Walking along the approach to Shibamata Taishakuten, it’s easy to be drawn to this nostalgic old shop, Ishii. Founded in 1862, it originally started as the Ishii kimono shop, but the tea snacks and pickles served to customers became so popular that it gradually transformed into a long-established wagashi shop. The storefront retains its old wooden architecture and has a strong Edo-era shitamachi atmosphere. In addition to traditional wagashi, the shop also offers creative sweets such as its signature Kome Kome Roll. The Kome Kome roll cake caught my eye that day, but unfortunately the portion was quite large, so I reluctantly passed on it and bought a Tora-san-yaki instead. This dorayaki is a little smaller than the ones usually sold in stores, and there are several flavors to choose from. I ordered the classic red bean flavor and really liked that it was sweet without being overwhelming.
Ishii | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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GENERAL STORE RAILYARD Akihabara
Opened in 2022, the 150th anniversary year of Japan’s railways, this specialty railroad goods shop is operated by the JR East Group and is located in Akihabara, a center of Japanese pop culture.
On a shopping trip to Akihabara, I happened to discover GENERAL STORE RAILYARD after exiting the JR station gates. The wide array of merchandise caught my eye from a distance, and once I went inside, I realized it was a little treasure trove for railroad fans! They have all kinds of JR East railroad merchandise, especially items featuring my favorite Suica penguin mascot. From plush toys and stationery to household goods, everything was so cute that I couldn't put it down, and I lost track of time while browsing. After a struggle between reason and the urge to shop, I finally took home a penguin shopping bag made in collaboration with Shupatto, which is both practical and collectible. Even now, I still take it with me every day when I go out. I can quickly unfold it whenever I buy something, making it convenient and eco-friendly~
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HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA
Located about a five-minute walk from Shibuya Station, HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA is a facility merging music and books, spread across the fifth and sixth floors of Shibuya Modi. The fifth floor features the latest CDs, DVDs, and various merchandise, while the sixth floor is mainly dedicated to books.
With the development of digital technology, most people now listen to music through streaming platforms, and fewer and fewer people go out of their way to buy CDs. However, as someone who lived through the CD era, I still sometimes miss the fun of browsing record stores and searching through albums. When I came to HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA in Shibuya and saw all the music albums, DVDs, and various artist merchandise, it brought back those passionate memories of being a fan! Lately, I’ve been especially into the Japanese rock band SUPER BEAVER, so I came here specifically to hunt for treasures, hoping to find limited-edition CDs and concert DVDs worth collecting. Being able to bring home music I love and the happiness of owning a physical collection is something streaming can’t replace.
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Kurashiki Denim Street
Kurashiki Denim Street is a specialty spot for denim from Kojima, Kurashiki City, known as the birthplace of Japanese-made jeans. It offers a wide range of denim products, including Kojima-made jeans, bags, accessories, and interior goods, with easy-to-shop sections for men, women & kids, and miscellaneous goods. One of its charms is being able to casually experience “Kurashiki denim” while comparing differences in texture and finish.
When visiting the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, besides admiring the nostalgic streetscape of white-walled storehouses and willow trees along the riverbanks, there’s also a distinctive denim street worth exploring. Kojima, located in Kurashiki, is a well-known production center for denim jeans in Japan and has a long history of denim manufacturing, so the street is lined with many specialty denim shops. From bags, wallets, and clothing to all kinds of everyday goods, there’s a dazzling variety, with each item showcasing unique design details. I especially like the natural range of shades in the denim. Some pieces are a rich indigo, while others have been faded for a distinctive vintage look, giving familiar denim an artistic feel. If you like denim style or unique handmade items, don’t miss this street full of character!
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