Linda Liao's Reviews Page 63/90

Nakamura Tokichi Honten in Uji, Kyoto, was founded in 1854 and has a history of more than 170 years. It began as a tea merchant and has long been known for its Uji tea. The shop retains the style of a traditional machiya townhouse, and you can enjoy specialties such as matcha desserts and tea soba noodles. If you're tired from walking around, stop in, sit down, and take a short break with a cup of rich matcha and a sweet. Before leaving, you can also pick out some Japanese tea to share with your family in Taiwan.

Located along the Uji River, Ujigami Shrine is one of the oldest surviving shrine buildings and sits across the river from Byodoin Temple. During the Heian period, it served as Byodoin Temple's guardian shrine. Its National Treasure main hall and worship hall are simple, tranquil, and historic. Compared with Byodoin Temple, there are fewer visitors here, making it easier to experience Uji's quiet, elegant side. There are also cute rabbit-shaped omikuji fortunes on the grounds that you can draw and take home as a souvenir.

Kao's Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence is a very popular sunscreen in both Taiwan and Japan. It has a watery lotion-like texture, spreads easily, and doesn't feel heavy or noticeably sticky after application, making it very comfortable for everyday use. Besides sun protection, it also moisturizes, so your skin is less likely to feel dry or tight. I especially like that it still feels refreshing when reapplied and doesn't get thicker with each layer, making it ideal for extended use while traveling or doing outdoor activities. Even when you're outside all day in hot weather, it's easy to stay protected from the sun, making it a very practical item to carry while traveling. It's also easy to find in Taiwan now, so restocking is convenient.

Tokyo Midtown is a mixed-use urban complex developed mainly by Mitsui Fudosan. Located near Hinokicho Park, it combines shopping, dining, offices, a hotel, and arts and cultural facilities, and the overall environment is quite comfortable. There are plenty of unique shops to browse at a leisurely pace, and you can also take a walk in the park while shopping and enjoy some rare greenery in central Tokyo. The Kayanoya store especially stood out to me. The staff greeted me warmly and offered me a sample of their dashi. It was savory, slightly sweet, and full of depth. I really liked it after trying it, so I ended up buying two kinds to enjoy at home. If you're near Roppongi, you can stop by and take a look around.

The Maple Mania's Maple Butter Cookies have a subtle maple aroma when you bite into them. Combined with the rich buttery flavor, they have an extra layer of sweetness, and the crisp texture is also very appealing. However, they're a little too sweet for me, so they're best enjoyed with unsweetened tea or coffee. This helps balance the sweetness and brings out the maple aroma even more. The packaging is elegant and high-quality, making them a very presentable souvenir.

Tokyo Station's deep red brick exterior is especially striking, with a strong Western classical style that creates an interesting contrast with the surrounding modern high-rises. The station building combines red brick and white stone, and its symmetrical facade and intricate domes give the entire station an elegant appearance. Up close, you can really appreciate the charm of this historic building. The overall view from the Marunouchi side is especially worth seeing, and the rooflines and architectural details are great for photos. The last time I visited a client, I had the chance to see Tokyo Station from high above, and it was unforgettable. Besides the impressive architecture, Tokyo Station is also a major destination for souvenirs. If you're short on time, buying everything here at once is also a good option.

Blue Seal is one of Okinawa's most famous and iconic ice cream brands. It offers a wide variety of flavors, from classic creamy options to distinctive Okinawan flavors. The texture is smooth, and the sweetness is just right. I think the signature vanilla sea salt is a must-try. The subtle saltiness pairs with the rich, creamy vanilla for a very distinctive flavor. If you want to try something different, you can also choose a tropical fruit flavor. It's sweet, tart, and refreshing, with a distinctly Okinawan vacation feel! Boxed versions are also sold at supermarkets and convenience stores, so you can buy some to enjoy at your hotel.

At iias Okinawa Toyosaki, you can shop, enjoy good food, and see the ocean all in one place. The mall is spacious and has a wide variety of stores, making it convenient whether you want to buy souvenirs, everyday necessities, or Okinawan specialties. When you're tired of shopping, you can also take a walk nearby and enjoy the seaside views. It's also a great final stop to stock up before the end of your trip. That day, I had to catch a ride, so I went straight to the basement supermarket to find something to eat. I bought some Okinawan rice balls, and there were also many prepared foods to choose from. Very convenient.

Everyone is familiar with Alfort chocolate. The ones you usually see at convenience stores mostly come in boxes with smaller portions, making them perfect for having a few whenever a craving hits. If that's not enough, larger stores also have family-size packs with bigger portions that are more satisfying. The chocolate is sweet and fragrant, and it pairs harmoniously with the wheaty flavor of the biscuits〜

When visiting Miyajima, you definitely shouldn't miss the fresh, plump local oysters! Kakiya, located on the shopping street, is a popular restaurant visited by many people. The menu focuses on oyster dishes, and the freshly grilled oysters are the top recommendation. They arrive piping hot and aromatic, and the oysters are plump and juicy, with a fresh sweetness and briny flavor. They're delicious without much seasoning.