Linda Liao's Reviews Page 68/90

If you want to explore both Kamakura and Enoshima in one trip, I recommend buying the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass! You can easily travel by train to popular attractions such as the Great Buddha of Kamakura, Hasedera Temple, Kamakurakokomae, and Enoshima, while enjoying views of the Shonan coast along the way. It's more convenient than buying one-way tickets, and you can freely plan your day at your own pace. Whether it's your first time visiting Kamakura or you want to leisurely experience the charm of Japan's ancient capital and coastline, it's a very affordable and practical option.

When you come to Kamakura, you have to pay your respects to the Great Buddha!
The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in has weathered the years, yet still looks solemn and serene, giving off a dignified presence.

I previously saw on a TV show that the Great Buddha is given an annual “cleansing,” with specialists brought in to clean the statue. The spiral curls on its head are cleaned especially carefully, making it a major undertaking.

The Great Buddha also has a little secret—there are actually two windows on its back! These windows aren't decorative. They're there to ventilate the inside of the statue and let in light, while also helping reduce moisture for easier maintenance and preservation. That's another interesting fact I learned from the show.

A lively, vibrant shopping street stretching from Kamakura Station, lined with all kinds of food, sweets, souvenirs, and unique little shops. It's best to set aside some time to explore so you can discover interesting stores. It's popular not only with tourists but also with locals. Even if you return after some time, you'll find that familiar shops have been replaced by new ones, bringing fresh surprises with every visit.

When you step into the music box workshop, you're greeted by a dazzling array of cute little glass ornaments, each one delicate and so tempting to take home. First, choose the music you like, then create the look you want from the wide variety of decorations. Next, glue the little ornaments on one by one, and you're done! While waiting for the glue to dry, I already couldn't wait to see the finished product〜 Anyone who enjoys crafts can give it a try.

Stepping into the Otaru Music Box Museum Main Building is like entering a giant, magical jewelry box. The museum is filled with all kinds of delicate and adorable music boxes, from cute, rounded egg-shaped designs and romantic, dreamy carousels to sparkling crystal music boxes. Each one makes you want to stop and admire it closely. With their intricate craftsmanship, different shapes, and melodies, they feel like fairy tales held in the palm of your hand.

The most special part is that you can also experience making a music box yourself. Choose your favorite melody from a dazzling selection of music, then pair it with decorations and a design you like to create your very own “portable treasure box.” When the melody begins to play, your wonderful travel memories gently flow out with the notes.

I really like its chewy, bouncy texture. Every flavor is delicious, but grape is my favorite. The sweet and tart taste is just right, and the more you chew, the more addictive it gets! I usually carry a pack with me when I go out, so when I'm shopping or craving a snack, I can easily pop one in for a little sugar boost and that small sense of happiness from satisfying my sweet tooth〜

A gentle early-summer breeze blows through, bringing a slight chill to the Otaru Canal. Strolling along the canal and watching boats slowly glide across the water has a charm all its own.

Otaru was once an important port and commercial city in Hokkaido. Shipping and trade flourished from the late 19th to the early 20th century, and the canal was built at that time to make transporting goods easier. Today, it has become Otaru's most iconic attraction.

Many historic buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods remain on both sides of the street, creating a nostalgic port-town atmosphere. The shopping street has many distinctive shops offering Otaru glasswork, music boxes, sweets, sushi, seafood, and more, so you can shop and sample food while taking a stroll. The skillful blend of old and new buildings gives it a charm all its own.

Sapporo Draft Beer Black Label is crisp and smooth, with a delicate malty aroma on the first sip. The bitterness is mild and not harsh, with a clean, crisp finish. It's especially satisfying ice-cold. It's also a classic favorite for many people. Its popularity comes from its balanced flavor and easy drinkability. It pairs well with yakiniku, fried foods, or Japanese cuisine. Having a glass at a gathering is refreshing and cuts through rich foods!

SuiSavon - Shuri Soap is one of my favorite stores. After buying and trying its products on my first trip to Okinawa, I became a regular customer. The store has quite a few popular products, but my favorite is their facial cleanser. Add water to the cleanser and gently rub it with a foaming net to create lots of dense, firm bubbles. The foam is fine and springy, and it doesn't disappear quickly. When washing my face, I slowly massage my skin with the bubbles. It feels very soothing, like giving my skin a gentle bubble massage, while also removing dirt and oil. My face feels fresh and comfortable afterward.

If it's your first time buying it, I highly recommend the hibiscus scent. It smells lovely and is their No. 1 most popular scent! I'm currently using the jasmine scent, which also smells wonderful. Its light fragrance makes washing my face every day feel very soothing.