GRANSTA MARUNOUCHI
When you come out of Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi underground exit, you will be in the GRANSTA MARUNOUCHI mall. From Marunouchi’s underground north exit to the south exit, general stores, grocery stores, cafes and restaurants are lined up.
Super convenient location—right inside Tokyo Station. Perfect for a quick browse while transferring.
It’s newly renovated and feels nice to walk around. Lots of food options too, from desserts to full meals.
COCORIS “Hazelnut and Raspberry Sand Cookies”
COCORIS is a specialty confectionery brand known for using generous amounts of tree nuts to craft richly flavored sweets. Among the countless souvenir options available at bustling Tokyo Station, COCORIS stands out as one of the most popular, and its signature item-the “Hazelnut and Raspberry Sand Cookies”-is a must-try.
The hazelnut flavor is super fragrant, and paired with the slightly tart raspberry it doesn’t feel overly sweet.
Nice layered texture too—crispy on the outside with a smooth filling inside.
It tastes more “grown-up,” not like those cloyingly sweet cookies.
Seibuen Yuenchi
This amusement park is in Tokorozawa City, Saitama. It made a renewal open in May, 2021 with the theme “Play Them all with Showa Energy.” A retro shopping street and large-scale attractions were added.
This is a great spot for people of all ages, no matter who you are!
Ise Jingu
Known affectionately as "Oise-san," the shrine is usually called "Ise Jingu-Shrine," but officially, it is called "Jingu-Shrine".
The grounds are huge and really beautiful. It's said that every Japanese person should visit this shrine at least once in their lifetime.
Amakusa Christian Museum
This museum introduces the history of Christianity in the region, centered on the Shimabara Rebellion (Shimabara-Amakusa Uprising), and reopened in 2010 as the Amakusa Municipal Amakusa Christian Museum.
This area is really important for the history of Christianity in Japan. I stopped by to check it out while I was in the area.
Sakitsu Church
Sakitsu is a peaceful fishing village now, but this “hidden Christians’ village” survived the era of persecutions. Sakitsu Church is at the center of the village with a Gothic-style tower standing tall.
This small fishing village by the port gives you a glimpse into the history of Christianity in Japan. Transportation in the countryside isn't very convenient though.
Toji Temple
This temple was built in 794 along with Sai-ji Temple two years after the capital city was moved to Heiankyo. Although Sai-ji turned into a ruin by the end of Heian Period, Toji kept being rebuilt after each fire damage. The Kondo (Golden) Hall built by Toyotomi Hideyori and the five-storied pagoda gifted by Tokugawa Iemitsu still remain to this day, designated as national treasures.
Among all the temples in Kyoto, Toji has a ton of national treasures. They even have two exhibitions every year for visitors.