The cruise is a distinctive sightseeing experience that takes about 40 minutes. From the water, you can admire the stone warehouses and retro streetscapes along both sides of the canal while listening to the captain explain Otaru's history. Feeling the breeze and looking out at the calm water and beautiful scenery is very relaxing.
Otaru Canal Cruise | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Gion Tsujiri Gion Main Store
Founded in 1860 and operating under the name "Gion Tsujiri" since 1948, this fully authentic tea shop is dedicated to Uji tea. Step inside to find a prime selection of tea leaves, including the finest Uji matcha, gyokuro, and hojicha.
While visiting Gion in Kyoto, I specifically made time for a matcha parfait! Gion Tsujiri is a long-established Uji tea shop in Kyoto, and its matcha desserts are practically its signature. The parfait is layered with matcha ice cream, matcha jelly, shiratama, and red beans. The tea flavor is rich without being simply sweet, and there are many layers of flavor.
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Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)
Located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, Hokan-ji is a Rinzai sect (Kennin-ji branch) temple most famous for its five-story pagoda, widely known as Yasaka no Tō. This iconic structure is one of Kyoto’s most recognizable landmarks. Legend points to the temples founding in 589 by Prince Shōtoku, with the current pagoda rebuilt in 1440 under Ashikaga Yoshinori. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
It is said to have been founded by Prince Shōtoku during the Asuka period, while the existing pagoda was rebuilt during the Muromachi period. Standing about 40 meters tall, this five-story pagoda is one of the few ancient pagodas still preserved within Kyoto's city streets. Viewed from Yasaka-dori, the traditional machiya townhouses and the five-story pagoda form a classic Kyoto scene. It is especially charming when the afternoon sunlight falls on the wooden structure; toward evening, as the streetlights gradually come on, it takes on a different kind of tranquil beauty. For many people, this is also one of the streetscapes that feels most distinctly like Kyoto.
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miffy style Tokyo Station
miffy style, located in First Avenue Tokyo Station, is the official shop of the beloved character Miffy. It is an officially approved Bruna shop that presents Dick Bruna’s world in a new style through the character of Miffy.
There is also a Miffy specialty shop in Kyoto's Gion Shopping Street, and the moment I walked in, my inner girl came bursting out! The entire store, from the storefront to the interior, is filled with Miffy. The selection is also more extensive than expected, with everything from classic plush toys, charms, and stationery to cups, tableware, and household goods, plus quite a few special items designed specifically for Kyoto. Every item made me want to stop and take a closer look. Seeing all the cute pastel-colored items together was completely soothing, and before I knew it, I had spent more than planned.
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