Linda Liao's Reviews Page 88/91

Located on the 3rd floor of the Ueno shopping complex is Pensta, a specialty store featuring the Suica penguin that is popular with railway fans.
Since JR East announced that the Suica mascot penguin, which has been with everyone for 25 years, will be retiring in 2026, Japan has seen a rush to buy related merchandise. Many people are taking this last opportunity to visit official merchandise stores in search of cute penguin items.

Besides selling all kinds of penguin merchandise, the Ueno store also has a cute themed cafe where seats are always hard to come by. If you happen to be in the Ueno area, consider setting aside some time to browse Pensta, pick out a few penguin items you like, and take home a keepsake of this cute character that many people grew up with〜

As a stationery lover, I always make time to browse Sekaido whenever I’m in Shinjuku〜 What makes Sekaido so appealing, besides its wide variety and extensive selection, is its great prices. Most items are sold for around 20% off the list price, which is a huge plus for stationery lovers!

The displays inside are a little cluttered, but that doesn’t take away from the fun of shopping. If anything, it feels like a treasure hunt. From art supplies and stationery to all kinds of other goods, the selection is dazzling, and you can also find many of the latest stationery releases here.

For me, Sekaido has become one of my favorite stores to visit every time I’m in Shinjuku. If you’re also a stationery lover, don’t miss it when you’re in Shinjuku—you might even uncover a treasure!

Located in Ginza 4-chome, Ginza Kimuraya is the birthplace of Japan's anpan and a popular souvenir that many people pick up while shopping in Ginza.

Every time I pass by, the store is always bustling. Inside the bakery, a wide variety of sake yeast breads are neatly arranged on the counter, from classic flavors like cherry blossom, sesame, Ogura red bean paste, and white bean paste to the popular red bean and butter series. With so many choices, it's hard not to pick out one after another.

Of course, the signature sake yeast anpan is a classic you shouldn't miss. The sake yeast dough has a faint, distinctive aroma and a soft, moist texture, while the smooth red bean filling makes it clear why this remains Kimuraya's enduring signature item.

If you're a stationery lover, you definitely can't miss Ginza Itoya Main Store when visiting Tokyo!
This 12-story stationery paradise has everything from seasonal greeting cards, paper, and paints to household goods, stationery, and many beautifully crafted original products. There's such a wide variety that it's almost overwhelming.

Each floor has different surprises. The products aren't just practical—the designs and quality are also very appealing.

Even if you're not planning to buy anything, it's still worth stopping by. The whole store has a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere, and simply browsing all the exquisite stationery and household goods will put you in a great mood. For stationery lovers, this is truly the kind of place you'll never want to leave~

There are several shopping streets in front of Sendai Station, most with covered arcades, so you don't have to worry whether it's sunny or raining. Both sides are lined with unique shops, including clothing stores, variety stores, restaurants, and cafés. Strolling through them, you can feel the lively atmosphere of downtown Sendai.

Among them, Sun Mall Ichibancho Shopping Street is one of Sendai's most iconic shopping streets, with a history dating back to 1954. There's also a Pokémon manhole cover hidden here, a cute little surprise. When you pass by, try looking down—you might just find it!

When you get tired from shopping, take a break at Kanmidokoro Hikoichi, a long-established sweets shop that's also popular with locals. Besides the delicious food, the shop retains a retro, nostalgic atmosphere, and the staff are friendly and polite, making for a very pleasant dining experience.

Follow the locals around the morning market early in the day and experience their lively energy. The roughly 100-meter-long shopping street is packed with vendors selling fresh seafood, vegetables, and prepared foods, making it a great place to have breakfast.
The popular and affordable croquettes at Saito Sozaiten, where people line up, are made with Danshaku potatoes from Hokkaido. They're crispy outside, fluffy inside, and very flavorful. The portions aren't large, so they're perfect for eating while you walk.

Hanagasa Dango Honpo displays rice balls in a variety of flavors. Freshly made every day, they're another popular snack not to miss here.

Besides the prepared food shops, you can also browse inside the market and buy some dried seafood as souvenirs. The wakame from Minamisanriku is especially high quality, with thick leaves and a springy texture that adds flavor to dishes.

Entsuin Temple is the family temple of Date Mitsumune, the legitimate grandson of the famous Sengoku-period feudal lord Date Masamune, and is also a well-known spot for viewing autumn foliage. If you're visiting Matsushima, I highly recommend stopping by.

The Sankeiden mausoleum on the grounds is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. As you stroll around, surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful setting, you naturally slow down and take in the temple's serene and elegant atmosphere. There is also a small rose garden. The roses are said to have been brought back to Japan from Europe by retainers of the Date family, adding a unique exotic touch to the temple.

Entsuin Temple also offers a paid DIY prayer bead bracelet experience. You can choose the beads you like and make your own personalized prayer bead bracelet as a keepsake.

Yagiyama Zoological Park is one of my favorite attractions. Admission is affordable, and transportation is quite convenient. Take the Sendai Subway Tozai Line to Yagiyama Zoological Park Station, then walk about 12 minutes to get there. It's great for families with children, and even adults can have a lot of fun exploring.
The zoo isn't very large, making it ideal for a leisurely half-day stroll. Along the way, you can observe the daily routines and habits of various animals up close without getting too tired from walking, and enjoy spending time around them.

The most popular animals at the zoo are definitely the polar bears! Two adorable polar bear cubs, Kai and Sora, were born in December 2024, bringing new energy to the zoo and attracting many polar bear fans with professional cameras. Watching the two cubs play energetically and explore their surroundings is heartwarming. The zoo also holds a special birthday celebration for them every December, so if you happen to visit during that time of year, it's worth keeping an eye out for it.

S-PAL Sendai is right next to Sendai Station and offers a wide selection of Tohoku specialties, local cuisine, and unique souvenirs. The second floor of the East Building is especially good for souvenir shopping. I recommend trying the rich and smooth edamame shake at Zunda Saryo; its subtle bean flavor is distinctly Sendai. You can also find Suica Penguin collaboration items at the bookstore in the mall, and it's easy to get carried away shopping!

The first time I tried Sapporo Agricultural College Hokkaido Milk Cookies, I was amazed! They have a rich milky aroma and pure flavor, with a crisp texture and a subtle buttery aroma that makes them unforgettable after just one bite.

Besides the Daimaru Sapporo and JR Sapporo Station locations in central Sapporo, I especially recommend the Factory store at New Chitose Airport. In addition to souvenirs, it offers freshly baked milk cookies, dairy cheesecake, and more. The milky and cheesy aromas of every item are irresistible.

It’s not just for travelers flying in or out. I’ve heard even locals make a special trip there to shop—the deliciousness is impossible to resist!