Linda Liao's Reviews Page 8/90

Tennoji Zoo

Tennoji Zoo opened on January 1st, 1915 and had its 100th anniversary in 2015. Almost 170 species and 1000 animals are kept in about 11 hectares of the zoo. In the reptile house, "Ifar," and in “African Savanna Zone” where hippopotamus, giraffes, and lions live, the ecological exhibition introduces reproduced scenery of animals’ habitats as closely as possible.

Tennoji, Shinsekai
Zoos & Aquariums

14 Oct 2026 See More

Tennoji Zoo is right in the city center and easy to get to. You can see all kinds of cute animals there, including lions, giraffes, elephants, and hippos. It’s quite relaxing to stroll around and simply enjoy looking at the animals. It’s a good backup plan for a rainy day and also great for families with children.

MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO

A complex of historical buildings located in the plaza in front of the Tower of Osaka Castle. Built in 1931, the former army office building has an eye-catching, stately exterior reminiscent of an old medieval castle in Europe. Inside, the upper walls are decorated with vivid ornaments, and the corner towers on the front and four corners still retain the atmosphere of the past.

Osaka Castle, Kyobashi
Commercial Buildings

14 Oct 2026 See More

MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO, located within Osaka Castle, is more than just a commercial facility—it is also a historic building worth noticing. Built in 1931 to commemorate Emperor Showa’s enthronement, it originally served as the headquarters of the Fourth Division. Its exterior was deliberately designed in the style of a medieval European castle, with distinctive corner towers and massive walls. After the war, it was used by the police and later became the Osaka City Museum. Today, it houses restaurants, shops, and exhibition spaces, and the rooftop offers a close-up view of Osaka Castle’s main tower.

Gion Tsujiri "Tsujiri no Sato"

Founded in 1860 as a manufacturer and seller of Uji tea, Gion Tsujiri is the spot for plumes of rich aroma and the taste of tea in Kyoto, a historic tea-producing region, for over 160 years. Recent years at the tea house have seen an all new kind of buzz thanks to the launch of a widened range of matcha sweets. For sweet and tasty souvenirs, look no further than this go-to brand.

Gion, Higashiyama, Yamashina
Snacks

14 Oct 2026 See More

When visiting Gion Tsujiri in Kyoto, in addition to the matcha desserts, I highly recommend picking up a box of “Tsujiri no Sato”! Crispy thin wafers are rolled into small cylinders and filled with rich matcha cream. When you bite into one, you first get the crisp texture of the wafer, followed by a delicate tea aroma. The slight bitterness of the matcha perfectly balances the sweetness, making it very easy to enjoy. Pair it with the tea bags sold at the shop for an afternoon tea that really tastes like Kyoto.

Nakaza Cui-daore Bldg.

Located in Dotonbori, Osaka's busy downtown, this building is like a condensed version of "Osaka, the city of gourmets," filled with delicious food. In addition to the typical Osaka gourmet food such as kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables) and reasonably priced izakaya (Japanese style pubs), there are also a number of restaurants that offer sweets, sushi, all-you-can-eat crab, and other food selections.

Shinsaibashi, Namba, Nipponbashi (Minami)
Commercial Buildings

14 Oct 2026 See More

When visiting Dotonbori in Osaka, it’s hard not to notice the eye-catching Nakaza Cui-daore Building. The most iconic feature on its exterior is Kuidaore Taro, with his mouth open as he beats a drum. This figure was originally a symbol of the Nakaza theater, and after the theater closed, Kuidaore Taro became a classic Dotonbori landmark. Today, the building houses restaurants, shops, and other facilities. If you pass by, consider stopping to take a photo and experience Dotonbori’s lively streetscape filled with Osaka character.

Kankakei (Ropeway)

Kankakei is a gorge in Kagawa Prefecture’s Shodo Island. It is located in the heart of Setonaikai National Park. The valley of Kankakei was formed over thousands of years as volcanic andesite and agglomerate were thrust upward via shifting of the earth’s mantle and eroded by rain and wind, creating a spectacular scene of sheer cliffs and rock formations.

