Visiting Hakodate in winter? Besides soaking in Yunokawa Onsen, checking out this tropical botanical garden is a lot of fun too. There are all kinds of plants, and you can even see monkeys relaxing in the hot springs!
Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden | Review by Carolyn
Other Reviews by Carolyn
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Gateau Rusk, Gateau Festa Harada
Gateau Festa Harada is a well-known manufacturer with its head office located in Takasaki City in Gunma Prefecture. Their popular, signature rusk snack, Gouter de Roi, which means “snack for a king”, is made of French baguettes using their original blended wheat recipe.
I heard that even the Japanese Emperor tried these and loved them, so I had to buy some myself. Turns out, a lot of people were buying them too! I got the signature flavor—the rich buttery aroma with sugar on top is amazing. Perfect with tea. Highly recommended!
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Kankakei (Ropeway)
Kankakei is a gorge in Kagawa Prefecture’s Shodo Island. It is located in the heart of Setonaikai National Park. The valley of Kankakei was formed over thousands of years as volcanic andesite and agglomerate were thrust upward via shifting of the earth’s mantle and eroded by rain and wind, creating a spectacular scene of sheer cliffs and rock formations.
This place was actually used as a filming location for the movie Kiki's Delivery Service, which really shows just how beautiful the scenery is.
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Agurie no Mori Mitte
Agurie no Mori Mitte is a new brand launched by the long-established tea house "Ocha no Igeta" in Sendai. This brand aims to support agriculture and preserve Japanese culinary traditions while offering a blend of traditional and contemporary foods. Located within the S-PAL Sendai shopping complex at Sendai Station, the store features an in-house workshop.
There are so many teas to choose from here! I bought a small pack to take home. They also have sweets that go well with tea—the edamame mochi is especially famous. It's a bit sweet and has a nice texture with bits of beans. Definitely worth a try!