Having conveyor belt sushi at Nemuro Hanamaru in Sapporo really left a deep impression on me! The restaurant had a lively atmosphere and a huge selection of sushi. The fresh Hokkaido seafood in particular tasted sweet and full of ocean flavor. Every piece looked so tempting that I couldn't stop ordering. I especially loved the thick slices of fish and how fresh they tasted. It was very different from the conveyor belt sushi I've had in Taiwan. I felt very satisfied to try this popular local sushi spot during my trip to Hokkaido, and it added an unforgettable food memory to my time in Sapporo!
Nemuro Hanamaru JR Tower Stellar Place | Review by BobbyJenny
Other Reviews by BobbyJenny
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Gateau Rusk, Gateau Festa Harada
Gateau Festa Harada is a well-known manufacturer with its head office located in Takasaki City in Gunma Prefecture. Their popular, signature rusk snack, Gouter de Roi, which means “snack for a king”, is made of French baguettes using their original blended wheat recipe.
The GOUTER de ROI French bread rusks are one of the souvenirs I highly recommend buying when traveling in Japan. After being baked, the golden French bread gives off a rich buttery and bready aroma. It looks simple, but the flavor is very distinctive.
The first thing you notice when you bite into one is the crisp texture, followed by the sweet blend of butter, sugar, and French bread. The rusks are thin and light, quickly melting in your mouth without being too greasy. The sweetness is also just right, making it hard to stop eating one after another.
I think their biggest appeal is the crisp texture and rich aroma without being overly sweet. Anyone who likes French bread or butter cookies will probably enjoy them. The elegant packaging also makes them a great gift and a very presentable souvenir from Japan.
Enjoying them with coffee or tea brings out the buttery aroma even more, and having a few at afternoon tea is especially satisfying. The next time I go to Japan, I'll definitely buy a few more boxes to keep and enjoy slowly!
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Rokkatei Strawberry Chocolate
When it comes to Hokkaido's iconic sweets, Rokkatei is a name that stands out. While their Marusei Butter Sandwich is the most famous, the Strawberry Chocolate has also become a favorite, especially among women.
Rokkatei Strawberry Chocolate is one of the souvenirs I highly recommend buying when visiting Hokkaido. It has a rich, smooth chocolate coating with a whole crunchy dried strawberry inside. I thought it was very distinctive the first time I tried it.
When you bite into it, you first taste the rich chocolate, followed by the slightly tart dried strawberry and its natural fruity flavor. The balance of sweet and tart is just right, so it doesn't have only the cloying sweetness of chocolate. The strawberry also retains its crunchy texture, creating an interesting contrast with the smooth chocolate coating.
I think its greatest appeal is how well balanced the sweet and tart flavors are. It's easy to enjoy whether you like chocolate or strawberries. The packaging also has Rokkatei's distinctive style, making it a great souvenir from Hokkaido.
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Nagaoka Kyo Ogura Sanso “Karuta Hyakunin Isshu”
Based in Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, Ogura Sanso is a long-established confectionery shop specializing in rice crackers. The brand is known for creating products that reflect the elegance of Heian-period culture and the world of classical Japanese poetry, particularly the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu anthology.
When I came to Nagaokakyo in Kyoto and discovered Ogura Sanso's “Karuta Hyakunin Isshu,” I realized that traditional Japanese culture could be this interesting! Hyakunin Isshu is a classic Japanese waka poetry anthology featuring works by 100 poets. Ogura Sanso incorporates this classical culture into its souvenirs and product designs, allowing you to take in Kyoto's rich cultural atmosphere as you browse.
What attracted me most in the store were the various designs related to waka poetry and karuta cards. They're exquisite and full of Japanese character, and everything from the packaging to the products feels high-quality. Seeing familiar Hyakunin Isshu cards especially makes you want to take a closer look and learn more about the story behind each poem.
I think Ogura Sanso is more than just a place to buy souvenirs. It's also like a small window into Kyoto's traditional culture. The classical Hyakunin Isshu combined with modern product design feels historical without seeming too distant.
If you like Kyoto culture, waka poetry, or Japanese-style souvenirs, I highly recommend visiting Ogura Sanso in Nagaokakyo. You can pick out a souvenir you like to take home and preserve some of the classical atmosphere of your Kyoto trip along with it.
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