For the last stop on my business trip, a colleague took me to Din Tai Fung on the sixth floor of Minamoa. Xiao long bao really are an absolute favorite among Japanese people—I honestly haven’t met anyone who doesn’t love them (laughs). One small bite, with thin wrappers and plenty of soup, melted away the entire day’s fatigue. Thanks to the yen’s recent weakness, eating a taste of home abroad didn’t feel expensive at all, and it actually worked out to be quite affordable. Ending this business trip perfectly with familiar flavors was so comforting!
Hiroshima Station Building Minamoa | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Dogo Onsen Station
Dogo Onsen Station of the Iyo Railway city tram is the closest station to the famous "Dogo Onsen", believed to be Japan's oldest hot spring.
Stepping out of Dogo Onsen Station, the first thing that caught my eye was the cute, retro Botchan Train. It felt as if I had suddenly stepped into the Meiji era depicted by Natsume Soseki. Built in 1895, Dogo Onsen Station has a classic wooden exterior and serves as an important gateway to the Dogo Onsen district. The plaza in front of the station also features attractions such as the Botchan Train and Botchan Clock, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The Botchan Train currently operates only at certain times on specific holidays, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule when planning your trip〜
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Okayama Electric Tramway (Streetcar)
Okayama Electric Tramway, affectionately known as “Okaden,” is a streetcar system that has been operating in Okayama City for more than a century, having first begun service in the Meiji era. It continues to connect key areas of the city today and is widely used not only for commuting and school travel, but also as a convenient way to reach major sightseeing spots such as Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden.
The Okayama Electric Tramway has been a vital part of transportation through central Okayama for a century and consists of the Higashiyama Line and the Seikibashi Line. The retro streetcars and tracks woven into everyday life create a unique cityscape. If you’re staying long enough, consider buying a one-day pass, as it’s quite convenient for traveling between attractions. I was hoping to come across the very popular Tama-themed streetcar this time, but unfortunately I never did. Hopefully, I’ll be able to catch sight of the adorable Tama streetcar on my next visit.
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KINTETSU RAIL PASS
The KINTETSU RAIL PASS is a special travel pass for foreign tourists visiting Japan, providing unlimited rides on Kintetsu trains, as well as designated areas on Nara Kotsu buses. The pass can be purchased through the Kintetsu website or at travel agencies, and as of December 2024, it has been upgraded to a digital ticket. This new feature allows users to simply display the pass on their smartphone and tap it at the ticket gate, providing a more seamless and convenient travel experience!
The KINTETSU RAIL PASS is great for planning a train trip around Kansai and Mie. Depending on the type of pass, you can explore Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Mie (Ise-Shima), and Nagoya. In Nara, you can visit Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara Park, Kofukuji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple, and Yakushiji Temple. In Kyoto, you can connect attractions in Fushimi, central Kyoto, and other areas. With the 5-day pass, you can also travel all the way to Ise Jingu, Toba, Shima, Mount Yoshino, and more. It's a good option for travelers who want to explore historic sites, natural scenery, and local culture all in one trip.
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