Gina C's Reviews Page 4/12

Kirin Afternoon Tea (Gogo-no-Kocha)

This long-selling tea brand was first launched in 1986. It was born as Japan’s first bottled black tea made to evoke the customs of afternoon tea in Japan. Since then it has become the No. 1 leading brand in tea drink sales.

Food & Drink

28 Aug 2026 See More

KIRIN Afternoon Tea is a classic Japanese drink with many varieties, and milk tea is my favorite. As soon as you open the bottle, you can smell the subtle black tea aroma. It's smooth with a rich milky flavor, and the moderate sweetness makes it very pleasant to drink.

Koikeya Potato Chips Potato and Salt

A simple snack seasoned with a salt-based seasoning on thinly sliced and fried Japanese potatoes. It can be purchased at supermarkets and drug stores across Japan.

Snacks

28 Aug 2026 See More

Koikeya Lightly Salted Original Potato Chips are a classic Japanese snack. As soon as you open the bag, you can smell the subtle potato aroma. The chips are thin and crispy, with a very satisfying crunch. The simple salty flavor brings out the potatoes' natural sweetness even more.

Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)

Shirakawa-go, a beautiful area where traditional Japanese scenery still exists, is home to the largest number of still-standing traditional “gassho-zukuri” Japanese homes. As of 2016, there are around 100 buildings still standing, both large and small. It is the largest remaining historic settlement in Japan, and it is preserved as a Group of Traditional Buildings in the register of Cultural Properties of Japan.

Gifu
Famous Places

28 Aug 2026 See More

The gassho-zukuri village of Shirakawa-go feels like stepping into a small village from a fairy tale. Traditional thatched-roof houses are neatly scattered throughout the valley, creating a strong sense of rural Japan. Seeing the entire village from a distance with the surrounding mountains was truly beautiful.

This time, I walked through Shirakawa-go and slowly strolled along the village paths. I was able to admire the historic gassho-zukuri buildings up close and experience the area's relaxed way of life. I kept stopping to take photos along the way because every angle had its own charm, making it hard to leave.

What I loved most about this trip was the peace and simplicity of Shirakawa-go, which is completely different from the bustle of Tokyo and Osaka.

Taito Ward Sumida Park

This park in Taito Ward extends along the western bank of the Sumida River. On the other hand, the park that extends along the eastern bank is the Sumida Ward Sumida Park. In this park, which boasts a site of over 10 hectares, many cherry trees are planted centered around the "Sakura Square".

Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
Parks & Gardens

27 Aug 2026 See More

Taito Ward Sumida Park is located along the Sumida River and is a great place in Tokyo for taking a walk, viewing flowers, and enjoying the city scenery. Walking along the riverbank, you can see the Sumida River and Tokyo Skytree complementing each other, making for a beautiful view.

This time, I took a walk through the park in person. Feeling the riverside breeze and watching the boats slowly pass by made everything feel more relaxed. The greenery along the way was very pleasant, and during cherry blossom season, you can enjoy views filled with cherry blossoms, creating a wonderful atmosphere for photos.

Black Thunder

This chocolate snack is very popular for its affordable price of 40 yen and deliciousness. Cocoa cookie and plain biscuit are coated with chocolate. You can taste the light bitterness of a cocoa cookie matched with the sweetness of chocolate. Crunchy texture and the volume which can fill your stomach lightly pleases you.

Snacks

27 Aug 2026 See More

I think Black Thunder's biggest appeal is that it's simple and delicious, as well as affordable and easy to carry, making it a great souvenir from Japan. When shared with family and friends, it easily becomes a little snack that everyone reaches for.

San'en-zan Kodo-in Zojoji Temple

Located at the base of Tokyo Tower is Zojoji, an Omotoyama temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. Enshrined in Zojoji's Ankokuden Hall is the hidden black image of Buddha worshipped by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. Since he won one battle after after another, visiting this temple is said to increase the chance of victory.

Shimbashi, Toranomon, Tokyo Tower, Hamamatsucho
Shrines & Temples

27 Aug 2026 See More

Zojoji Temple was originally just another stop on my Tokyo itinerary, but after actually going inside, I unexpectedly grew to really like it. The ancient temple buildings, surrounded by skyscrapers and Tokyo Tower, create a fascinating feeling of crossing between the past and present.

What impressed me most was the peaceful atmosphere inside the temple. Even though bustling Tokyo is just outside, stepping in feels like instantly entering another world. Walking slowly and admiring the architecture also helped calm my mind.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence

This is a sunscreen essence for face and body. Impressively light even when reapplied or layered! It prevents uneven application even at the microscopic level.

Cosmetics

27 Aug 2026 See More

After actually using it, I found that it spreads very well, so I can quickly apply it before going out and complete my sun protection routine. My skin stays soft to the touch without feeling noticeably dry, and it's also easy to apply makeup afterward. It's very practical for anyone who needs sun protection every day.

Overall, I really like how light and moisturizing it feels. It doesn't make my skin feel weighed down just because I'm wearing sunscreen.

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower was born in 1958. When it was built, Tokyo Tower proudly stood out as the tallest steel tower in the world. At a height of 33 meters, it was taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is located in Minato Ward in the center of Tokyo. Take in sweeping views of the city from the observation deck. Currently under renovation, it is always changing.

Shimbashi, Toranomon, Tokyo Tower, Hamamatsucho
Observatories

27 Aug 2026 See More

Tokyo Tower lights up and complements the surrounding city lights, making the whole scene very beautiful. Standing nearby, taking in the night view and feeling the evening breeze was especially romantic, and it added a sense of relaxation to an otherwise tiring trip.

It wasn't until I visited Tokyo Tower in person this time that I truly felt the charm it has that photos can't capture.

TOKYO SKYTREE(R) TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN(R)

Boasting a height of 634 meters, TOKYO SKYTREE is the world’s tallest free-standing tower which stands in the center of TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN surrounded by tourist facilities. The tower has two observation decks, Tembo Deck at a height of 350 meters and Tembo Galleria at 450 meters.

Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
Observatories

27 Aug 2026 See More

TOKYO SKYTREE is one of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks. Its soaring structure can be seen from far away and is very impressive. Looking up from the base of the tower really makes you feel especially small, and I was also amazed by the building's height and design.

This time, I went up to the observation deck and looked down over central Tokyo from high above. The densely packed buildings and roads seemed to stretch endlessly, and in good weather, you can even see far into the distance. Watching the sunset in the evening and then seeing the countless lights of Tokyo after nightfall was truly beautiful.

Tokyo Station: Marunouchi Station Building

The construction of Japan’s front gate, Tokyo Station, began in March, 1908 and it was opened in December, 1914. Kingo Tatsuno, the pioneer of modern architecture in Japan, designed it. The steel-framed, brick Marunouchi Station building was burned on the roof and interior in the 1945 air raid.

Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
Tourist Attractions

27 Aug 2026 See More

The Marunouchi Station Building at Tokyo Station immediately caught my eye with its beautiful red-brick architecture. Its retro exterior contrasts sharply with the surrounding skyscrapers, creating a uniquely Tokyo cityscape. Taking photos in front of the station really made me feel like I had arrived in Tokyo.

During this visit, besides admiring the Marunouchi Station Building, I also took my time strolling and shopping around the area. During the day, the station is filled with busy crowds, but once the lights come on at night, the entire building becomes warm and romantic, revealing a completely different kind of charm.