Missing Post Office | Review by Linda Liao

The Kure Harbor warship tour is a must for military and history enthusiasts visiting Kure! Board a sightseeing boat and head out on the water for a close-up view of the various warships docked in the harbor. Seeing this port city steeped in military history from the water offers a whole new perspective. I especially recommend going in the early evening, when the sun slowly sets and its golden glow falls across the warships. Many people come specifically to take photos.

This place brings together many popular Japanese snack brands, such as Calbee, Morinaga, and Ezaki Glico. The shelves are packed with colorful packages, and the cookies, chocolates, potato chips, and limited-edition snacks are all great to take home as souvenirs. I picked out a few boxes of Calbee potato chips to bring home and share with my family〜

During the fall foliage season, the garden also has special nighttime illuminations, creating completely different scenery during the day and at night. After entering the garden, what caught my attention most was the view by Ryusen Lake. The building of Hozentei, the Tokugawa Art Museum restaurant, and the surrounding lights were reflected on the lake, with the reflections gently swaying on the water. It really created a dreamlike Japanese garden atmosphere.

I visited a little too early this time, and the maple leaves were only just beginning to change color. They were still some way from turning the whole garden red, so that was a little disappointing. However, after nightfall, the lights illuminated the garden, the water, and the maple trees that were still tinged with green, giving the garden an even more tranquil feeling. If I can visit next time when the maple leaves are at their reddest, I’m sure the scenery will be even more breathtaking.