I highly recommend Kyo Tsukimachian in Nishiki Market, a Kyoto shop specializing in cute Japanese sweets and souvenirs (or the shop that often has a stall in Nishiki Market selling Fuku Daruma and mame cans).
This high-quality little tin product is called a “mame can” (bean can), and its main features and highlights include:
* The fun of mixing and matching: The shop offers a variety of palm-sized, beautifully made little tins printed with cute Japanese designs, such as Shiba Inu dogs, black cats, sumo wrestlers, Mount Fuji, and temples. Customers can choose their favorite tin and pair it with traditional Kyoto candy, konpeito, Fuku Daruma, or other small treats.
* Great value and collectibility: The prices are very affordable (sold as individual sets), and because the designs are both refined and full of Kyoto charm, many people buy several in different patterns as souvenirs.
* Eco-friendly and practical: After finishing the candy inside, you can keep the little tin for storing everyday items, such as earrings, coins, or small personal belongings. It's both attractive and practical.
Nishiki Market | Review by Norton Liang
Other Reviews by Norton Liang
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Kyoto Takashimaya S.C.
Perched on the southwest corner of the bustling Shijo Kawaramachi intersection in Kyoto, this large-scale retailer keeps a long and bold history since its infancy as the “Takashimaya” vintage clothing cotton merchant that founded in the local year of Tempo 2 (1831). The brand moved to Kawaramachi-Takatsuji as the first privately-owned, reinforced concrete commercial building during the Meiji era in 1912, and has since then moved to its current spot as a market center in 1946.
Besides all the must-buy souvenirs on the basement floors,
I personally highly recommend these must-visit spots for artsy types:
Several noteworthy and trendy stores and facilities inside Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. (especially the T8 building/new wing). Here is a brief introduction to the three distinctive must-visit spots you listed:
* Kyoto Tsutaya Books (TSUTAYA BOOKS / Photo 3)
* Introduction: Located on the 5th and 6th floors of Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. T8, this Tsutaya bookstore combines art, Japanese culture, and lifestyle aesthetics. In addition to its extensive selection of books, it frequently hosts exciting exhibitions by contemporary artists and sells unique artwork, designer goods, and Kyoto-exclusive merchandise. It is a landmark destination in Kyoto for artsy visitors and art lovers.* nuunu KYOTO
* Introduction: This is a select shop/concept space filled with unique street fashion and subculture style (often complementing the floor where Tsutaya Books is located and the surrounding arts and cultural spaces). It sells distinctive clothing, T-shirts, specialty goods, and art-related merchandise. You can often uncover cool items full of creativity and local design, making it a must-visit for trend lovers and anyone looking for unique souvenirs.
* Nintendo KYOTO-related displays/area (giant Super Mario decoration)
* Introduction: Although the official Nintendo KYOTO store itself is located inside the Kyoto Takashimaya T8 building next to Kyoto Takashimaya S.C., the complex often features large photo spots with classic characters such as Mario (like a giant Mario head poking out of a pipe). It is an excellent spot for fans to make a pilgrimage and take commemorative photos, and the store also sells a variety of exclusive Nintendo character merchandise.
If you're planning your itinerary, these places are all in the same mixed-use complex as Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. (T8) or right next to it, making them perfect to visit together for shopping, photos, and experiencing Kyoto's contemporary new appeal! -
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Morioka Station Building Fes"an
About 160 stores offering a wide variety of goods such as fashion items, interior goods, lifestyle goods, cosmetics, restaurants, and food stores are gathered in the station building directly connected to JR Morioka Station. Many famous national brands have opened their first stores in Iwate, and the area is crowded with locals and tourists on weekends.
As soon as I arrived at Morioka Station,
I was completely surprised 🙀!
The rest of my planned itinerary was totally delayed by the shopping mall.
It has everything—food, clothing, household goods, and transportation.
Even The North Face has more than one branded section.Morioka Station is a major transportation hub in Japan's Tohoku region and one of the terminal stations of the Tohoku Shinkansen. There is a shopping mall inside the station, and many restaurants and popular tourist attractions nearby.
Shopping and services inside the station
FES"AN: A shopping mall connected to Morioka Station, offering both shopping and dining.
JR East Travel Service Center: Provides travel information and assistance to travelers.
Coin lockers: The station has coin lockers for travelers' convenience.
Nearby popular food
The area around the station is a prime spot for Morioka reimen, with many well-known yakiniku restaurants and local eateries.
Pyon-Pyon-Sha Morioka Ekimae: Within walking distance and known for its signature reimen and yakiniku. Locals recommend it too.
Seirokaku: Another popular yakiniku and reimen restaurant near the station, serving chewy reimen and set meals.
Daido-en: Another recommended Morioka reimen restaurant, well reviewed for its light broth and chewy noodles.
Sushi Seijiro: Located inside the FES"AN shopping mall, serving sushi and other Japanese dishes.
Fukuda Pan Main Store: Sells popular local bread rolls with more than 54 flavor combinations.
Nearby tourist attractions
Morioka City Loop Bus “Denden-mushi”: You can take this loop bus from Morioka Station to easily reach the main attractions in the city.
Morioka Castle Ruins Park: Located east of the station, this is the site of the former castle of the Nanbu clan. From here, you can continue to Sakurayama Shrine.
Sakurayama Shrine: Located next to Morioka Castle Ruins Park, it is a local center of worship.
Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree: A famous attraction in central Morioka designated as a National Natural Monument.
Transportation information
Getting around the city: Transportation is mainly by bus and on foot. Iwate Kenpoku Bus serves the city's main attractions and commercial areas, and there is also the Denden-mushi loop bus.
Airport bus: Buses to and from Hanamaki Airport are available at the bus terminal in front of the station.
Special feature: Morioka Station is where the Tohoku Shinkansen and Akita Shinkansen split, so you can watch the trains separate or couple here. -
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Kaiunbashi Bridge (Good Fortune Bridge)
Kaiunbashi Bridge (Good Fortune Bridge) is located near JR Morioka Station. This bridge spans the Kitakami-gawa River that flows through Morioka City and connects Morioka Station and the city center.
Just a 4-minute walk from the north exit of JR Morioka Station, Kippushi Green Space (MORIOKA KIPPUSHI WATER NEIGHBORHOOD) is one of the most popular stylish waterfront parks in central Morioka. Located right beside the Kitakami River, the largest river in Tohoku, it offers a direct view of majestic Mt. Iwate on clear days and is a great place to enjoy Morioka's relaxed pace of life.
Three highlights here:
• Stylish container shopping area: Along the wooden boardwalk by the river is a row of beautifully designed black shipping containers housing unique cafés, craft beer bars, burger shops, and dessert shops. Whether you have yakiniku for lunch, coffee in the afternoon, or a drink in the evening, the atmosphere is lovely.
• Popular local restaurant run directly by a meat shop: This is home to Tono Meat Center Morioka Kippushi, a well-known restaurant specializing in raw lamb Jingisukan and operated directly by a butcher shop. You can sit outdoors, enjoy the river view, and feast on charcoal-grilled meat.
• Waterfront recreation: In addition to taking a walk, there are large lawns and open-air decks, as well as facilities including an outdoor kitchen for reservable BBQs, kayaking activities, and showers.
If you're using the Tohoku JR PASS to visit this city, which The New York Times ranked second among the world's top places to visit, consider crossing Kaiunbashi Bridge after leaving Morioka Station and stopping by Kippushi Green Space. Enjoy the river breeze, grab a cup of coffee, and experience Morioka's stylish everyday riverside life. -
