I had this a long time ago, but compared with soda ice pops in Taiwan, it’s a little sweeter. The middle has a texture kind of like ice cubes? Shaved ice? No wonder it has that crunchy, rattly feel.
It’s pretty fun, though—you should give it a try.
Even though I grabbed both bars, I used a prize gift card I got here. Feeling grateful, lol.
I was being just a tiny bit generous, haha.
I picked first, and my friend took the other one. Turns out his fortune was “great luck,” while mine was just “luck” QQ.
Then he even called me unlucky... hey, I’m the sponsor here! How can you say that? Tsk tsk.
In Taiwan, one bar costs 45 bucks—so expensive.
GariGarikun Soda | Review by 雨妤魚
Other Reviews by 雨妤魚
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Shiroi Koibito
Everyone in Japan knows Hokkaido’s sweets, “Shiroi Koibito.” Ishiya Co., Ltd.was an ordinary candy maker to begin with, but utilizing quality ingredients in Hokkaido changed them into the producer of the classic dessert. More than 40 years passed since its beginning, but it is still the beloved souvenir of Hokkaido to this day.
Shiroi Koibito was one of the souvenirs I loved when I was a kid!
It’s a delicious white chocolate sandwich cookie.
A classic choice that never fails!
Back then, whenever I was craving it, I’d buy Oreos or a similar 4-piece pack from 7-Eleven that cost 25 dollars just to satisfy the craving. But to me as a kid, that was super expensive, haha.
Then when I actually went to Japan and bought some myself, I ended up leaving them until they expired...? Such a waste...
The one in the photo was given to me by an auntie from my part-time job.
She treated me to it because I happened not to have any photos on hand, so I shamelessly asked her, “Auntie, could you bring one for me to try?” And she generously gave me one, hahaha.
So sweet... I think I’m getting old. I can’t handle really sweet cookies anymore.
I do have a sad memory related to Shiroi Koibito, though. When I was in elementary school, I went to a classmate’s house to play. I thought my best friend had come back from Japan and gave another friend a whole box. When I saw it, I started whining, like, “Why does he get a whole box and I don’t? I only got one cookie...” Thinking back on it now, it’s so embarrassing.
I should have had better manners as a guest at someone’s house, and it wasn’t like I didn’t get a cookie at all. Tsk tsk.
But it was just that feeling, haha.
I guess I felt like, if I was clearly closer to him, why didn’t I get a whole box? I don’t know why, but I still remember this forever. -
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Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine stands on the island of Itsukushima, which is also known as the island of gods. It is said that the shrine was founded in 593 by Saeki no Kuramoto, and the 3 goddess “Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto,” “Tagorihime-no-Mikoto,” and “Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto” are enshrined there. Famous for granting a wide list of benefits, these three goddesses as are worshipped as the goddesses of the sea, transportation, fortune, and art.
The place that amazed me the most—and that I’ll never forget—on my first solo trip was Miyajima.
I usually get seasick super easily, so I was honestly a little worried before leaving. Maybe I was just too excited, but surprisingly I didn’t feel seasick at all during the whole ferry ride. The ocean views along the way were already beautiful, and once I actually arrived on Miyajima, I was even more blown away.
As soon as I got off the ferry, I saw deer everywhere, casually wandering around the island without being afraid of people at all. The whole island made me slow down without even realizing it. I walked along the streets feeling like I had somehow wandered into a hidden paradise. Even though there were plenty of tourists, it didn’t affect my enjoyment one bit.
I really loved all the little details hidden around Miyajima. The guardian-beast statues at the shrine had such cute expressions—one of them looked adorably goofy, and it made me laugh. The one on the other side looked totally serious, like it was there just to set the tone.
I happened to visit at low tide, so I got to admire the Great Torii up close. That’s when I noticed the pillars were covered in moss, which made me laugh again—it was such a different side of it.
Even now, when I think back on it, I’m still impressed with myself. Even though I knew I get seasick easily, I still chose to take this trip. I didn’t mind that the hems of my pants got covered in wet sand, because everything in front of me was absolutely worth it.
And because of Miyajima, my lucky trip to Japan was given its most unforgettable page. -
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ICOCA
ICOCA, is the easy-to-use transportation IC card by JR West. You’ll know it when you see it by the mascot character, Iko-chan the platypus, marking the card that makes it easy to get around via train and settle up at stores that accept e-money payments.
Super convenient—even works at hair salons!
The current limit is still 20,000, but I personally prefer loading up the green Suica card first. I call this one the penguin card!
I usually add money when the exchange rate is good. Some stores don’t accept it, but most do. As long as you tell the staff “cardo,” they’ll understand!
Ahhh, I really want to go to Japan!
Just keep in mind that it does expire. I have four cards, and every time I go, I have to make sure to use each one so I don’t forget!
But it only expires once every 10 years. My aunt’s family let theirs sit for 9 years, and the station staff actually laughed about it... haha
Seriously, who can stand not going to Japan for that long?
Also, these are virtual cards now—you can use them on your phone, and you can add them to your watch too!
If you link it to Apple Pay, you can reload it directly with a credit card, which is super convenient. I hope EasyCard can be added to Apple Pay too. -
