The Gashapon Department Store is truly an “evil” place. I only planned to look around, but as I kept browsing, I couldn't resist trying a few! Japanese gashapon come in such a wide variety of designs, from cute and comforting items and useful little gadgets to all kinds of wildly creative designs. Most of them are also quite finely made, and even though they're tiny, they're very collectible. Turning the handle is fun too—there's a little thrill to it, and you can test your luck to see if you'll get the one you want most on the first try. Just be sure to quit while you're ahead, or your wallet will take a serious hit〜
Gashapon Department Store Ikebukuro Main Branch | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Motomachi / Yamate Area in Yokohama
The Yamate district is located on a small hill to the south of Yokohama Chinatown. After the opening of the port in 1859, this area overlooking the sea became a foreign settlement, following Kannai. Many Western-style houses remain or have been relocated among lush greenery, including the Yamate Museum, a wooden house built in 1909 that blends Japanese and Western styles.
The Motomachi-Yamate area is a very pleasant place for a walk. The streets along the way are clean, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the area still retains a strong international feel. There are many unique clothing stores, variety shops, dessert shops, and cafés lining the streets, so you can browse as you walk. If you continue toward Yamate, you can also enjoy the Western-style houses and harbor views. It’s very relaxing.
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Kocho Dim Sum Shop Main Store
Home to past champions of the World Chinese Cuisine Competition, Kocho is a renowned restaurant group that brings its award-winning flavors to the heart of Yokohama Chinatown. At its flagship dim sum shop, visitors can casually enjoy a wide variety of freshly made delicacies.
When visiting Yokohama Chinatown, I came with a Japanese friend to try this popular meat bun! With one bite, the piping-hot dough and tender, juicy meat filling were so satisfying to eat while walking around. My friend said it’s very well known in Chinatown, and the line certainly showed how popular it is. If you’re exploring Chinatown and see a line at this dim sum shop, you might as well grab one too. It’s a simple, delicious little pleasure before continuing your stroll!
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LUCKY PIERROT Front of The Hakodate Station store
Lucky Pierrot is a hamburger restaurant in the Donan area (southern Hokkaido area). All 17 stores have different exteriors, each with its theme. The theme of the Front of The Hakodate Station store is "Matisse and Red. The color red, loved by the French painter Henri Matisse, is expressed in the theme, and the restaurant hopes to bring the liveliness and bustle of Hakodate's morning market to its customers.
Beloved by locals, Lucky Pierrot was founded in 1987 and is one of Hakodate's signature local hamburger chains. Its Chinese Chicken Burger is one of the most popular items on the menu. The restaurant's decor has a fun, retro Showa-era feel, and everything from the dining area to the food has its own distinctive character.
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