Linda Liao's Reviews Page 56/90

Sunroad Shinshigai is one of Kumamoto City's most prominent entertainment districts. It connects with the Shimotori Shopping Arcade in the city center, creating a continuous shopping route. The area is mostly filled with food and beverage businesses, along with many izakayas, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It becomes especially lively in the evening when the lights come on and crowds gather after work.

The Shimotori Shopping Arcade is located in central Kumamoto City and is a lively district that combines shopping, dining, and leisure. Its main feature is the long covered arcade, which provides shelter from the sun and rain and makes it easy for visitors to shop. The arcade has many clothing stores, drugstores, restaurants, and specialty shops, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of local residents.

This time, I joined a special guided tour arranged by the hotel and followed the guide into the Kamitori Shopping Arcade, which is full of local everyday life. Strolling through the streets wasn’t just about shopping; the tour also introduced us to Kumamoto’s history, culture, and daily scenery. The area is lined with all kinds of shops, cafés, and long-established businesses, blending tradition and modernity and showcasing Kumamoto’s unique urban charm.

The most impressive stop was Jobundo Kawashima Bookstore, founded in 1877. This nearly 150-year-old bookstore not only sells books but also houses many old documents, antique maps, prints, and valuable historical materials related to Kyushu and Kumamoto. It’s like a cultural treasure trove preserving local memories. Cultural figures such as Natsume Soseki and Lafcadio Hearn are also said to have visited!

It provides immediate relief from itchy skin and is one of the medicines we always keep at home. The texture is gentle and easy to apply, making it suitable for daily skin care and areas with dryness and itching. Both seniors and children can use it with confidence. Yuskin's body lotion is also very good—it absorbs well and isn't sticky.

While visiting COREDO Muromachi near Nihonbashi, I saw Kayanoya and of course couldn’t pass it up, so I immediately went in to stock up! The classic “Kayanoya Dashi” is a must-buy. It’s great for everyday soups and rice dishes, and you can also open the dashi packet and use the contents directly as seasoning. This time, I also found small packages of dried soup cubes, miso soup, and various instant soups. They’re especially convenient to keep at the office—just add hot water at lunchtime for an easy meal full of Japanese flavor.

I came across this by chance in the food hall of a department store in Osaka. It was really delicious, so it’s no wonder many people call it the “Louis Vuitton of Pocky.” My favorite was the one in the blue package, with its savory, salty flavor. The biscuit itself was crispy with a subtle buttery aroma, and every bite had so many layers〜 But I could only indulge a little since it isn’t cheap.

Meishoku Bigansui is a classic Japanese medicated toner designed to help with acne, pores, and skin texture. It feels refreshing and non-sticky. Personally, my skin felt fresher after using it, and the effects were especially noticeable on acne-prone, oily skin. Some people also use it as a localized toner pack or to wipe their T-zone. However, it has a noticeable alcohol feel and a distinctive herbal smell, and it may cause stinging or dryness when your skin is sensitive or its barrier is compromised. Overall, it is better suited for localized care on oily, acne-prone skin. If using it for the first time, apply only a small amount and avoid the eye area.

Ichikami shampoo features Japanese botanical care, with plant extracts such as rice bran and camellia to gently cleanse the scalp and hair. After washing, my hair felt soft and smooth, with less frizz, and it had a light cherry blossom scent. It focuses on everyday repair and is suitable for people who want to keep their hair shiny, bouncy, and healthy-looking. Most importantly, it isn't expensive and is worth trying.

LAWSON's MACHI café is a popular coffee service at Japanese convenience stores, offering freshly brewed coffee, lattes, and other drinks. It's convenient, affordable, and easy to enjoy while shopping at the store. In addition to drinks, LAWSON also has many recommended hot foods, such as crispy fried chicken, piping-hot meat buns, oden, and the very popular L Chiki fried chicken. These foods are not only quick and convenient but also make great snacks.

When visiting Kumamoto, you shouldn't miss the local specialty Taipien, and Kourantei is a popular, long-established restaurant where you can try it. Inside, the traditional space, red lanterns, and Chinese-style decor create a strong nostalgic atmosphere with a distinctive charm. Kourantei's Taipien uses smooth glass noodles instead of regular noodles and includes ingredients such as shrimp, sliced meat, vegetables, and egg. The broth is flavorful and refreshing, with a mild taste that isn't too greasy. The glass noodles fully absorb the broth, making them especially flavorful. It's also a good choice for older people who aren't used to some Japanese dishes.