The main building of Nihombashi Takashimaya has a strong sense of history. The interior retains its retro style, and even the elevators are very distinctive. Walking around inside feels like stepping back in time, yet it also feels novel. It's well worth experiencing.
Every time I come to Tokyo, I also stop by here to buy rice crackers from Ogurasansou. It's become part of my regular itinerary. For items outside the food section, you can first take your passport to the tax refund counter to get a 5% discount coupon, then pay at each individual counter. If you meet the requirements and spend enough, you can also apply for tax-free shopping afterward, making it a pretty good deal.
Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Tim Ho Wan Hibiya
Tim Ho Wan is a dim sum specialty store that was established in Hong Kong by Chef Mak Kwai Pui, who worked in Lung King Heen (the Cantonese restaurant in Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong that has been awarded three Michelin stars for four consecutive years), along with his partner Chef Leung Fai Keung, on the basis of providing amazing food on a casual everyday basis.
When I came to Tim Ho Wan, what I was looking forward to most was the baked barbecue pork buns with a crispy crust! With one bite into the golden, crispy crust, it was sweet, fragrant, and crumbly, with a savory, tender barbecue pork filling inside. The sweet and savory flavors came together with plenty of depth. They were especially irresistible hot out of the oven, and the red bean buns were also delicious.
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JR Hakata City
This largest train building / retail complex in Kyushu is directly connected to JR Hakata Station. It is made up of AMU Plaza Hakata, and Hakata Hankyu at the Hakata Entrance on the west side and HAKATA DEITOS and AMU EST at the Chikushi Entrance on the east side.
It's a multipurpose commercial complex combining shopping, dining, entertainment, and transportation. There is a wide variety of stores, from clothing and household goods to unique restaurants, making it suitable for travelers of all ages. There is also an observation deck on the rooftop where you can enjoy views of Fukuoka. Since it's directly connected to Hakata Station, you can make the most of your time and do some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport〜
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Fukutaro "Mentaiko-flavored Senbei 'Menbei'"
Produced and sold by "Fukutaro," known for its signature Hakata Mentaiko, the "Mentaiko-flavored Senbei 'Menbei'" incorporates their specialty cod roe to create a mildly spicy cracker that's hard to put down. Over 20 years since its inception, it has become a staple souvenir from Fukuoka, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Mentaiko as one of Fukutaro's most popular products.
Fukutaro's senbei from Fukuoka come in many different packages and flavors. This time, I received the mentaiko senbei in the packaging with red lettering. The texture is slightly on the hard side, with a mild spiciness that makes it quite distinctive. Although the overall flavor is pretty good and it is considered one of Fukuoka's signature souvenirs, I personally prefer the texture of rice-based senbei and wouldn't go out of my way to buy these.
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