Gina C's Reviews Page 3/12

It was my first time visiting Kinkaku-ji, and I was truly amazed by the view! The golden Shariden reflected in Kyoko-chi Pond glistened in the sunlight, and together with the surrounding green trees and garden, the whole scene looked just like a postcard of Japan!

I took a leisurely walk through the garden, admiring Kinkaku-ji's beauty from different angles while soaking in Kyoto's distinctive classical atmosphere.

You can now find KIRIN Namacha in supermarkets in Taiwan, so I bought one to try this time! The first sip was very refreshing, with a natural tea aroma and no overly strong bitterness. It's especially pleasant when served cold.

I really like its subtle tea leaf aroma and smooth taste. It isn't overly sweet, and a bottle after ramen or yakiniku, or when you're tired from walking around, is just right for cleansing the palate and quenching your thirst.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street is definitely worth adding to your itinerary! The entire shopping street has a long covered arcade, so you don't have to worry about rain or snow, making it very convenient to browse as you walk.

Along the way, there are drugstores, clothing stores, souvenir shops, restaurants, and all kinds of snacks. You can find almost all the Japanese snacks, cosmetics, and household goods you might want. When you get tired from shopping, you can always stop at a restaurant for something to eat. It's truly a paradise for shopaholics!

The Otaru Canal is one of Hokkaido's most iconic retro landmarks, with early 20th-century red-brick warehouses and gas lamps preserved along its banks. This is a sightseeing spot where the atmosphere matters more than the activities, and 30 to 45 minutes is enough for a walk and some photos.

I most recommend visiting from dusk into the evening. Once the lights come on, their warm orange glow reflects on the water, creating a much more romantic atmosphere than during the day. In the snowy winter season, it feels even more like a fairy tale.

When visiting Enoshima, Enoshima Shrine Hetsumiya (へつのみや) is well worth a stop! Hetsumiya is one of the three shrines of Enoshima Shrine and is also the easiest of the three to reach. You can visit it after walking up the approach to Enoshima.

What attracted me most was the shrine's historic atmosphere, unique to Enoshima. The vermilion torii gate and buildings look especially beautiful against the blue sky. There are also several places within the grounds to pray for blessings, and many people come to pray for a good relationship, happiness, financial luck, and for their wishes to come true.

My personal favorite is Ichiran's rich tonkotsu broth with thin noodles. You can customize it to your taste by choosing the richness of the broth, spice level, amount of garlic, and more. The piping-hot ramen is rich, flavorful, and goes down smoothly. Especially after a full day of sightseeing, a bowl of this is incredibly satisfying!

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is truly worth adding to your itinerary! It enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, known as the “god of learning.” Many people come specifically to pray for academic success and passing exams, so the entire shrine is filled with an atmosphere of heartfelt wishes.

As soon as you enter the approach, the many shops lining both sides make it fun to browse. Besides buying charms and souvenirs, don’t miss the popular umegae mochi. It’s lightly crisp on the outside and filled with sweet red bean paste. Eating it while walking around really makes you feel like you’re traveling!

ITO EN Matcha Green Tea has a rich Japanese tea aroma. You can taste matcha's distinctive fragrance and a subtle sweet aftertaste, and the overall flavor is refreshing without being overpowering. The matcha and green tea flavors blend very naturally. It's not too bitter or astringent, but instead has a mild tea aroma. A subtle tea flavor lingers in your mouth afterward, making you want to take another sip.

Nissin Curry Cup Noodles is a classic Japanese instant noodle. The rich curry aroma makes you hungry as soon as you open it. The noodles soak up plenty of curry broth and are springy and flavorful, while ingredients like potatoes and carrots add more texture.

After trying it this time, I found the curry broth rich with a hint of spice, and its savory flavor made it hard to stop eating. The aroma really opens up once it's ready, and eating it piping hot is very satisfying. After finishing the noodles, I wanted to drink all the remaining curry broth, but I resisted!

Asahi Super Dry is a classic Japanese beer, best known for its crisp, refreshing taste. The sound of carbonation when you open the can instantly gives you a cool, refreshing feeling. It has a light malty aroma and tastes dry without being overly sweet.

After trying it this time, I found that it wasn't too full-bodied, with a refreshing taste and a clean finish. It's especially good served ice-cold. It pairs well with fried chicken, yakiniku, or izakaya dishes. Taking a bite of food followed by a sip of beer makes the whole experience even more satisfying.