When shopping in Shinjuku, besides visiting the major department stores nearby, I also often come to Bic Camera at Shinjuku Station West Exit HALC. You can find everything from home appliances, cameras, and beauty products to all kinds of popular Japanese items, making it convenient for shopping for gifts or electronics. The biggest advantage is its location near the west exit of Shinjuku Station. It's in the same station area as other shopping spots, which saves a lot of time when planning your itinerary. It's just right for stopping by while you're out shopping!
Shinjuku Station West Exit HALC | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Yokohama Kiyoken (SHUMAI Bar) Tokyo Station
SHUMAI Bar is a dining concept pairing shiumai (steamed dumplings) with drinks, created by Kiyoken, the long-established company founded in 1908. At Yokohama Kiyoken (SHUMAI Bar) Tokyo Station on Nippon Gourmet Road, you can dine in or take your food away. Its shiumai owe their flavor to a combination of pork and dried scallops.
I was planning to take the Shinkansen to Shizuoka, so I made a point of stopping by the kiosk to pick out an “ekiben.” Somehow, riding the Shinkansen with a railway bento feels like the perfect travel ritual! This time, I tried a bento from Kiyoken. It came with their signature shiumai, and with a little soy sauce, the savory, salty flavor was just right. The seasoning overall was pretty good. I imagine it would taste even better heated up, with the shiumai served piping hot.
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Tennoji Zoo
Tennoji Zoo opened on January 1st, 1915 and had its 100th anniversary in 2015. Almost 170 species and 1000 animals are kept in about 11 hectares of the zoo. In the reptile house, "Ifar," and in “African Savanna Zone” where hippopotamus, giraffes, and lions live, the ecological exhibition introduces reproduced scenery of animals’ habitats as closely as possible.
Tennoji Zoo is right in the city center and easy to get to. You can see all kinds of cute animals there, including lions, giraffes, elephants, and hippos. It’s quite relaxing to stroll around and simply enjoy looking at the animals. It’s a good backup plan for a rainy day and also great for families with children.
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MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO
A complex of historical buildings located in the plaza in front of the Tower of Osaka Castle. Built in 1931, the former army office building has an eye-catching, stately exterior reminiscent of an old medieval castle in Europe. Inside, the upper walls are decorated with vivid ornaments, and the corner towers on the front and four corners still retain the atmosphere of the past.
MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO, located within Osaka Castle, is more than just a commercial facility—it is also a historic building worth noticing. Built in 1931 to commemorate Emperor Showa’s enthronement, it originally served as the headquarters of the Fourth Division. Its exterior was deliberately designed in the style of a medieval European castle, with distinctive corner towers and massive walls. After the war, it was used by the police and later became the Osaka City Museum. Today, it houses restaurants, shops, and exhibition spaces, and the rooftop offers a close-up view of Osaka Castle’s main tower.
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