Shinobazu Pond | Review by BobbyJenny

At Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka, the first thing you see at the entrance is the distinctive Taiko Bridge. Its dramatic curve is quite impressive and is one of the shrine's most iconic sights. After crossing the bridge and entering the shrine grounds, the atmosphere becomes much quieter, creating a striking contrast with the lively streets outside.

As you continue walking, you'll see one old shrine building after another. The vermilion structures surrounded by greenery create a distinctly Japanese shrine atmosphere. The grounds are very spacious, and it feels especially pleasant to take your time walking around and praying.

NEZAMEYA—I ordered inari sushi and eel rice this time. It was a simple meal, but very satisfying! The tofu pockets around the inari sushi had a sweet flavor and were filled with fragrant vinegared rice. They were easy to eat in one bite, with just the right balance of sweet and savory.

The eel rice was another highlight of the meal. The grilled eel was fragrant, with a slightly charred aroma on the surface. The fish was tender, and it tasted better and better with the piping-hot white rice underneath!

At Takahashi Dairy Farm, of course you can’t miss the farm’s popular treats! This time, I got a milk ice cream cone. It was full of rich milky flavor from the first bite, but it wasn’t too heavy and went down very smoothly.

The ice cream had a dense, smooth texture, and the rich milk flavor slowly spread through my mouth. You could taste the natural creaminess in every bite. Eating it at the farm, surrounded by pastoral scenery, made it feel even more like a relaxing vacation.