Linda Liao's Reviews Page 75/90

A coworker from Kobe shared this souvenir with everyone. This treat is great for bringing back to Taiwan. Its biggest advantage is that it can be stored at room temperature, so you don't have to worry about keeping it refrigerated along the way. It has a rich egg flavor, and compared with Uni-President Pudding, the texture is firmer than regular pudding. I personally think it tastes better chilled. It's nice and cold, and the egg flavor is even more noticeable. Overall, it isn't so sweet that it feels too heavy, making it great for afternoon tea or as an after-meal dessert.

COW BRAND Beauty Soap is a long-established Japanese brand. The red box has a light fragrance, not the kind that's overpowering or noticeably artificial. My skin also feels comfortable after washing, so it's one I personally like quite a bit.

Besides the red box, there's also a blue box to choose from. The main difference between the two is how moisturizing they are. The red box feels more moisturizing and is better suited for dry skin, while the blue box is also a good choice for normal skin. You can also choose based on the season: use the lighter, more refreshing blue box in summer, then switch to the more moisturizing red box in winter. Just choose according to your skin's condition.

LeTAO's Double Fromage cheesecake has an incredibly light, delicate texture and practically melts in your mouth. It's very different from typical rich, dense cheesecakes—you'll fall in love with it after just one bite. Besides the classic original flavor, there are also chocolate and seasonal flavors like Shine Muscat grape and melon. Each one has its own unique character, and they're all delicious.

You can also buy it at duty-free shops in some major airports in Japan, which is very convenient for travelers. They usually thoughtfully include an insulated bag with your purchase, so you can feel more at ease bringing it home. Although prices have risen quite a bit in recent years, they're still fairly reasonable considering the exchange rate for the Japanese yen.

Bansuiso is a historic Western-style building. It was built in 1922 and was originally a villa for Hisamatsu Sadakoto, a descendant of the lord of the Matsuyama domain. Since Hisamatsu Sadakoto had lived in France, Bansuiso has a strong European influence in its design and is very different from traditional Japanese architecture. Inside, you can see ornate decorations, beautiful stained glass, and elegant staircases and rooms, giving you a sense of the aristocratic lifestyle of the time. Bansuiso later hosted members of the Imperial Family, giving it special historical significance.

The Botchan Karakuri Clock is located near Dogo Onsen Station and is a distinctive local attraction. It was installed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Dogo Onsen Honkan, and its design was inspired by the bathhouse's architecture. At scheduled times, the clock transforms to music and characters from Botchan appear, giving visitors a fun sense of how Japanese literature and hot spring culture come together.

Ehime's famous “Ichiroku Cake Roll,” also known as Ichiroku Tart, dates back to the Edo period. It is said to have developed after Western confectionery techniques were introduced to Shikoku. Its distinctive feature is a soft sponge cake wrapped around yuzu-flavored red bean paste, giving it the appearance of a rolled towel. It was once presented to the emperor and imperial family as a rare delicacy, and it remains one of Ehime's signature traditional sweets today.

A classic Meiji snack. The little mushroom shape is really cute, and there's also a bamboo shoot-shaped version. There are subtle differences in texture between the two, though, and if you ask Japanese people which camp they're in (mushroom/bamboo shoot), each has its own loyal supporters! Personally, I still prefer the mushroom shape〜

Shukkeien Garden in Hiroshima is a Japanese garden steeped in history. It's next to the Hiroshima Museum of Art, making it convenient to visit both on the same day. The garden is beautiful, with its ponds, bridges, trees, and teahouses complementing one another. Each season offers a different charm, making it a rare peaceful retreat in the city. After walking through the garden, you can also stop by the museum to enjoy its extensive art collection.

When visiting Hiroshima, if you want to experience the authentic atmosphere of a Japanese-style izakaya, consider stopping by Umihei Shoten. The interior has a touch of nostalgic Showa-era charm, and the atmosphere is lively and full of local character, with plenty of people gathering after work. It's a great place to relax and enjoy a hearty meal after a full day of sightseeing.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, but the steamed oysters impressed me the most. A large metal box comes filled with fresh, plump oysters in their shells. The moment you open the lid, the aroma hits you. They have a rich ocean flavor and are sweet and juicy, and every bite lets you savor the oysters' natural freshness. Compared with the more common grilled oysters, I actually prefer them steamed〜I recommend giving them a try.

Hiroshima's streetcars are an important means of transportation in the city. Their nostalgic, retro appearance as they travel through the streets is also an iconic part of Hiroshima's cityscape. The routes cover the city, making it easy to travel between various tourist attractions. If you're planning to visit Miyajima, you can also take the streetcar to Miyajimaguchi, then transfer to a ferry to Miyajima. It's very convenient.