Lots of options—pasta, risotto, and steak dishes. The flavors are consistent and safe, but not quite “wow, this is amazing.”
Portions feel just right for women; for men, it might be a little on the small side.
For a department-store restaurant, the prices are a bit on the high side, but with the atmosphere, it’s still acceptable.
BARBARA EXPO RESTAURANT | Review by 張紋娟
Other Reviews by 張紋娟
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Steakhouse Ichigo
Steakhouse Ichigo in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, specializes in female Japanese Black Olive Wagyu. Shodoshima-grown Olive Wagyu is raised on dried olive pomace. It is known for its light, clean-tasting fat from oleic acid and tender texture. Among the limited number of Olive Wagyu shipped each year, the restaurant purchases whole, only the rarest female cattle.
The steak was cooked just right. The fat was fragrant without being greasy, and the meat was super tender and juicy when you bit into it. The sides were simple but tasty, and the overall price felt reasonable too.
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Norikura Kogen
A mountain resort spread across the eastern foothills of Mt. Norikura, located at the southern end of the Northern Alps. Set at elevations of around 3,937 to 5,906 feet within Chubu Sangaku National Park, it offers a wide range of outdoor activities amid beautiful nature in every season, from spring and summer when alpine flowers are in bloom, to fall with its vivid autumn leaves, and winter wrapped in powder snow.
It feels incredibly close to nature! The whole area is მშვიდ and the air is super clean, surrounded by mountains on all sides. No matter where you take a photo, it looks like a postcard.
There are lots of hiking trails and waterfalls to explore, and it really feels like spending the whole day immersed in the forest. Summer is so pleasant, the fall leaves are absolutely gorgeous, and in winter it turns into a ski paradise. Every season has its own scenery.
If you love mountains and hot springs and want to avoid the crowds, I highly recommend this place! -
Dotonbori Giant Ferris Wheel Ebisu Tower
A giant Ferris wheel attached to the large discount store “Don Quijote” Dotonbori store along the Dotonbori River, one of the liveliest spots in Osaka’s Minami area, where buildings with flashy signs line both banks. Facing the river, this striking Ferris wheel is the world’s first oval shape, unlike typical circular wheels. Its four-person gondolas also feature a unique mechanism that rotates horizontally mid-ride-the first of its kind in the world.
You can see all of Dotonbori from up there, and at night when the lights come on, the vibe is amazing.
It’s not a super tall Ferris wheel, but since it’s right in the heart of lively Dotonbori, the night view hits different.
Great to try if you’re in the area!