Show original text
Ting-ting posted.
When visiting Atami, if you can only choose one dessert to try, most people would likely recommend "Atami Pudding."
As you stroll along the Atami shopping street, you can see the charming shop inspired by vintage milk bottles from afar, with a neat display of various pudding flavors in the window. From classic plain to matcha, strawberry, and limited edition fruity flavors, it's hard to resist stopping to choose.
This time, I chose the classic plain pudding.
After opening the lid, I first drizzled the accompanying caramel sauce, and the rich aroma of eggs immediately filled the air.
The texture is creamy and smooth upon entry, with a simple flavor reminiscent of nostalgic Showa-era tastes; the caramel sauce adds just the right amount of slight bitterness and sweetness, enriching the overall experience. It seems simple, yet one can feel the shop's dedication to the ingredients and craftsmanship.
Sitting outside the shop, enjoying the pudding while feeling the sea breeze and the leisurely vacation atmosphere of Atami is particularly pleasant.
The cute hippo logo and retro packaging are also perfect for taking memorable photos, which is no wonder it has become one of Atami's most representative souvenirs.
If you have the chance to visit Atami, take a moment to slow down, savor a bottle of Atami Pudding, and experience the unique sweet charm of this hot spring town.
Show original text
Ting-ting posted.
In June, Kagawa Prefecture not only boasts the azure scenery of the Seto Inland Sea but also welcomes the blooming season of hydrangeas at Mt. Shiude in Mitoyo City. As you slowly ascend the winding mountain road, you can see blue, purple, and pink hydrangeas adorning both sides of the path, as if draping a soft colorful garment over early summer.
Upon reaching the observation deck at the summit, the breathtaking view unfolds before you. The islands of the Seto Inland Sea scatter across the horizon, appearing especially clear against the bright sky, while the blooming hydrangeas reflect the colors of the sea and sky, creating a unique and stunning landscape of Mt. Shiude. A gentle breeze passes through, causing the flowers to sway lightly, and the air is filled with the fresh scent unique to the rainy season, prompting you to slow down and savor the tranquility of nature.
Strolling along the pathways, you can frequently discover various species of hydrangeas competing for attention, attracting many photography enthusiasts to stop and capture the scene. Compared to the crowds during cherry blossom season, early summer at Mt. Shiude feels more leisurely and relaxed, allowing visitors to enjoy both the floral and coastal vistas at their own pace.
If you have the chance to visit Kagawa in June, consider planning a trip to Mt. Shiude. Surrounded by the vibrant hydrangeas and breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea, experience the most charming essence of early summer in Japan.
Show original text
Ting-ting posted.
Speaking of Atami, besides the hot springs, there's now another must-visit reason—buying the "Youichian's Atami Butter An."
This shop's signature item is a round, fluffy cream-filled red bean bread, with a thin, airy crust. Inside, it contains homemade red bean paste, complemented by a layer of creamy frosting.
The bread is light and elastic, and the most surprising part is the cream—it doesn't have that overly sweet taste, instead offering a hint of saltiness that adds depth to the overall flavor.
When it comes to red bean paste, Japanese sweets can sometimes be overly sweet, but here, the sweetness is well-balanced, and you can actually taste the texture of the beans. Even someone like me, who usually doesn't have a particular fondness for red bean paste, found this bread irresistible.
At the checkout, I initially thought one or two would be enough, but after the first bite, my only reaction was: why didn't I buy more?
Next time I visit Atami, the first thing I'll probably do is rush here to stock up.
Show original text
Ting-ting posted.
On a quiet street in the eastern part of Kagawa Prefecture, there is a udon shop called "Marutatsu." This place is not like the typical busy udon restaurants; it feels more like a refined experience of local culture.
Upon entering, the space is bright and spacious, allowing one to relax and savor the moment. I ordered a bowl of the signature udon, and the first thing I noticed was the presence of the noodles themselves. Made from Kagawa Prefecture's wheat "Sanuki no Yume," the noodles are both chewy and elastic, sliding smoothly and offering a delightful texture that showcases the vitality of hand-made noodles.
Next comes the soul of the dish: the broth. Made from small dried fish caught around Ibukijima in the Seto Inland Sea, the broth carries a profound umami flavor with a clear finish. Adding local specialties from Higashikagawa, such as Sanuki and wasanbon sugar, enhances the overall taste with a layer of warmth and smoothness. The sweetness is not overpowering; it gently highlights the umami of the fish, making it hard to resist drinking it down in one go.
This bowl of noodles can almost be said to be a microcosm of Higashikagawa. From local wheat and catches from Ibukijima to traditional wasanbon sugar, every element is closely connected to the land and culture. A simple bowl of udon, yet it embodies respect for the ingredients and a deep affection for the region.
When I left, I felt that I had not just eaten a bowl of noodles, but had also taken a flavorful journey through the landscape of Kagawa.
Show original text
Ting-ting posted.
If you're looking for fresh and affordable seafood in Takamatsu, "Jakoya" is definitely the top choice. Although it’s tucked away inside "Michi-no-Eki Genpei-no-Sato Mure," just follow the line of people, and you won't miss it.
The dining experience here is very casual; you simply choose your favorite dishes from the buffet. On that day, I selected braised stone bass caught in the Seto Inland Sea and a fried fish head as big as a basin. The sweet and salty flavor of the braised fish perfectly highlighted the freshness of the fish meat, while the fried fish head was crispy and rich in collagen, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Paired with a comforting bowl of squid rice and a bowl of miso soup, it was the most authentic local taste.
