Ever since I watched a Japanese TV show featuring roadside stations around the country, whenever I pass one during a trip, I can’t resist stopping to hunt for local-exclusive souvenirs or regional specialties. This time, at Kokin-denju-no-sato Yamato, what I was looking forward to most was the well-known charcoal-grilled sweetfish! When I arrived, the fish had just been skewered and were lined up neatly beside the charcoal fire, so I had to wait patiently. When I finally got my piping-hot grilled sweetfish, the skin had a smoky charcoal aroma, and it was delicious with just a simple sprinkle of salt. The tender meat was fresh, sweet, and juicy, and the more I chewed, the more I could taste the natural flavor of the fish. Before leaving, I also soaked my feet in the free foot bath, giving my tired feet a chance to relax after walking all day. It was such an unexpected and soothing little treat during the trip!
Kokin-denju-no-sato Yamato | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Hall)
As the largest convention facility in Japan, Tokyo Big Sight opened in 1996. A variety of events, exhibitions and conferences are held here all year long. It is also known as the venue for high-profile events such as the Tokyo Motor Show and Comiket, attracting attention from both Japan and overseas.
Several years ago, I came to exhibit at Tokyo Big Sight, and its futuristic architecture still leaves a strong impression on me! The most recognizable feature of the familiar “Tokyo Big Sight” is its Conference Tower, made up of four inverted pyramids. Combined with glass and metal, it’s highly distinctive even from a distance. The venue opened in 1996 and is one of Japan’s largest exhibition centers. From international trade shows and industry exhibitions to anime events, all kinds of large-scale events are held here almost year-round. As impressive as the exterior looks, the space inside is even more astonishingly vast. The East, West, and South Exhibition Halls are spread out over a wide area, and just walking around all day is exhausting~ When I left the venue that evening, there was only one thought on my mind: find somewhere to have dinner and recharge as soon as possible.
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Hokkaido Shiki-Saikan JR Hakodate Store
Located inside JR Hakodate Station, Hokkaido Shiki-Saikan offers more than 1,000 items, including popular Hakodate and Hokkaido sweets. Open from early in the morning, the store is crowded with people stopping by before boarding the train.
The location is very convenient, right inside JR Sapporo Station, so you can pick up all kinds of Hokkaido specialty souvenirs without going out of your way. They have everything from classic Hokkaido sweets, cookies, and snacks to local specialties. Whether you’re buying something to enjoy yourself or bringing gifts home for family and friends, there are plenty of good options. Last time I stopped by, I found the famous peppermint oil and immediately bought a few bottles to take home. The small bottles are easy to carry in your bag.
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Hakuba Happo One
Hakuba Happo One offers trekking and mountain climbing in summer, winter sports in the winter, and many other activities throughout the year. Hakuba Happo Onē is also famous for being used as the venue for the Alpine skiing competitions at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
For my first time snowboarding, I chose Hakuba Happo One in Nagano! The snow quality is very good, and it’s also a famous ski resort that once hosted the Winter Olympics, so I was glad to finally have the chance to experience it myself. Everywhere I looked, the mountains were blanketed in snow, and the expansive mountain scenery was beautiful.
My friends said the snow quality at Happo One is somewhat different from Hokkaido’s powder snow, but as a first-time snowboarder, just being able to stand on the board and slowly find my balance already felt like an accomplishment! Even falling a few times didn’t dampen my enthusiasm. Instead, the more I snowboarded, the more hooked I became.
The overall environment was great, and the snowy scenery was especially refreshing. The only minor downside is that it’s quite far away. If I remember correctly, we had to transfer several times before finally arriving.
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