The layout of Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is truly impressive. After entering, you first take an escalator straight to the top floor, then follow a comfortable spiral ramp downward, viewing the marine life in the same enormous tank from top to bottom and from different angles. The design is excellent. The stamp booklet offered inside is also a lifesaver—the stamp-collecting activity is beautifully designed and fun, and it completely keeps the kids' attention. They can look for stamps along the way, so the adults can explore at ease while the kids have a great time. It's a highly recommended attraction for the whole family to explore together!
Kaiyukan | Review by 李婕妤
Other Reviews by 李婕妤
-
Yasaka Koshindo
A temple built in a famous tourists spot in Kyoto called Higashiyama, where other famous sights such as the Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine are located. The official name of the temple is "Daikokusan Kongoji Koshindo,” but is well-known as "Yasaka Koshin-san" in the local area. It is said that this was where the Koshin faith, which derived from Chinese Taoism, first started in Japan, and is also one of the three Koshin in Japan.
After walking from Kiyomizu-dera, I highly recommend stopping by this charming and colorful little shrine, Yasaka Koshindo!
Although the grounds aren’t very large, as soon as you step inside, you’ll be drawn to the many colorful kukurizaru monkey charms. These adorable little monkey-shaped charms can be hung up after you write your wish on them to pray for good fortune, or you can take one home as a special souvenir of your trip to Kyoto.
Because this place is so colorful and atmospheric, if you’re lucky, you may even see newlyweds in gorgeous kimonos taking wedding photos here. It’s a very beautiful and romantic sight. It’s a wonderful place to stop by for photos while also experiencing a traditional cultural atmosphere!
-
-
Kanshundo Higashiten
Founded in 1865, this historic Japanese confectionery store has deep ties with shrines and temples, serving traditional sweets to Toyokuni Shrine and the former Rokujyo Imperial Palace. They sell seasonal fresh sweets and dry sweets, led by their signature product 'Chajuki', modeled after a ceramic matcha bowl.
I visited the century-old Kyoto confectionery Kanshundo for a DIY wagashi-making experience, and the whole process was a wonderful surprise!
Although the artisan instructor didn't speak any foreign languages, there was no need to worry about communication. His attentive gaze and precise movements were extremely professional. He slowed down each shaping and molding step, demonstrated it himself, and carefully guided us, so even a complete beginner could feel confident making the sweets. Mine weren't as refined as the artisan's, but they still looked pretty good in photos.
The experience included making two kinds of delicate fresh wagashi. The theme changes with the seasons, giving it a strong sense of Kyoto's seasonal traditions. After finishing our creations, we enjoyed them on the spot with hot matcha. The wagashi I made had a smooth texture and was sweet without being too rich, making the whole experience feel truly special!
Afterward, I stopped by the shop on the first floor. It displays and sells a wide selection of beautiful Kyoto-style sweets and seasonal items. The packaging was elegant and refined, so I picked up all the souvenirs I needed to bring back to Taiwan. I highly recommend including this in a Kyoto traditional culture itinerary!
-
-
Sensoji Temple
This iconic destination in Asakusa sees as many as 30 million visitors each year. It stands as a well-loved mainstay in Tokyo, all while hosting a number of annual traditions like the first temple visit at New Years, Setsubun and more across the year.
Sensoji Temple was packed with people, but exploring among the traditional buildings was truly worthwhile. Kikus Suido's “Love Fortune Bear Skewer” on Nakamise Shopping Street was super eye-catching, featuring adorable bear-shaped monaka, heart-shaped castella cakes, and sweet, fresh strawberry daifuku. It had a delightful variety of flavors and was so comforting. You can even read your fortune after finishing it, adding another romantic memory to this Tokyo trip!
-