What impressed me most was the incredible value for money. I ordered a variety of main dishes and side dishes without spending much, making it a high CP value meal. After the meal, I bought some local specialties at the nearby souvenir shop and took a stroll at "Fusazaki Park" to help digest. The sea breeze combined with the feeling of happiness in my stomach truly embodies what travel should be like.
Show original text
Ting-ting shared article.
Zao Fox Village, located in Miyagi Prefecture, is a special spot where visitors can interact closely with foxes. As soon as you enter the park, you can see the foxes freely moving around in the woods, some lazily lying down to sleep, while others stretch out in the sunlight, creating a very soothing scene.
The most unforgettable experience this time was participating in the limited-time "Fox Hugging Experience." Under the guidance of the staff, I put on a special protective suit and carefully held the foxes in my arms. Two foxes snuggled comfortably in my embrace, their fur fluffy and warm. Although I usually have cats at home and consider myself familiar with animals, I still couldn't help but feel nervous the moment I held the foxes, worried they might suddenly move, while also finding them incredibly cute.
In the park, you can also see the foxes resting casually on wooden houses, even sleeping directly in the sunlight, completely unconcerned about the visitors' gaze. Watching them stretch their limbs without a care in the world felt like time had slowed down.
As I left, I looked back at those figures, some running and some sleeping. This memory of encountering the foxes up close became the warmest and most special moment of my journey.
Show original text
Ting-ting posted.
Spring at Cafe Jardin in Jardin feels like a season gently wrapped in color.
In April in Takamatsu, the moss phlox are in full bloom. I made a special trip to this countryside café; as my car entered, the surroundings grew quiet, leaving city noise behind and only the wind and birdsong. Walking into the grounds, my eyes were instantly filled with a vast swath of pink—the moss phlox stretched like a carpet, rolling with the terrain and reflecting off a nearby pond, creating a beauty that seemed almost unreal. 
I chose an outdoor seat, admired the sea of flowers, and ordered a simple lunch and coffee. The food here is unpretentious yet carefully prepared: light dishes like pizza and pasta arrived at just the right temperature and with inviting aromas, naturally slowing the pace of the meal. 
What I loved most was the atmosphere. There was no urban noise, only the sound of a breeze through the blossoms, and occasional insects and small animals flitting about. I heard that during the moss phlox peak there is a "Flower Festival" that draws many visitors who come specifically to see this spectacular sight. 
Before leaving, I walked slowly around the garden once more. The pink, white, and pale purple moss phlox shimmered softly in the sunlight, as if the whole of spring had been gathered into this patch of land.
If spring in Takamatsu had a color, it would probably be the color of these moss phlox.
Show original text
Ting-ting posted.
On this trip to Tokushima, I made a point of visiting Mima City's famous Wakimachi Udatsu Townscape.
Walking into this historic street, traditional machiya townhouses from the Edo to Meiji periods stand neatly on both sides, and the strong sense of antiquity makes you feel as if you have stepped back in time.
The most striking feature is the tall udatsu rising on both sides of the roofs.
Originally built as firebreak walls to prevent fires from spreading, they later became symbols of merchants' wealth and status because of the high cost of construction.
White plaster walls, black lattice windows, and tiled roofs weave together an elegant streetscape. Strolling slowly along this street, you can not only admire the beauty of traditional architecture but also sense the historical atmosphere of a former commercial town.
Show original text
Ting-ting posted.
Today I joined the 11th “One-Day Hospitality Pilgrimage Walk” and walked a short section of the Shikoku pilgrimage route. The trip started at No. 75 temple Zentsuji, passed Nos. 76 and 77, and ended at No. 78 Tojo-ji Temple. For someone like me who has always lived in Kagawa, this was more than a hike; it felt like a journey to rediscover the land and its culture.
Before departure, local residents served steaming udon and tea to encourage participants. This practice, called hospitality, is one of the most moving sights along the Shikoku pilgrimage. Locals believe that treating pilgrims kindly is like welcoming Kukai himself, so they give generously and let travelers feel the deep warmth of human kindness.
Walking the old paths, we passed winter fields and quiet villages without the noise of the city—only footsteps and a light breeze. Zentsuji, as Kukai’s birthplace, stands with solemn grandeur; arriving at Tojo-ji Temple, the hilltop view opens to the Seto Inland Sea, broadening the outlook and calming the heart. Though only a little over ten kilometers, the route felt like crossing a thousand years, sharing the same path of faith with countless pilgrims.
This experience made me realize that the pilgrimage is not just a religious tour but a way to connect with nature, history, and people’s hearts. Even walking a small section can leave a warm, lasting impression.
Show original text
Ting-ting posted.
Snow is rare in Shikoku, but a heavy snowfall came a few days ago. Seeing the landscape blanketed in white for the first time felt especially fresh, and the children at home were so excited they made a little snowman. Excitement aside, I worried the vegetables in the garden might freeze, but with everything covered in white I didn’t know where to start, so I gave up.
Today the snow has eased a bit, so I quickly put on a coat and went to inspect. I watched the once-vibrant green leaves crushed under melting snow; though they showed some frost damage, their effort to stand upright in the cold revealed a resilient life force.
Turning back to the lopsided little snowman the children had made, quietly standing by the garden, my spirits unexpectedly cleared. Though this snowfall added some trouble to farm work, it also left an unforgettable surprise in this quiet winter day.
Show original text