Rikugien Gardens, located in Komagome, Tokyo, is a representative Japanese garden dating back to the Edo period. Known for its pond-centered strolling garden, it offers different scenery in every season. The most breathtaking sight in spring has to be the weeping cherry tree, with its naturally drooping branches! In full bloom, the pale pink flowers cascade down the branches like gentle white waterfalls, swaying gracefully in the breeze—a romantic sight that takes your breath away. Seeing this beautiful cherry blossom scenery in person, you really can't help but stop to admire it and keep taking photos. It's an unforgettable view during Tokyo's cherry blossom season!
Rikugien Gardens | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Mochiidono Shopping Street
The shopping street is located about 300 meters south of Nara Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line, past the Nara City Higashimuki Shopping Street. It is adjacent to Nara's popular tourist spot, Naramachi, and is visited by many tourists.
When you arrive in Nara and head toward Todaiji Temple, it’s easy to be drawn in by the lively sight of mochi being freshly pounded at Nakatanidou. Right next door is Mochiidono Shopping Street! This shopping street is home to many local shops, offering everything from Nara-themed souvenirs and Japanese sweets to a variety of dining options. You may even discover some unexpected little surprises while browsing. Slow down and wander through the street to get a better feel for everyday life in Nara. If you’re planning a day trip to Nara, consider stopping by to add a little shopping and food enjoyment to your visit.
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Ginza Matsuzaki Senbei Main Shop
A long-standing Senbei (a type of Japanese cracker) shop, founded in 1804. The “Oedo Matsuzaki Sanmido” Kawara Senbei, representing the Matsuzaki Senbei, has a smooth surface on which a craftsman will carefully paint a seasonal motif with syrup, one by one. It uses plenty of eggs, and the light sweetness with a crispy pleasant texture is loved by a wide range of customers.
Ginza Matsuzaki Senbei is a long-established Tokyo rice cracker shop founded in 1804, known for its traditionally handmade rice crackers. Its signature “Oedo Matsuzaki Koyomi” features seasonal scenery painted on the crackers, making each one look like a small, delicate work of art with a distinctly Japanese feel. The shop also offers a variety of rice crackers and wagashi, all elegantly packaged and perfect as souvenirs. They look a little like Taiwanese tile cookies, and have a wonderful rice aroma!
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Hokkaido Ⅾosanko Plaza, Sapporo shop
“Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza, Sapporo shop” is an information corner for “Food” located in “Hokkaido- Sapporo Food and Tourism Information Center”, which is loved by tourists as well as local people. They provide not only food but also cosmetics made from food ingredients such as salmon or crab.
Compared with the uniform product displays at department stores, I prefer a souvenir shop full of local character like Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza, Sapporo shop! Stepping inside feels like setting off on a Hokkaido treasure hunt. From specialty snacks and local treats to all kinds of limited-edition products, every corner holds an unexpected surprise. You can not only find great products that are usually hard to come across, but also experience Hokkaido’s culture and way of life through them. Rather than just choosing popular local specialties, you can discover unique gifts with stories behind them, making each gift feel more personal and thoughtful.
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