I remember a teacher explaining in class that many shops in Japan place cute tanuki statues at their entrances as symbols of good fortune, prosperity, and thriving business. This time, I visited Shigaraki Toen Tanuki Mura in Shiga Prefecture and found myself surrounded by an army of tanuki! With their round bellies, straw hats, and all kinds of funny, adorable expressions, they also reminded me of the tanuki characters in a Hayao Miyazaki film. Shigaraki ware has a history spanning several centuries, and tanuki pottery became even more famous after Emperor Showa visited Shigaraki in 1951. Tanuki can be seen all over the streets of Shigaraki, and if you're lucky, you may even come across a special, unusually colored one for a relaxing and fun treasure hunt!
Shigaraki Toen Tanuki Mura | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Okashina-okashiyasan
Okashina-okashiyasan is an antenna shop operated by Morinaga Confectionery, located in Tokyo Okashi Land on B1 of First Avenue Tokyo Station. Since opening in 2012, it has sold a wide variety of sweets under the theme “Fun to buy, delicious to eat.”
While wandering around Tokyo Station's First Avenue, I unexpectedly came across a Morinaga confectionery store. The shelves were packed with Chocoball packages featuring Kyoro-chan, instantly bringing back childhood memories—even the Kyoro-chan cartoon I used to watch came flooding back. So nostalgic! This is Morinaga's brand specialty store, and besides Chocoball, it carries Hi-Chew candies in all kinds of flavors. Some items are even exclusive to Tokyo Station. The store also offers unique treats such as freshly baked, oversized Moonlight cookies, so there are surprises everywhere you look. I bought a few packages to take back to the office and share with my coworkers. It satisfied my sweet tooth, and I didn't have to worry about accidentally buying too much just for myself!
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Pokémon Store Tokyo Station
Pokémon Store Tokyo Station is located inside Tokyo Station Ichibangai, a commercial complex directly connected to Tokyo Station. The store is open from 10:00 to 20:30, Monday through Sunday. Store holidays follow the closure schedule of the facility. It is accessible in about a one-minute walk from the Nihonbashi Exit of Tokyo Station.
Whenever I pass through Tokyo Station, I always want to browse Tokyo Station Ichibangai! It has all kinds of specialty stores featuring anime characters, and as I was walking around, I was drawn into the Pokémon Store Tokyo Station. In addition to plush toys and merchandise featuring popular Pokémon like Pikachu and Eevee, the store also has stationery, household goods, and souvenirs that make great gifts. The most distinctive item is Pikachu wearing a stationmaster’s hat, which really captures the unique atmosphere of Tokyo Station. Just looking at it is enough to make you smile. Even if you’re not a devoted Pokémon fan, it’s easy to fall in love with all the cute merchandise!
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Mochiidono Shopping Street
The shopping street is located about 300 meters south of Nara Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line, past the Nara City Higashimuki Shopping Street. It is adjacent to Nara's popular tourist spot, Naramachi, and is visited by many tourists.
When you arrive in Nara and head toward Todaiji Temple, it’s easy to be drawn in by the lively sight of mochi being freshly pounded at Nakatanidou. Right next door is Mochiidono Shopping Street! This shopping street is home to many local shops, offering everything from Nara-themed souvenirs and Japanese sweets to a variety of dining options. You may even discover some unexpected little surprises while browsing. Slow down and wander through the street to get a better feel for everyday life in Nara. If you’re planning a day trip to Nara, consider stopping by to add a little shopping and food enjoyment to your visit.
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