one of Japan's important historic castles. Its majestic main keep, sturdy stone walls, and historic castle buildings make you feel the weight and solemnity of its centuries-long history as soon as you approach.

The Kumamoto earthquake several years ago caused severe damage to this famous castle. Many stone walls collapsed, and some buildings were also damaged. After years of effort, many exterior walls and parts of the castle are still undergoing restoration. Walking through the castle and seeing the areas still under construction, it may not look as complete as it once did, but it also gives you a deeper appreciation of how difficult it is to restore a historic site.

I never expected another major earthquake to strike this year, once again putting the weathered Kumamoto Castle to the test. The road to restoration may be long, and it may take many years to regain its former glory. I hope Kumamoto recovers soon and returns to its former splendor.