Kagawa
Ropeway

14 Oct 2026 See More

As the Kankakei Ropeway slowly ascended, the scenery before me became more and more spectacular! From high above, you can admire layers of overlapping mountains, unusual rock formations, and the captivating scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. I couldn't help but take out my camera to snap some photos. I can imagine how magical it must look when the maple leaves turn red in the fall. Although the ride was short, the beautiful aerial views left a lasting impression.

acure

This beverage brand can be found in the 9,000 some vending machines installed at station platforms and other locations in the JR East area. From natural water to tea, fruit juices, and even soups, all products are crafted with the finest Japan-made ingredients and boasts its high-quality.

Kanto Region
Tohoku Region
Niigata
Nagano
Yamanashi
Shizuoka
Supermarkets & Convenience Stores & 100 yen Shops

14 Oct 2026 See More

While traveling in Japan, I noticed acure vending machines in many subway stations, which was really convenient! It seems like not many people in Japan carry water bottles with them when they go out, and often buy bottled water or other drinks from vending machines when they're thirsty. The drink bottles usually aren't very big, so they're easy to hold or slip into a bag and don't take up much space at all. This culture of having vending machines everywhere also gives you a sense of how thoughtful and convenient daily life in Japan can be!

ecute Shinagawa

Step inside the central gate area of JR Shinagawa Station to find the shopping zone "ecute Shinagawa". This expansive, 2-floor zone is home to some 100 different shops. The store types range from fashion and food to daily goods, souvenirs and so much more to keep you on your toes.

Shinagawa, Gotanda
Commercial Buildings

14 Oct 2026 See More

ecute Shinagawa is located inside Shinagawa Station and brings together a variety of restaurants, sweets, souvenirs, and specialty shops. The space is clean and bright, making shopping very convenient. You can not only enjoy distinctive Japanese food here but also easily shop for souvenirs, giving you a sense of the convenience and refinement of Japanese station shopping centers. If you have enough time during your trip, it's worth taking a good look around.

Osaka Castle Park

Nationally designated special historical site, Osaka Castle Ruin, and the surrounding area were renovated into an urban park. 13 buildings of important cultural properties including Osaka Castle Main Tower, watchtowers and gates dot the vast 261-acre premises.

Osaka Castle, Kyobashi
Parks & Gardens

13 Oct 2026 See More

During cherry blossom season, Osaka Castle Park is filled with soft pink blossoms, attracting large crowds of visitors. The paths are bustling with people taking photos of the spring scenery with their phones or cameras, all with smiles on their faces. Some gather with friends for picnics, while others sit beneath the trees with art supplies, quietly sketching the cherry blossoms and castle scenery before them. Everyone enjoys the brief but beautiful cherry blossom season in their own way.

+Q +Q GOODS & +Q BEAUTY

Make a stop inside Shibuya Scramble Square to find +Q, a lifestyle and beauty-focused complex floors designed with a refined, trend-conscious style. The 6th floor is dedicated to beauty as +Q BEAUTY, while the 5th floor hosts +Q GOODS for fashion accesories. Each floor offers a sophisticated space designed to spark your next new look.

Shibuya
Cosmetic Stores

13 Oct 2026 See More

I stopped by the Shiseido counter at +Q BEAUTY on the 6th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square. With the friendly beauty associate's professional guidance, I finally bought the Elixir serum I'd been wanting for a long time. For skin that's beginning to mature, moisturizing, hydrating, and locking in moisture are key concerns. This serum has a rich texture without feeling sticky, and it felt good when I tried it. With the tax-free discount, I was happy to buy it and happy to use it too.

Nagoya City Office Main Building

The current Nagoya City Office’s main building is the 3rd one, built as a project to commemorate the Showa Emperor’s coronation and completed in 1933. The design concept was “a modern style based on Japanese essence” with a modern building topped with the Japanese-style tile roof, which was chosen in a public contest.

Sakae, Fushimi, Osu
Tourist Attractions

13 Oct 2026 See More

The most striking feature of the Aichi Prefectural Government Office is its unique exterior, which blends Western architecture with traditional Japanese style! The building features the Imperial Crown style, combining Western-style brick construction with a Japanese tiled roof to create a dignified and elegant appearance full of historic charm. The roof design is especially eye-catching, making you want to stop and admire it and take photos. If you’re visiting Nagoya, consider stopping by to experience the appeal of modern Japanese architecture. You can also plan a visit to the nearby Nagoya City Archives.