How can you take a train trip without an ekiben? For me, it's an essential ritual of traveling by rail! Located inside GRANSTA at Tokyo Station, Ekibenya Matsuri carries specialty ekiben from all over Japan, with everything from seafood and beef to local specialties. Just standing in front of the displays trying to choose leaves you spoiled for choice. Popular varieties often sell out quickly, so if you arrive too late, you might miss out. Although most of the bentos are served cold, Japanese ekiben always pay close attention to color and presentation. Every time I open the lid, it feels like opening a treasure chest, full of anticipation and making my mouth water! Enjoying the scenery outside the window while eating a bento after boarding the train is the perfect start to the journey ahead.
Ekibenya Matsuri at Gransta Tokyo | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Amakusa Gokyo (Pearl Line)
Opened in 1966, the Amakusa Gokyo is a 12 km-long series of five bridges connecting the mainland to the Amakusa Islands. These bridges include the Tenmon Bridge (connecting Misumi to Oyano Island), the Oyano Bridge (connecting Oyano Island to Nagashima), the Nakano Bridge (connecting Nagashima to Oike Island), the Maejima Bridge (connecting Oike Island to Maejima), and the Matsushima Bridge (connecting Maejima to Kamishima in Amakusa). The route is affectionately known as the "Amakusa Pearl Line," reflecting the region's flourishing pearl cultivation.
為了搭乘特色觀光列車「A列車」，特別安排了一個下午來到熊本縣三角港走走。港邊就能眺望天草五橋，五座橋梁串連九州本土與天草諸島，海面上點綴著大小島嶼，構成迷人的海灣景色。這條路線又稱「天草珍珠線」，因為當地過去盛行珍珠養殖而得名，沿途風光也被列為日本百選道路之一。可惜當天的天氣不太理想，只好臨時取消搭船行程，改在車站附近悠閒逛逛，找間店吃下午茶。旅行總有些計畫趕不上變化的時候，換個方式享受當下就對了~
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Tenmonkan area, Kagoshima
Tenmonkan is Kagoshima's largest downtown area and stretches around the arcade street of Temmonkan Hondori. Even on rainy days or when there is ash fall from Sakurajima volcano, the arcade protects the area, making it a pleasant place to shop and stroll.
If you don't know where to eat or shop at night, the Tenmonkan shopping arcade is definitely the best place to go downtown. This is an important commercial center in Kagoshima, with all kinds of restaurants, dessert shops, souvenir stores, and department stores lining both sides of the street. Even if your daytime itinerary is packed, you can come here at night to continue exploring. If you want something sweet, look for Jokiya's popular custard cakes, but keep in mind that they have a fairly short shelf life, so you may want to buy them just before returning home. Shirokuma shaved ice is also a must-try. The generous toppings and cute presentation are very eye-catching, and every time I visit, I want a bowl to satisfy my craving.
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Kouri Island Station Sorahashi
Located right next to Kouri Bridge, also famous for its spectacular views, Kouri Island Station Sorahashi is built around the theme of creating a place where island residents, village residents, prefectural residents, and tourists can connect. Along with being a great viewpoint, its excellent location also means easy access to the beach.
Okinawa summers are always blazing hot. After finishing our morning activities, a friend traveling with me suggested that we have lunch and take a short break at Kouri Island Station Sorahashi before continuing our trip. It's located right next to Kouri Bridge. In addition to Okinawan cuisine, seafood, and tropical fruit desserts, you can also shop for local specialties and unique souvenirs. Best of all, there is a beautiful beach nearby. Looking out at the deep blue water made the heat disappear, and my mood instantly improved after feeling a little tired from the hot weather.
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