Sanrio fans shouldn’t miss SANRIO CAFE in Ikebukuro Sunshine City💕 Popular characters like the adorable Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi join you for a relaxing afternoon tea. Every corner is perfect for taking photos and checking in, and the latte art is so creative. The character designs are so cute that you almost won’t want to drink them!
SANRIO CAFE Ikebukuro Shop | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Matsuya Ginza
A long-established department store opened in 1869 stands on a main street in Ginza, Tokyo. A location is easily accessible where the store directly connects to Exit A12 of Tokyo Metro Ginza station.
The Matsuya Ginza department store is located along a main street in Tokyo’s Ginza district. Its striking glass curtain wall makes it a neighborhood landmark, blending modern design with a century-old department store tradition. Inside, there are many well-known Japanese brands and boutiques, offering everything from fashion and cosmetics to household goods. The popular basement food floor is a great place to find elegant wagashi, sweets, and souvenirs. In addition to shopping, Matsuya Ginza frequently hosts art exhibitions and limited-time events, attracting many visitors.
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KITTE
Unique shops and eateries line this commercial complex, managed by Japan Post. The atrium on the first floor is striking with its open space, from which you can overlook the shops on each floor.
If you're passing through Tokyo Station, you might want to stop by KITTE Marunouchi next door. This commercial complex has a very modern design and a good selection of souvenirs and restaurants. This time, I picked up the Jiichiro Baumkuchen recommended by a coworker. The many layers of cake are delicate and soft, with a moist, dense texture and subtle buttery and egg aromas. The sweetness is just right and not overpowering. You can taste the delicate layers in every bite, and it pairs well with coffee or tea.
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Houzan Sake Brewery
Houzan Sake Brewery, established in the 18th year of the Meiji era (1885), is known for its "Daiginjo Houzan", which won the Gold Prize at the "Spring National Variety Appraisal Meeting". The brewery is located along the route connecting Iwamuro Onsen, known as the "back parlor of Niigata", and Yahiko Shrine, proud of its status as "Echigo Ichinomiya". The brewery is known for its innovative approach to sake brewing, not only using popular Yamada Nishiki rice and locally grown Niigata rice "Koshi Tanrei", but also taking on the challenge of making sake with Koshihikari, a type of rice usually considered unsuitable for sake brewing.
I tried sake made by Houzan Sake Brewery at an izakaya. It was crisp and delicate, with a subtle rice aroma, gentle sweetness, and a smooth, rounded mouthfeel. The finish was clean and long, showcasing the pure flavor of sake brewed with Niigata’s high-quality rice. This experience wasn’t just about enjoying a good glass of sake—it also made me more curious about Niigata’s sake-brewing culture. The next time I travel to Niigata, I’d love to visit the brewery in person to learn about the sake-making process, from quality rice and koji to fermentation and brewing, and to gain a deeper understanding of Houzan Sake Brewery’s story and craftsmanship.
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