While traveling in Japan, I noticed acure vending machines in many subway stations, which was really convenient! It seems like not many people in Japan carry water bottles with them when they go out, and often buy bottled water or other drinks from vending machines when they're thirsty. The drink bottles usually aren't very big, so they're easy to hold or slip into a bag and don't take up much space at all. This culture of having vending machines everywhere also gives you a sense of how thoughtful and convenient daily life in Japan can be!
acure | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO
A complex of historical buildings located in the plaza in front of the Tower of Osaka Castle. Built in 1931, the former army office building has an eye-catching, stately exterior reminiscent of an old medieval castle in Europe. Inside, the upper walls are decorated with vivid ornaments, and the corner towers on the front and four corners still retain the atmosphere of the past.
MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO, located within Osaka Castle, is more than just a commercial facility—it is also a historic building worth noticing. Built in 1931 to commemorate Emperor Showa’s enthronement, it originally served as the headquarters of the Fourth Division. Its exterior was deliberately designed in the style of a medieval European castle, with distinctive corner towers and massive walls. After the war, it was used by the police and later became the Osaka City Museum. Today, it houses restaurants, shops, and exhibition spaces, and the rooftop offers a close-up view of Osaka Castle’s main tower.
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Gion Tsujiri "Tsujiri no Sato"
Founded in 1860 as a manufacturer and seller of Uji tea, Gion Tsujiri is the spot for plumes of rich aroma and the taste of tea in Kyoto, a historic tea-producing region, for over 160 years. Recent years at the tea house have seen an all new kind of buzz thanks to the launch of a widened range of matcha sweets. For sweet and tasty souvenirs, look no further than this go-to brand.
When visiting Gion Tsujiri in Kyoto, in addition to the matcha desserts, I highly recommend picking up a box of “Tsujiri no Sato”! Crispy thin wafers are rolled into small cylinders and filled with rich matcha cream. When you bite into one, you first get the crisp texture of the wafer, followed by a delicate tea aroma. The slight bitterness of the matcha perfectly balances the sweetness, making it very easy to enjoy. Pair it with the tea bags sold at the shop for an afternoon tea that really tastes like Kyoto.
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Nakaza Cui-daore Bldg.
Located in Dotonbori, Osaka's busy downtown, this building is like a condensed version of "Osaka, the city of gourmets," filled with delicious food. In addition to the typical Osaka gourmet food such as kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables) and reasonably priced izakaya (Japanese style pubs), there are also a number of restaurants that offer sweets, sushi, all-you-can-eat crab, and other food selections.
When visiting Dotonbori in Osaka, it’s hard not to notice the eye-catching Nakaza Cui-daore Building. The most iconic feature on its exterior is Kuidaore Taro, with his mouth open as he beats a drum. This figure was originally a symbol of the Nakaza theater, and after the theater closed, Kuidaore Taro became a classic Dotonbori landmark. Today, the building houses restaurants, shops, and other facilities. If you pass by, consider stopping to take a photo and experience Dotonbori’s lively streetscape filled with Osaka character.
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