Linda Liao's Reviews Page 7/75

Stepping out of Dogo Onsen Station, the first thing that caught my eye was the cute, retro Botchan Train. It felt as if I had suddenly stepped into the Meiji era depicted by Natsume Soseki. Built in 1895, Dogo Onsen Station has a classic wooden exterior and serves as an important gateway to the Dogo Onsen district. The plaza in front of the station also features attractions such as the Botchan Train and Botchan Clock, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The Botchan Train currently operates only at certain times on specific holidays, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule when planning your trip〜

The Okayama Electric Tramway has been a vital part of transportation through central Okayama for a century and consists of the Higashiyama Line and the Seikibashi Line. The retro streetcars and tracks woven into everyday life create a unique cityscape. If you’re staying long enough, consider buying a one-day pass, as it’s quite convenient for traveling between attractions. I was hoping to come across the very popular Tama-themed streetcar this time, but unfortunately I never did. Hopefully, I’ll be able to catch sight of the adorable Tama streetcar on my next visit.

The KINTETSU RAIL PASS is great for planning a train trip around Kansai and Mie. Depending on the type of pass, you can explore Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Mie (Ise-Shima), and Nagoya. In Nara, you can visit Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara Park, Kofukuji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple, and Yakushiji Temple. In Kyoto, you can connect attractions in Fushimi, central Kyoto, and other areas. With the 5-day pass, you can also travel all the way to Ise Jingu, Toba, Shima, Mount Yoshino, and more. It's a good option for travelers who want to explore historic sites, natural scenery, and local culture all in one trip.

After finishing a full day of activities, I came to Oasis 21 in the evening for a walk and to look around. Oasis 21 is a landmark multipurpose complex in Nagoya's Sakae district. Its most distinctive feature is the futuristic glass roof known as the Spaceship-Aqua, which looks even more magical when illuminated at night. I unexpectedly came across a live music performance that day. With the pleasant fall weather and beautiful music, it was especially relaxing to sit and listen to the songs while enjoying the evening breeze. Walking through the park leads to Nagoya TV Tower. Many people were taking leisurely strolls along the way, and the overall atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable. It's a good place for an evening walk.

When visiting Kanazawa, Kenroku-en is an iconic attraction that's almost impossible to miss. Along with Kairaku-en in Mito and Koraku-en in Okayama, it is considered one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. It was originally created by successive lords of the Maeda clan of the Kaga Domain, and after many years of expansion, it developed into the combination of natural scenery and garden artistry seen today. Ponds, winding streams, old pine trees, and teahouses are scattered throughout the garden, offering different scenery in each season. The famous yukitsuri in winter is an especially iconic sight in Kanazawa. On my last visit to Kanazawa, I only planned a one-day itinerary, and it was almost closing time when I arrived at Kenroku-en. I had to hurry around the garden with the little time left, which felt like a shame. The next time I visit Kanazawa, I'll allow more time to explore it.

I saw this place featured on a TV food show and visited on a weekday afternoon. This rice ball shop is small, but there's always a line outside, and it's even longer on weekends. The secret to the delicious rice balls is the owner's insistence on using premium rice from Niigata, which gives them a pleasantly chewy, plump texture. There are more than 50 fillings that you can mix and match however you like, so the possibilities are endless!

Since I had plans that evening, I didn't want to eat too much, so I ordered one rice ball to satisfy my craving, along with a steaming bowl of miso soup. It was very filling and generously stuffed.

While walking around, I came across the capsule toy shop gashacoco and was drawn inside before I knew it. After carefully considering my options, I tried the Moomin tabletop mini alarm clock series. The quality is quite good, and it costs only JPY 500, making it a nice decoration for the office. I also accidentally got a Snoopy umbrella charm. Although it really is a useless little trinket, it's still very comforting. Don't forget that you can also redeem a beautiful pair of chopsticks here!

I specifically added Shirakawa Joshin Main Store to my itinerary just to try the eel rice I’d been looking forward to for so long! Watching the chef repeatedly brush on the secret sauce passed down through generations and grill the eel until the skin was slightly charred, crisp, and fragrant while the meat inside stayed delicate and tender made me hungry just looking at it~

Once it’s served, don’t forget to try the classic “three ways”: first, enjoy the original flavors of the eel and white rice; second, add toppings like nori, green onions, and wasabi to experience different layers of flavor; finally, pour in the dashi broth to turn it into a light, easy-to-eat ochazuke. Each of the three ways has its own flavor. The meal was very satisfying and became one of the most memorable meals of the trip.

Taking a trip to Aso is, in my opinion, a great way to get to know Kumamoto. It doesn't take too long to get there from the city—after about an hour, the scenery outside the window gradually begins to change, slowly shifting from familiar city streets to endless green grasslands and mountain views, as if you've entered another world. The scenery along the way is soothing and relaxing, making you want to slow down and fully take in Aso's natural beauty. Looking down from the mountain road, the cars traveled neatly one after another along the winding road, looking as cute as little Tomica cars from a distance! We also happened to see a helicopter flying across the sky in the distance. Together with the traffic on the ground, it created views from different heights. I imagined that looking down from the air at Aso's magnificent volcanic terrain and grasslands must be beautiful too.

This landmark Ferris wheel is located on the ninth-floor rooftop of the Iyotetsu Takashimaya department store in Matsuyama, with its highest point about 85 meters above the ground. It offers 360-degree views of the Ehime cityscape, Matsuyama Castle, and the Seto Inland Sea. At night, colorful lights illuminate the sky, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.