The first time I visited Katsuo-ji Temple in Osaka, I was immediately captivated by all the daruma! The temple is filled with daruma of different sizes and super cute expressions, hidden in corners, beside rocks, and among the bushes. As you walk around, you can’t help stopping to look for them—it’s as fun as a treasure hunt.
Katsuo-ji is also known as the “Temple of Winning Luck,” and many people come to pray for success in exams, work, competitions, or various aspects of life.
Kyoto Music Box Museum Saga
The Arashiyama Saga area is an iconic Kyoto sightseeing location where you can enjoy the beauty of every season, such as cherry blossoms in spring or changing leaves in fall, and take in the history and culture of this ancient city. A 1-minute walk away from Arashiyama Station of the Keifuku Arashiyama Electric Railroad in the Saga area is the location of Kyoto Music Box Museum Saga.
While visiting Arashiyama, I stopped by Kyoto Music Box Museum Saga. As soon as I walked in, I was drawn to the many music boxes, from small, cute designs to intricate carousels and Kyoto-style pieces. Each one made me want to stop and choose one. Soft music was playing inside, and together with the Japanese-style wooden atmosphere, it made browsing especially relaxing. This is a great place to buy a music box as a small souvenir of your trip to Arashiyama. When you hear the familiar melody again at home, it will remind you of the leisurely time you spent in Kyoto.
Dassai Junmai Daiginjo 45
Dassai Shuzo is a brewery in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, that continues to defy the norms of sake brewing. Rather than relying solely on the intuition and experience of a single master brewer, the brand has a penchant for team effort, involving all employees in the brewing process.
Dassai Junmai Daiginjo 45 is smoother than I expected, with subtle fruity and rice aromas. It’s soft and refreshing on the palate without being harsh, and the slight sweetness is very pleasant. The finish is clean without any bitterness. It’s easy to enjoy even if it’s your first time drinking Japanese sake, and it tastes especially good chilled. It pairs well with sushi, sashimi, or other Japanese dishes. Overall, it’s a sake with a delicate aroma and balanced flavor without an overly strong alcohol taste, making it a great choice for beginners.
Enbun Charge Tablets
A chewable tablet that aids in boosting electrolytes lost while you sweat. It tastes great and melts in your mouth to quickly deliver sodium, potassium, and citric acid to the body.
You really need to carry a pack of “Kabaya Salt Charge Candy” with you when visiting Japan in the summer! When it’s hot and you’re drenched in sweat from walking around sightseeing spots, have one of these sweet salt candies. It has a lightly salty, refreshing taste and isn’t too rich. The small pack takes up almost no space in your bag, and it’s very convenient while shopping, waiting in line, or spending long periods outdoors. Summers in Japan are especially scorching, so having one handy for everyday replenishment feels very practical! One of my must-have travel snacks〜
