I came to Shinjuku Gyoen in the spring to see the cherry blossoms. After getting tired from walking around, I wanted to find a comfortable place to rest, so I stopped by the Starbucks in the garden. The biggest feature of this location is its large floor-to-ceiling windows. Find a seat by the window, order a cup of coffee, and you can relax while enjoying the view of Shinjuku Gyoen outside. It gets quite crowded during cherry blossom season, and the store also carries seasonal cherry blossom merchandise with slightly different designs each year. If you like collecting Starbucks cups, keep an eye out~
Starbucks Coffee Shinjuku Gyoen Store | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Kushida Shrine
This head shrine is said to have been built in the 8th century. Residents in Hakata call it “Okushida san.” Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival declares the arrival of summer to the City of Hakata in July, and is dedicated to this shrine.
Kushida Shrine is located downtown and is easy to get to. You can walk there directly from Hakata Station while exploring the area. The most eye-catching feature on the grounds is the tall, ornate kazariyama float, which is quite striking at first sight. When you look at it up close, you can see how exquisitely detailed the figures, clothing, and other elements are. The colors are vivid, and it has a strong artistic quality. Kushida Shrine is also an important venue for the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, and the entire shrine has a strong sense of local culture.
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Ebisuya Kyoto Higashiyama
A rickshaw experience where you ride through the city in a two-wheeled cart pulled by a rickshaw driver, while listening to commentary on sightseeing spots and the history of the area. Ebisuya Kyoto Higashiyama offers this unique rickshaw experience in Kyoto’s Higashiyama area. With a knowledgeable driver as your guide, you can visit iconic Kyoto landmarks such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, and the stone-paved streets of Gion, along with hidden gems nearby.
When visiting Kyoto’s Higashiyama area, taking a rickshaw is a sightseeing experience well worth trying in addition to exploring on foot. The rickshaw driver takes visitors through narrow streets full of Kyoto charm while sharing information about the scenery and local history, adding interaction and pleasant surprises to the journey. The Higashiyama area has quite a few slopes, so if you’re traveling with seniors or young children, a rickshaw can reduce the burden of walking and let you enjoy the streets more comfortably. In winter, blankets are also provided, making the ride very comfortable. You can choose from different options according to your budget and needs. It’s a distinctive travel experience.
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Slightly Spicy La Yu Chili Oil from Momoya (KARASOUDEKARAKUNAI SUKOSIKARAIRAYU)
A lavish chili oil, known for sparking the edible chili oil trend, packed with the perfect level of spiciness, generously filled with crispy fried garlic and fried onions.
This chili oil from Momoya is a favorite that I’ll keep buying again and again! It’s not too spicy, just right for people who like a little heat. It’s very fragrant without overpowering the flavor of the food itself. I usually add a little when making noodle soup, and it instantly gives the whole bowl a fragrant, spicy flavor—simple and delicious. It also goes really well mixed into dipping sauce for dumplings. It’s a very useful bottle of chili oil to have at home, and I use it often. Most importantly, the small jar is more hygienic, so there’s no need to worry about it sitting around for too long.
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