On the way up to Kato Shrine, you'll pass through a lively place—Sakuranobaba Josaien. This area is bustling with people. Many restaurants are scattered throughout, including famous local Kumamoto cuisine and branches of long-established traditional shops, allowing visitors to sample authentic horse sashimi, mustard-stuffed lotus root, and all kinds of local specialties in one place. The “Jindaiko Ice Cream” is made by Kumamoto's well-known confectionery shop Okashi no Kobai, combining the local specialty “Homare no Jindaiko” with rich milk to create soft-serve ice cream. I watched the staff skillfully cut the Jindaiko into small pieces and put them into the machine. Before long, a cold soft-serve cone appeared, blending a milky aroma with smooth red bean paste and soft, chewy mochi. It was sweet and smooth, perfect for a hot summer day.
In the center of Josaien is a covered outdoor stage. From time to time, several performers dressed as samurai, known as the “Kumamoto Castle Hospitality Warlords,” weave through the crowd and kindly pose for photos with visitors. What left a strong impression on me was a charming “town girl” who spoke fluent Chinese and had a delightful conversation with some travelers who were also from Taiwan. At the Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza, visitors can explore the history of Kumamoto Castle through virtual reality tours and projection mapping experiences, take part in activities depicting everyday life during the Edo period and the lives of high-ranking officials and nobles, and uncover the secrets behind the castle's construction.
Sakuranobaba Josaien has a fantastical feeling where past and present intersect, along with a nostalgic sense of traveling through time. It's a great place for the whole family to come and join the fun.
Sakuranobaba Josaien | Review by 周黛西
Other Reviews by 周黛西
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Sekai no Yamachan Main Store
The specialty of this restaurant is the "Maboroshi no Tebasaki", which would make you absolutely addicted for its spiciness and flavor of the "Maboroshi no Kosho（Phantom pepper）" and "Hiden no Tare(Secret sauce)".
A friend recommended Sekai no Yamachan as a must-eat in Nagoya, especially their signature tebasaki—fried chicken wings. If you want something lighter with more variety, order one of their set meals. The chopstick sleeve has fun illustrations showing “How to Enjoy Maboroshi no Tebasaki.” Follow the instructions and you can eat the wings completely clean〜 The outside is crispy without being greasy, while the meat is tender and juicy. The salty, fragrant pepper seasoning has a slight kick that leaves you licking your fingers and wanting more.
Besides the fried chicken wings, we also had miso fried pork skewers and fried shrimp rice balls that day. Very satisfying! Although Sekai no Yamachan also has a location in Taipei, when you're in Nagoya, you have to eat it locally for the real experience.
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Chunichi Building
Chunichi Building, which opened in April 2024, is a mixed-use complex in the Sakae area of Nagoya. From B1F to 5F, it offers a wide variety of shops, including restaurants, cafes, general goods stores, and local product shops, and its greatest appeal is that visitors can enjoy food, shopping, and sightseeing all in one place. Directly connected to the underground mall and easy to access, it is also conveniently located as a base for sightseeing.
Drawn in by the “Art Aquarium Exhibition Nagoya 2026” poster at the entrance of the Chunichi Building, I went inside and bought a ticket to see the exhibition combining goldfish, aquarium art, lighting, music, fragrances, and more. It was eye-opening.
After leaving the exhibition, I went up to the observation deck on the 7th floor. I didn’t expect to find such a great view overlooking downtown Sakae and the city streets. Those who aren’t afraid of heights might want to get a little closer to the parapet for a bird’s-eye view.
The building has well-known outdoor brand stores and popular home goods shops, as well as all kinds of restaurants on B1. Before heading home, I walked around, did some shopping, and had a cup of Blue Bottle Coffee, bringing my summer 2026 trip to Japan to a perfect close. -
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Hisaya-odori Park
Hisaya-odori Park is a long, linear urban park located along Hisaya-odori Avenue, recognized as one of Japan's "100 Best Roads." Combining parkland with commercial amenities, visitors can enjoy shopping and dining amidst lush greenery.
A major city needs a park that can breathe, and Hisaya-odori Park in Nagoya not only has trees but also green spaces. The fountain and TV tower also make you want to stop and take them in.
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