Linda Liao's Reviews Page 77/90

Canal City Hakata is a great mixed-use shopping complex to explore. It has not only all kinds of stores but also plenty of food options, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon there. During my last visit, an in-person fan event for a girl group happened to be taking place by the fountain on the first floor. The girls sang and danced onstage with lots of energy, while the fans below enthusiastically cheered them on with glow sticks. I don't usually follow celebrities and had only been passing by, but I couldn't help stopping to watch for quite a while. Seeing how immersed the fans were also gave me a glimpse of an interesting side of Japanese fan culture.

Ohori Park is a well-known green space in central Fukuoka, similar to Daan Forest Park in Taipei. Many people come here for activities on both weekdays and weekends. There is a lake in the center of the park, and its surface sparkles in the sunlight. Many people walk, jog, and walk their dogs, and you can also see families with children spending time together. The overall atmosphere is very relaxing. When I visited in late spring or early summer, it wasn't too hot, and the gentle breeze on my face felt comfortable and even made me a little sleepy. If you get tired from walking, you can also sit down at a nearby small cafe, order a light meal, watch people come and go outside the window, and feel time quietly passing by.

What impressed me most was the rich broth and the springy texture of the beef offal. At first, I thought the flavor was a bit strong, but when I ate it with the bean sprouts and chives, it actually became very easy to enjoy. The beef offal soaked up the broth and became very flavorful, tasting better with every bite. At the end, I added noodles to the broth, and they soaked up all the flavor too, adding another way to enjoy the hot pot.

Fukuoka Airport is one of the few airports in Japan located so close to the city center. By subway, you can reach Hakata Station in under 10 minutes, which is very convenient for travelers and significantly reduces travel time to and from the airport. The airport's overall layout is easy to navigate, and the renovated facilities are newer and more comfortable. What makes it special is that the design doesn't just aim for a modern look—it also incorporates Fukuoka's local traditional culture and motifs, so travelers can immediately get a strong sense of the area's character when they arrive.

I came to the Marunouchi Building specifically to look for some unique, less mainstream souvenirs. There are many distinctive shops on the B1 floor, and I especially recommend the tea from PRIMATE and the rice crackers from OKOSHIYA TOKYO, which has a 60-year history. OKOSHIYA's rice crackers are a little like Taiwanese puffed rice snacks, but they come in a wider variety of flavors and taste refreshingly different. My personal favorite is the black pepper flavor. They're also beautifully packaged for gifts〜

Tobu Department Store is located near Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo and is one of Ikebukuro's most iconic department stores. Since it's connected to the station, it's always crowded. However, first-time visitors may easily confuse it with Seibu Department Store, so it's helpful to remember this phrase: "Tobu is at the west exit, and Seibu is at the east exit."

Many Taiwanese visitors come here to stock up at the mont-bell outdoor gear store, where prices are much more affordable than in Taiwan. It mainly sells clothing and gear for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. They have everything from jackets and shoes to backpacks, all with a simple and practical style. mont-bell is known for its focus on functionality, making it a good choice for people who enjoy outdoor activities. Bear incidents have been serious over the past year or two, so there's also a dedicated section where you can choose from different bear bells.

WAKO is located at the Ginza 4-chome intersection in Tokyo and is one of Ginza's most iconic landmarks. Its most striking feature is the clock tower on the roof. The building has an elegant exterior and a long history. WAKO primarily sells luxury watches, jewelry, clothing, leather goods, and household items, with an emphasis on product quality and service. Walking through the store gave me an even stronger sense of Ginza's distinctive upscale atmosphere. The clever blend of old and new landmarks is also one of Ginza's unique features.

Taking the Matsushima Cruise lets you enjoy views of Matsushima Bay from the water. The surrounding islands and rock formations each have their own distinctive shapes, and the sea breeze makes it very relaxing. Compared with viewing it from shore, the scenery from the boat feels much more expansive, and you can really appreciate the grandeur of nature. Along the way, you can listen to the guide while enjoying the view outside the window, then stroll through the old streets after getting off the boat and try various snacks and fresh oysters. It’s a very pleasant experience!

The Former British Consulate of Hakodate is also located around Motomachi Park, so you can easily visit it after touring the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward. The nearby attractions are clustered together, making it very convenient to get around on foot. The historical museums in the Motomachi area also offer a combination ticket that lets you visit several attractions and is a better value. The first thing you'll see when you enter is the gift shop, which has many cute British-style items featuring flowers and plants from the countryside. These are not often seen in Japan.

The exhibits inside introduce the history of Hakodate and the British Consulate, including the consulate's former offices, scenes of daily life, and related artifacts. The furnishings in the different rooms give you a more tangible sense of what life was like back then. It was more interesting than I expected〜

When visiting Sapporo's bustling Susukino district, one of the most iconic landmarks is the Nikka Whisky sign. This neon sign has been widely recognized since it was installed in 1969 for its “King of Blenders” image, chosen by whisky founder Masataka Taketsuru. After several updates, it has become a signature photo spot in Susukino. Every evening, crowds gather in front of the sign, so you have to act quickly to get the angle you want. Seeing Susukino in falling snow this time made the atmosphere even more romantic.

Starting April 7, 2026, the fifth-generation Nikka man will continue watching over everyone on the street, opening a new chapter for this classic landmark. Next time I visit, I'll definitely stop by for another photo〜