Linda Liao's Reviews Page 70/90

Strolling along the tree-lined avenue, you'll find boutiques, select shops, and distinctive cafes on both sides. It's stylish and feels very Tokyo. Around the middle of Omotesando, you can stop by Omotesando Hills, designed by Tadao Ando. The building itself is a major highlight, with a soaring central atrium and spiral ramps that make browsing feel very design-focused. Inside, you'll find Japanese designer brands, international luxury boutiques, lifestyle shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a good place to browse slowly and hunt for finds. Afterward, head into the surrounding side streets to look for hidden shops and cafes and experience the most charming side of everyday life in Omotesando.

It has a strong Hollywood atmosphere, with all kinds of snack shops, restaurants, and unique gift shops lining both sides of the street. It's fun to browse as you walk around. It's also open later than expected, so after leaving the park, you can come back to shop, grab something to eat, or buy souvenirs. The streets look even better in photos at night with all the lights. It's a great way to end a day at Universal Studios—take a leisurely stroll before heading back to your hotel.

Walking through Meiji Jingu Shrine feels like entering a vast, quiet, deep forest hidden within the city. The towering trees lining both sides of the approach make you feel cut off from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo as soon as you enter. Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken are enshrined here, and it is also one of Japan's most important shrines, attracting millions of worshippers every New Year.

The enormous torii gate at the entrance is said to have been made from cypress from Alishan, Taiwan. As you walk along the gravel path, hearing the crunch beneath your feet and looking up at the towering torii gate, you feel a solemn sense of entering sacred grounds one step at a time.

You can't go wrong with MARION CREPES when you're craving a crepe! The dazzling selection is almost overwhelming, and every flavor looks so tempting that it's incredibly hard to choose. In the end, I went back to a classic and chose the chocolate banana flavor. The crisp yet soft crepe wraps around sweet bananas, topped with rich chocolate sauce and a huge mound of whipped cream. The richness of the chocolate, the gentle sweetness of the banana, and the smooth cream come together in every bite for a blissfully indulgent combination!

It's a bit like Ximending in Taipei—a lively gathering place in Tokyo where young people meet up with friends on weekends to shop and eat. The street isn't very wide, but both sides are packed with clothing stores, variety shops, and dessert shops. Walking through the crowds, you can really feel the youthful energy.

This is also prime territory for crepes! There are several popular shops to choose from along the way, and the sweet aroma drifts through the crowds. When you see everyone holding one, the temptation is hard to resist. If you want to experience Tokyo's young and lively street atmosphere, Takeshita Street is worth a visit!

Tokyo Sea Life Park is a great place for families with children, with many fascinating marine life exhibits. My favorite was the penguin area. Watching the penguins swim freely and dart quickly through the water was cute and soothing, and I couldn't stop watching them. Besides viewing marine life, the aquarium also has a touch pool where you can get up close and feel the marine animals, which is a very special experience.

The outer layer is golden and soft, paired with a sweet, smooth red bean filling. Every bite has a subtle egg aroma. The ningyo-yaki are shaped like famous Asakusa landmarks, making them cute and full of traditional Japanese character. When visiting Sensoji Temple and strolling along Nakamise Street, consider buying a few to enjoy on the spot.

Established in 1887, this is a long-standing local tempura restaurant. Its signature dish is the shrimp tendon, featuring large shrimp tempura served with a rich sauce and white rice. The tempura is a deep golden color and crispy, while the sauce has a rich sweet-and-savory flavor. It showcases the character of traditional Edo cuisine and is a classic dish well worth trying when visiting Asakusa.

After walking through Kaminarimon Gate, you’re greeted by a lively street full of Japanese charm. The street is bustling with people, with all kinds of shops lining both sides. What caught my attention most was the wide variety of Japanese snacks, such as grilled rice crackers, soy sauce-glazed dango, and fried manju. Everything looked so tempting that I often couldn’t resist stopping to try something as I walked along.

Besides the food, the shopping street also has many stores selling Japanese souvenirs and specialty goods, ranging from traditional-style trinkets to Asakusa-themed items, making it a great place for visitors to pick out gifts.

However, be sure to check the stores’ business hours. Many begin closing after 5:00 p.m., so I recommend visiting during the day to fully enjoy shopping there.

Before reaching Sensoji Temple, I always have to get an age-manju from Asakusa Kokonoe. Hot and freshly fried, it's such a comforting treat, with a crispy exterior and sweet filling. They also have savory flavors, making it the perfect snack while strolling around! And the prices have always been very affordable. When I came more than 10 years ago, one was only JPY 50! (shocked