Ohori Park | Review by Jk

Turn a corner from the lively, bustling shopping streets of Kobe Sannomiya, and an enormous, brilliant vermilion torii gate immediately appears before you, impressive and eye-catching. This is Ikuta Shrine, standing in the very heart of central Kobe! The shrine is so sacred that even the name “Kobe” originally came from the kanbe (神戸), households granted by the imperial court to support and protect Ikuta Shrine. You could say this sacred site is the very birthplace of the entire city of Kobe!
After passing through the towering torii gate and ornate two-story gate, you’ll see the worship hall, completely painted a vivid vermilion and especially striking against the blue sky, white clouds, and lush green trees. Ikuta Shrine enshrines Wakahirume-no-Mikoto, the goddess of weaving and matchmaking, so since ancient times it has been famous throughout the Kansai region as an incredibly powerful sacred place for love and relationships! The approach is lined with countless heart-shaped ema plaques, and many couples and travelers seeking a good match come here specifically to put their hands together in sincere prayer, wishing for lasting love and happiness.
Besides praying to the deity, the most delightful hidden experience on the grounds is the extremely popular “water fortune,” which you absolutely have to try! After getting a seemingly blank fortune slip from the shrine office, follow the signs into the peaceful Ikuta Forest behind the worship hall. Surrounded by towering ancient trees, this small forest feels like a secluded paradise amid the noise and bustle of downtown. At the clear pond in the woods, gently lay the fortune slip flat on the water. After a few seconds, black writing and a prediction of your fortune slowly emerge as if by magic. The mysterious and romantic process makes everyone hold their breath and rush to record it!
Strolling along the shaded wooden paths through Ikuta Forest, you’ll hear clear, pleasant birdsong and the gentle sound of flowing water. A soft breeze brushes your face, carrying refreshing phytoncides and a soothing atmosphere. The restlessness and exhaustion from shopping in Sannomiya moments earlier instantly melt away in this sacred forest of ancient trees, filled with a thousand years of spiritual energy.
In a single moment, you can go from a lively shopping district to a tranquil ancient shrine, where you can admire the bold classical beauty of brilliant vermilion architecture, experience the mysterious and fun water fortune, and enjoy a forest-bathing walk. Ikuta Shrine perfectly blends urban convenience with the spiritual atmosphere of an ancient shrine. It’s definitely a top walking spot in Kobe that’s worth making a special detour to visit and soak up plenty of happiness and good luck!

Tennoji Station, the major transportation hub of southern Osaka, instantly gives the whole city an exciting, energetic rhythm! Looking out from the modern, futuristic pedestrian overpass in front of the station, the JR Tennoji Station building and Tennoji MIO shopping complex shine brightly beneath the deep blue night sky. The station sign, lit up with eye-catching blue and white lettering, looks like a beacon guiding travelers, while the steady stream of cars and people below is full of the distinctive energy and bustle of southern Osaka!
The white steel framework of the overpass has especially striking lines against the night sky. Standing on the bridge in the slightly cool night breeze, watching trains head in every direction and taxis weave through the streets, you naturally feel the exhilaration of being in the heart of a bustling city. This is not only a major transfer hub with direct connections to Kansai Airport, Nara, and Wakayama, but it is also surrounded by enormous shopping centers such as the Abeno Harukas skyscraper and Q's Mall. Once you step inside, the trendy clothing, anime merchandise, and all kinds of local souvenirs will have you shopping until your legs give out!
And if you look down at the sidewalk in front of the station, you'll immediately discover an exciting hidden surprise—a colorful manhole cover featuring MYAKU-MYAKU, the official mascot of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai! Its round red ring of cells is covered with lively eyes and paired with a small blue droplet-shaped body. It really stands out against the sidewalk tiles, looking amusingly strange and full of Osaka humor. If you pass by, you absolutely have to stick out your shoe and take a photo with it!
When you're tired from shopping, head into the underground mall or the surrounding alleys, where the aromas of freshly grilled takoyaki, crispy kushikatsu, and steaming hot broth drift through the air. Pick any long-established izakaya, sit down, and enjoy a feast. With your mouth full of rich flavors and the enthusiastic, booming calls of the Osaka dialect all around you, the satisfaction is off the charts.
From the sparkling city nightscape that looks like a sea of stars from the pedestrian overpass to the strangely mesmerizing and adorable Expo manhole cover found on a street corner, Tennoji Station perfectly combines an extremely convenient transportation hub, endless modern shopping, and the authentic warmth of Osaka's downtown neighborhoods. It's definitely an extremely popular photo spot where the excitement only grows as the night goes on during an Osaka trip!

The moment you step into Hokkaido Shiki-Saikan on the first floor of JR Hakodate Station, you’re instantly overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of Hokkaido souvenirs! This is basically the ultimate last stop for shopping before leaving Hakodate, and the location couldn’t be more convenient. Whether you’ve just gotten off the train to start your trip or you’re dragging your luggage along to catch a train out of town, once you pass by, you’ll inevitably find yourself drawn inside!
The shelves are packed and the store is incredibly lively, with Hokkaido’s biggest souvenir stars everywhere you look! Shiroi Koibito, Rokkatei rum raisin sandwich cookies, ROYCE' nama chocolate, Jaga Pokkuru, and all kinds of limited-edition potato chips are neatly arranged into an impressive wall of souvenirs. There’s no need to run all over the place—you can pick up all the classics you want in one stop.
Besides the popular sweets found throughout Hokkaido, the best part is the huge selection of local items exclusive to Hakodate! There are classic curry pouches from the long-established Hakodate restaurant Gotoken, melt-in-your-mouth Snaffle's cheesecakes, and plenty of seafood treats like shredded grilled squid, dried scallops, and dried salmon. Every item has the uniquely tempting, savory aroma of this port city. Just one lap around the refrigerated cases and snack section, and before you know it, your shopping basket is piled into a small mountain.
They also often have freshly baked snacks and rich Hokkaido milk desserts. Before boarding the train, grab a creamy, velvety soft-serve cone to eat as you walk. The moment that milky flavor melts in your mouth, the happiness is off the charts. The aisles are spacious and clean, and even the checkout counters move incredibly quickly, making this place a total lifesaver for travelers rushing to catch a train.
Whether you’re looking for presentable, sought-after gift boxes for friends and family or want to open a bag of local snacks to enjoy with the scenery on the train, Hokkaido Shiki-Saikan JR Hakodate Store is absolutely the kind of treasure trove you won’t want to leave empty-handed!