The cherry blossoms near the main keep are really beautiful. Even though you can't go inside, just seeing the cherry blossoms nearby is nice too.
Kumamoto Castle | Review by CHIAO_OAIHC
Other Reviews by CHIAO_OAIHC
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Aeon Mall Kushiro Showa
A massive shopping mall located in Kushiro, the most populous city in the eastern Hokkaido area. Conveniently situated about an 8-minute drive from JR Shin-Fuji Station, the mall is anchored by Aeon Kushiro Showa and surrounded by a commercial area featuring electronics stores, large toy retailers, and more.
The whole place is spacious and clean, so it never feels crowded. The heating in winter is super comfy. There are plenty of options in the food court—ramen, sushi, desserts, you name it. It’s not as flashy as those huge malls in big cities, but the vibe is really relaxed. It’s a great spot to stroll around, grab a bite, and just chill out.
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Katsuura Morning Market
Located on the southeastern tip of the Bōsō Peninsula, Katsuura is famous for its mild climate-it has never recorded temperatures above 35°C since observations began. In this comfortable setting, the Katsuura Morning Market has been held for over 430 years, dating back to 1591, and is recognized as one of Japan’s Three Great Morning Markets, alongside Wajima (Ishikawa) and Takayama (Gifu).
The stalls line the whole street, and there’s a huge variety of things for sale, from fresh seafood and dried goods to fruits, veggies, and handmade crafts.
The best part is how warm and chatty all the aunties running the stalls are. They sell and talk at the same time, and it feels really friendly.
If you go early, you can buy fish that just came in from the sea. Some stalls also grill seafood or sell snacks on the spot, so you can eat as you walk around, which feels awesome.
Overall, the vibe is very laid-back. It feels like stepping right into the everyday life of an old Japanese street. -
Abe Kamaboko Main Store
Abe Kamaboko is famous for inventing the name Sasa Kamaboko, inspired by the "Sasa ni Suzume" (bamboo leaves and sparrow) family crest of Sendai's historical Date family. Renowned as Sendai's oldest and most trusted maker of kamaboko (steamed fish cakes), Abe Kamaboko is celebrated for its craftsmanship and quality. Using high-grade, white-fish surimi (fish paste), their products are beloved as a nutritious, low-fat, high-protein delicacy.
Super famous spot! The store is clean and bright, and all the fish cakes look super fresh. The most popular item has to be the freshly grilled "Sasa Kamaboko"—crispy on the outside, soft inside, and packed with rich fish flavor without any fishy smell. You can even try grilling your own fish cake, which is a lot of fun and delicious at the same time. These make great souvenirs to take home, too. Definitely one of the must-visit shops in Sendai!