When spring comes to Osaka, the cherry blossom season is what I look forward to most. The park is filled with a lively atmosphere during the Osaka Castle Spring Festival, and from beneath the cherry trees to the edge of the moat, you can see people enjoying the blossoms in different ways everywhere. Groups of friends sit on the ground, eating snacks and having a little drink while admiring the cherry blossoms in front of them. Some people take advantage of the blossoms being at their best to capture as many photos as they can and create their own spring memories. Others simply sit and let their minds wander, watching the petals drift in the wind and quietly enjoying the moment. The blossoms last only a few short days, making this limited spring beauty feel even more precious.
Osaka Castle Spring Festival | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Okayama Station
JR Okayama Station is a major terminal in the Chugoku and Shikoku area, served by the Sanyo Shinkansen and several JR lines. The Sanyo Line, Hakubi Line, Tsuyama Line, Ako Line, and Uno Minato Line all run through the station, making it a convenient transportation hub for destinations in and beyond Okayama Prefecture, including Kurashiki, Korakuen Garden, Okayama Castle, Uno Port, and Naoshima.
Finally arrived in Okayama, known as the “Land of Sunshine”! Okayama is located along the Seto Inland Sea, with a mild climate and plenty of sunshine, and is also one of Japan’s well-known fruit-producing regions. As soon as you step out of Okayama Station, the first thing you see is the statue of Momotaro with the dog, monkey, and pheasant, which really reflects the local character. It turns out that the story of Momotaro is closely connected to Okayama. Before even starting to explore the city, you can already get a strong sense of Okayama’s local charm.
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SATUDORA Tanukikoji Daio Building Store
SATUDORA Tanukikoji Daio Building Store is a spacious two-story store located on a corner in Tanukikoji 5-chome, part of Sapporo’s famous covered shopping arcade. It's within walking distance of Sapporo Station, Odori Station, and Susukino Station. As the arcade is covered, it’s also easy to visit on rainy or snowy days. Its convenient location also makes it an ideal stop before or after sightseeing or a meal.
When shopping on Tanukikoji in Sapporo, Hokkaido, you definitely shouldn’t miss this SATUDORA store. The store is very spacious and bright, with neatly arranged displays that don’t feel crowded, so you can comfortably browse all kinds of cosmetics, skincare products, and popular medicines. There’s a wide selection of products, and it’s very comfortable and relaxing to shop here. You can also use coupons for additional discounts.
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Snow Peak LAND STATION HAKUBA
A multi-use complex with an extraordinary setting surrounded by the Hakuba mountain range. The building was designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, and its wooden lattice ceiling, inspired by snowflakes, leaves a lasting impression. With glass walls on every side, you can take in the sweeping natural scenery from anywhere inside.
After nightfall, there were hardly any shops to browse near the ski resort. After buying some things at the supermarket, I took a casual walk and unexpectedly ended up at Snow Peak LAND STATION HAKUBA. From a distance, the building looked so warm and inviting that I couldn't help but stop. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the entire building was inspired by Hakuba's natural landscape and uses wood to blend in with the mountain scenery. The roof resembles the undulating ridgeline of the Northern Alps, while the striking wooden lattice ceiling inside was inspired by snow crystals.
Although everything was covered in snow on this winter night, quite a few people had gathered here to chat and rest. The combination of the snowy scenery and warm lighting created an especially charming atmosphere. In addition to Snow Peak products, the building also carries distinctive local Hakuba products and a curated selection of goods, and there is a Starbucks where you can order a hot drink to warm up. The whole building feels like a small art museum hidden in the mountains. This winter night scene that I stumbled upon unexpectedly also became a very memorable part of my trip to Hakuba.
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