Linda Liao's Reviews Page 45/90

The hugely popular Chiikawa characters are loved by both adults and children, captivating Japan with their cute and comforting charm. At Chiikawa Land, you can see familiar characters like Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi, along with tons of exclusive merchandise, from plush toys and stationery to household goods and all kinds of cute accessories. With so many irresistibly adorable items, how can anyone resist the temptation? All I can say is, prepare yourself before you come—your wallet is definitely going to take a big hit!

This shopping district has a bit of a historic feel. Although the buildings and streets aren’t as trendy as those in Shinjuku or Ikebukuro, it’s still crowded and full of lively, everyday energy. Besides being known for anime, models, vintage clothing, and collectibles, there are also plenty of affordable and tasty snacks, such as takoyaki, taiyaki, ramen, and croquettes, which are great for eating as you walk around. Whenever I come here, I stop by OS Drug to stock up. They have a good selection of Japanese drugstore products and daily necessities, and the prices are often a pleasant surprise.

LUMINE EST is near the East Exit of Shinjuku Station, making it very convenient to get to. It brings together many clothing, shoe, bag, beauty, general merchandise, and lifestyle brands popular with young people in Japan, and the overall atmosphere is stylish and energetic. Besides shopping, there are also plenty of restaurants and dessert shops. There are so many stores in the Shinjuku shopping district that even a whole day isn’t enough!

This Kinokuniya is a long-established bookstore and one of Tokyo’s most iconic. The entire building is filled with different types of books and magazines, covering everything from Japanese literature, travel, and food to manga and lifestyle magazines. In addition to books, there are also stationery and general merchandise to browse at your leisure. Even if you don’t understand Japanese, it’s still a great place to experience the atmosphere of a Japanese bookstore and look through the dazzling selection of Japanese books and designs. It’s right in Shinjuku’s bustling shopping district, so it’s easy to stop by while shopping. Anyone who loves bookstores will probably have a great time browsing!

While passing through Ginza, I was first drawn to the Kabukiza Theatre’s distinctive exterior. Its traditional Japanese style creates an interesting contrast with the modern cityscape. This is not only a tourist attraction but also an important theater for the traditional Japanese art of kabuki, with performances still being held today. In addition to the theater, there are shops and dining areas inside that sell kabuki-related souvenirs.

When visiting Tokyo Skytree, don’t just take photos and check in—be sure not to miss the shopping mall on the first floor. In addition to all kinds of popular brands, it has many Japan-exclusive products and distinctive shops, with plenty to browse, from souvenirs and anime merchandise to household goods, food, and desserts. Some items are limited editions that are hard to find elsewhere. If you want to take your time hunting for treasures, set aside some extra time so you can really enjoy exploring!

Osaka Tsuruhashi Market gradually developed as residents from the Korean Peninsula gathered in the area, and it has now become one of Osaka’s most iconic Korean districts. As you walk through the market area, both sides of the streets are lined with Korean restaurants, kimchi shops, Korean food stores, and general merchandise shops. The aroma of barbecue and spices fills the air, making it feel as if you’ve arrived in Korea in an instant. When you get tired from walking around, stop by a Korean restaurant for a bite. Enjoy some barbecue and Korean side dishes while taking in the lively, down-to-earth atmosphere of the streets.

SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE is right next to Shibuya Station and directly connected to it. It has a wide variety of shops offering fashion, food, household goods, and more. My schedule was tight this time, so I only happened upon it while rushing by and took a quick look. I didn't have time to explore it properly, so I'll visit again if I get the chance.

The East Gardens are gardens within the Imperial Palace. They were once the site of Edo Castle's Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru compounds, and you can see historic remains such as the foundation of the main keep and stone walls. The grounds are lush and green, and the garden scenery is also beautiful, making it a nice place for a leisurely walk.

Nara's Shika Saru Kitsune Building is a multipurpose space created by Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten in the Naramachi area, cleverly combining traditional Japanese crafts, household goods, dining, and Nara culture. Designed around the concept of "deer, monkey, and fox," the building feels stylish while retaining the atmosphere of the ancient capital. It's a nice place to stop by while exploring Naramachi. In addition to buying souvenirs, you can experience the appeal of Nara's traditions intertwined with modern life.