If you’re visiting Asahikawa in Hokkaido, you should definitely make time for the Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum! 🍶
This place doesn’t just introduce the history and brewing process of Japanese sake. It also displays many valuable brewing tools and historical items, giving you a deeper look into Japanese sake culture.
The highlight, of course, is the free sake tasting. You can sample several different styles of Otokoyama sake at once and find the flavor you like best. After tasting, don’t forget to browse the shop. The limited-edition sake and souvenirs are well worth taking home.
It’s an Asahikawa spot that sake lovers shouldn’t miss!
Otokoyama sake brewery museum | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Umegae Mochi Yasutake Main Store
A Japanese confectionery shop along the approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Said to have been founded around 1948, it is a long-established shop that has been loved by locals for many years.
If you come to Dazaifu and don’t have at least one umegae mochi, it almost feels like you haven’t really been there!
Fresh off the griddle and piping hot, the outside has a light crispness when you bite in. The mochi inside is pleasantly chewy, paired with sweet red bean filling that isn’t too heavy. The more you chew, the better it gets, and you’ll want to buy another one. Strolling along Omotesando while eating umegae mochi is the happiest travel rhythm in Dazaifu. Next time, try flavors from different shops too—you might just find your personal favorite! -
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Starbucks Coffee Dazaifu Tenmangu Omotesando Store
Starbucks Coffee Dazaifu Tenmangu Omotesando Store opened in 2011, right next to the torii gate facing the Omotesando Avenue of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. This is one of the "Regional Landmark Stores," originally designed by Starbucks in iconic locations throughout Japan to promote the attractive local culture to the rest of the world.
The Starbucks on the approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu isn’t just a place to grab coffee. It feels like a pilgrimage for architecture lovers!
As you walk along the Omotesando to Dazaifu Tenmangu, this Starbucks catches your eye from a distance. The exterior is made with layers of crisscrossing wooden beams, giving it a modern feel while blending perfectly with the old-fashioned streetscape. Every photo comes out looking stylish.
This store was designed by the famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, and it’s one of the must-visit photo spots for many people traveling to Fukuoka. -
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Hakata, Nakasu, Nakagawa River Cruise
The “River Cruise” is perfect for those who wish to tour Hakata, Fukuoka prefecture’s bustling and busy area, in a short time.
After shopping all day until my arms were tired, I switched things up at night and took the Nakasu river cruise.
With the evening breeze blowing and the lights on both banks reflecting on the river, it had a totally different vibe from lively Fukuoka during the day. Sitting on the boat and slowly taking in the night views was comfortable and relaxing, with no crowds to squeeze through. It was the perfect way to wrap up the day.
If the daytime is for emptying your wallet, then let the Nakasu cruise fill up your memories at night. -
