Calbee+ at Tokyo Station offers a variety of exclusive snacks, but the freshly fried French fries are the top pick. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and wonderfully fragrant—especially delicious while hot. It’s a must-visit spot for a tasty snack and souvenirs while exploring Tokyo Station.
Calbee+ Tokyo Station | Review by BobbyJenny
Other Reviews by BobbyJenny
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Osaka Takashimaya
This longstanding department store is a landmark of the Osaka/Namba area. It was revamped and opened in March 2011 with an all new line up of beloved stores and brands.
Osaka Takashimaya has long been a popular shopping landmark in the Osaka Namba area. This time, I found the overall atmosphere very comfortable, and everything from the basement food hall to the department store floors was enjoyable to browse. There is a huge variety of brands, so you can buy clothing, skincare products, souvenirs, and household goods all in one place.
My favorite part was the basement food floor. The wide selection of desserts, wagashi, bread, and Japanese souvenirs was almost overwhelming. With all the beautiful packaging and limited-edition items, it’s easy to lose track of time while browsing. It’s also a great place to buy things to bring back and share with people in Taiwan.
Osaka Takashimaya is also in a very convenient location, right next to Namba Station, and it’s easy to reach by Nankai Railway or subway. After shopping at the department store, you can also head over to the Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi areas. It works well as either a half-day or full-day shopping itinerary.
After this visit, I felt that Osaka Takashimaya is more than just a department store—it’s also a place where you can experience Japanese department store culture. People who especially enjoy food and souvenirs really shouldn’t miss it. The next time I visit Osaka, I’ll want to set aside time to browse at a leisurely pace again!
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Gateau Rusk, Gateau Festa Harada
Gateau Festa Harada is a well-known manufacturer with its head office located in Takasaki City in Gunma Prefecture. Their popular, signature rusk snack, Gouter de Roi, which means “snack for a king”, is made of French baguettes using their original blended wheat recipe.
The GOUTER de ROI French bread rusks are one of the souvenirs I highly recommend buying when traveling in Japan. After being baked, the golden French bread gives off a rich buttery and bready aroma. It looks simple, but the flavor is very distinctive.
The first thing you notice when you bite into one is the crisp texture, followed by the sweet blend of butter, sugar, and French bread. The rusks are thin and light, quickly melting in your mouth without being too greasy. The sweetness is also just right, making it hard to stop eating one after another.
I think their biggest appeal is the crisp texture and rich aroma without being overly sweet. Anyone who likes French bread or butter cookies will probably enjoy them. The elegant packaging also makes them a great gift and a very presentable souvenir from Japan.
Enjoying them with coffee or tea brings out the buttery aroma even more, and having a few at afternoon tea is especially satisfying. The next time I go to Japan, I'll definitely buy a few more boxes to keep and enjoy slowly!
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Rokkatei Strawberry Chocolate
When it comes to Hokkaido's iconic sweets, Rokkatei is a name that stands out. While their Marusei Butter Sandwich is the most famous, the Strawberry Chocolate has also become a favorite, especially among women.
Rokkatei Strawberry Chocolate is one of the souvenirs I highly recommend buying when visiting Hokkaido. It has a rich, smooth chocolate coating with a whole crunchy dried strawberry inside. I thought it was very distinctive the first time I tried it.
When you bite into it, you first taste the rich chocolate, followed by the slightly tart dried strawberry and its natural fruity flavor. The balance of sweet and tart is just right, so it doesn't have only the cloying sweetness of chocolate. The strawberry also retains its crunchy texture, creating an interesting contrast with the smooth chocolate coating.
I think its greatest appeal is how well balanced the sweet and tart flavors are. It's easy to enjoy whether you like chocolate or strawberries. The packaging also has Rokkatei's distinctive style, making it a great souvenir from Hokkaido.
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