TOKYO Solamachi | Review by Star

Lucky Pierrot Marina Suehiro Store

As a popular hamburger chain known for igniting the local burger craze, Lucky Pierrot boasts 17 stores in Hakodate. The Marina Suehiro Store, located opposite the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, is built jutting out into Hakodate Bay. Its interior, replete with an Old American vibe, offers panoramic views of the harbor, including sightseeing boats at anchor.

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Meat Dishes

This is another location I came to specifically to visit a spot featured in Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram. The interior looks exactly like the scene in the movie, which is genuinely moving for Conan fans.
This time, I again ordered the restaurant's signature Chinese Chicken Burger. Maybe it was because I hadn't eaten all day, but this one somehow tasted especially good. (Additional note: The Chinese Chicken Burger is the restaurant's best-selling item. It has crispy fried chicken with a distinctive sauce. Some people describe it as sweet-and-sour, but I personally think it tastes better than regular sweet-and-sour sauce.) The balance of sweet and tangy flavors in the sauce is especially good, and the portion is just right. Even though I don't usually like sweet-and-sour sauce, I really like the flavor of this burger.
Also, this location is larger than the other one. In addition to burgers, it sells merchandise, so you can browse around after eating.
The restaurant's official slogan is "函館に恋して 海がよんでいる," which roughly means "Fall in love with Hakodate, captivated by the sea." Enjoying the romantic atmosphere while eating a burger and looking out at the ocean view in Hakodate—if you're planning to visit the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, I'd recommend this location over the other one.

Hakodate Snaffle’s “Cheese Omelette”

The name Snaffle’s comes from the phrase “I snaffle therefore I am”-expressing the joy of living through delicious food.

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Snacks

This is the cheesecake I had while shopping at the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse in Hakodate. If you eat it there, it comes with a cup of black coffee, and you can stand and enjoy it at your leisure in the space behind the counter.
I originally didn't know where the shop was and couldn't find it after wandering around. Then I suddenly heard a tour guide say they were taking everyone to buy the famous cheesecake, so I immediately followed them and found it (it's inside Kanemori Youbutsukan). I have to say, this pairing is really good. Especially after walking around in circles, getting lost, and feeling a little tired, having a cheesecake that's creamy inside and melts in your mouth instantly makes all the fatigue disappear.
Also, the black coffee isn't too bitter, and even I, who normally don't drink much black coffee, found it acceptable. (One more thing: the logo tag stuck into the cake seems like it can be used as a spoon.) Their cheesecakes come in many flavors. If I get the chance to go again, I'd like to try the chocolate flavor.
Also, with your purchase, you receive a JPY 50 coupon for souvenirs. If you don't need it, you can put it in their collection box, and they'll donate JPY 20 for you.

Ryukakusan Direct

Ryukakusan is a throat medicine that has been used for over 200 years in Japan to treat coughs, phlegm, and throat pain. The Ryukakusan brand is now releasing a new granule-type medication “Ryukakusan Direct Stick” and a lozenge-type medication “Ryukakusan Direct Lozenge.” The stick-type version comes in peach and mint flavors.

• Medicine

Ryukakusan is one of the medicines I always buy when I visit a drugstore in Japan. I usually get the mint or peach flavor. When my throat feels a little dry and itchy, I take one packet with water. It makes my throat feel cool, and after a while, it doesn't feel as uncomfortable. But this is still medicine, so anyone considering buying it should make sure it's suitable for them and avoid taking too much.