Ogura Sanso's “Hyakunin Isshu” rice crackers have always been a favorite of mine! The outer packaging is printed with elegant classical waka poems and images of Japanese poets, and just looking at it feels so refined. Even better, the thoughtful little bags inside let you enjoy bite-sized rice crackers in different shapes and flavors, including seaweed, black sesame, and sweet soy sauce, all at once. They satisfy your cravings without any guilt. Although the counters aren't easy to find everywhere, whenever you come across one in Japan, there's really no need to hesitate—everyone just stocks up and packs them back to Taiwan!
Nagaoka Kyo Ogura Sanso “Karuta Hyakunin Isshu” | Review by W10B
Other Reviews by W10B
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GAUFRES AU GOUTER
"Gaufres" are sweets that sandwich cream between thin layers of baked dough, made using Western confectionery ingredients such as flour, sugar, milk, and butter, utilizing the technique of baking Japanese senbei (rice crackers).
Kobe Fugetsudo's Gaufres are one of Japan's most iconic century-old Western-style confections!
The most appealing part of these treats is the exceptionally crisp, thin, and delicate wafers. Each bite has a pure egg-and-milk flavor with a lightly toasted aroma, and they're filled with classic vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate cream. The large size (Oban) is satisfying and impressive, while the small size (Petit Gaufres) is delicate and elegant, making it easy to eat one after another. The vintage, elegant round tin with raised designs is especially lovely—you definitely won't want to throw it away after finishing the treats. Keeping it to store small accessories makes it feel extra special. -
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Palette Kumoji
Palette Kumoji is a large multi-purpose complex centered around a department store and home to a theater, movie theater, museum, and civic gallery. Located at the southern entrance to Kokusai-dori Street, it is a convenient starting point for exploring the city on foot.
When visiting Naha, definitely make time to explore Kumoji! This place is a real treasure trove, packed with a dazzling variety of products. The fresh food section has tempting, fresh local Okinawan fruit, while the souvenir section offers a wide selection of beautifully packaged cookies and sweets—it’s hard to choose. The upper floors also frequently host all kinds of unique cultural exhibitions. Whether you want to sample local flavors, shop for souvenirs, or leisurely stroll through an exhibition, you can do it all here!
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Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri
After the Bon Festival of the Lunar calendar ends, Okinawa’s All-Island Eisa Festival is held on that weekend. Eisa is a dance with chanting performed to welcome and send off ancestral spirits during July 13 - 15. With the shamisen (Japanese banjo), singing and drum beat, the traditional art of Okinawa is danced.
So incredibly lucky! I happened to come across the annual “10,000 Eisa Dancers Parade” on Kokusai Street in Okinawa.
The entire street was closed off for the celebration, with 10,000 people gathered together. The sheer scale gave me goosebumps! The deafening sound of taiko drums thundered through the air, each powerful beat hitting me right in the chest. The dancers moved in unison to the traditional sanshin and spirited calls, filling all of Naha with incredible energy and vitality. Getting to experience such a powerful festival in person during my trip was truly exciting and unforgettable! -
