I spent a leisurely afternoon in the Red Brick Warehouse area, browsing from afternoon into the evening. There is a retro-style building here called Hakodate Meiji-kan. Originally the former Hakodate Post Office, completed in 1911, it has now been converted into a shopping space filled with distinctive stores selling all kinds of Hokkaido crafts and souvenirs. I lingered in the glassware section for a long time. Looking at the colorful glasses, each decorated with beautiful patterns, I couldn't help imagining drinks served in them and how they could add a little sense of occasion to everyday life. Hakodate came into contact with Western culture after its port opened many years ago, and its glasswork also incorporated the character of this port city, making it a local handicraft worth appreciating. In recent years, rather than snack souvenirs, I've come to prefer collecting small items like these that have a local story, allowing my travel memories to live on.
Hakodate Meiji-kan | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Pleasure Boat Benten-maru
The pleasure boat "Benten-maru" offers a quick and scenic 10-minute ride, connecting Enoshima's Bentenbashi at the entrance of the island to the Chigogafuchi marine plateau on the west side. Although it's a 30-minute walk between these points, the boat ride provides a convenient alternative, especially for those who may not be confident in their physical stamina.
If, like me, you’ve already visited Enoshima several times, consider seeing it from a different perspective by taking the Benten-maru pleasure boat for a different kind of sightseeing trip on the water. After getting off at Enoshima Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the boarding area, and a one-way ticket costs JPY 400, which is quite affordable. Once the small boat sets off into the sea breeze, you can admire Enoshima’s distinctive landscape and coastal scenery from the water, offering a completely different experience from sightseeing on land. If the weather is clear and the waves are moderate, you can also see plenty of surfers and sailboats out on the water, making the scene lively and energetic. The deep blue sea and relaxed figures on the water create a real vacation atmosphere and offer a fresh perspective on familiar Enoshima.
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Okashigoten “Ganso Beni-imo Tart”
This tart pastry has an impressive visual appeal with its purple red sweet potato paste. The tart dough is squeezed with paste made from 100% Okinawan red potatoes purchased from more than 140 contract farmers.
While shopping along Kokusai Street, I happened to discover Okashigoten’s signature souvenir, the Ganso Beni-imo Tart. Its vivid, bright purple appearance immediately caught my eye, and I couldn’t help stopping to take a closer look. The filling, made with Okinawa’s famous purple sweet potatoes, has a beautiful color and tastes sweet and smooth, with a rich sweet potato aroma. What made it even more tempting was that I happened to find a limited-edition set that came with a cute shopping bag, available in blue or pink! This way of combining something delicious with a practical little gift was just too effective, and I immediately bought it without hesitation so I could keep the cute bag. Of course, there was no way I could finish so many beni-imo tarts by myself, so I decided to bring them back to the office to share with my coworkers and give everyone a taste of Okinawa’s sweetness.
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Taikoubou Kokuryo Store
Using particular ingredients, this restaurant specializes in carefully baked taiyaki. The skin is made from an original mixture that blends wheat flour from Hokkaido, and while leaving behind a springy sensation, it is made as thin as possible to produce a crispy texture.
While passing near Chofu Station, I was suddenly drawn in by the delicious smell of taiyaki. It was just about time for an afternoon snack, so I decided to buy one and try it~ As a devoted red bean fan, I love the smooth, fluffy red bean filling paired with a pastry shell that has just the right amount of sweetness. Every bite felt satisfying, and after finishing it, I still wanted more. When the weather is cold, I’m more likely to order the indulgent custard flavor. The rich, smooth filling with the piping-hot shell is a comforting winter treat.
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