Shunkado, known for its Unagi Pie, also makes a distinctive local Japanese sweet called Hatcho Miso Manju. Traditional Hatcho miso from Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, is kneaded into the manju dough and paired with a smooth house-made red bean paste made from Hokkaido-grown azuki beans. It tastes sweet with a subtle savory saltiness, and the rich, mellow miso flavor blends nicely with the sweetness of the red bean paste, making it quite different from ordinary onsen manju. The dough is soft, with a slight graininess from the sugar on the surface that adds more depth to the flavor. Enjoying it with some hot tea balances the sweetness just right.
Shunkado’s “Hatcho Miso Man” | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Mojiko Retro Observation Room
One of Mojiko's premier viewpoints, the Mojiko Retro Observation Room is located atop an eye-catching high-rise condominium designed by renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. The glass-enclosed observatory sits on the building's highest floor, complete with panoramic vistas of Mojiko and its surroundings from a height of 103 meters.
If you have plenty of time in Mojiko, I highly recommend going up to the Mojiko Retro Observation Room around sunset to enjoy the captivating twilight view of the harbor from above! The observation room is located on an upper floor of a high-rise apartment building designed by renowned architect Kisho Kurokawa. Its large glass windows offer sweeping views of Mojiko and the Kanmon Strait. In the evening, the setting sun gradually turns the sky red, while the harbor lights come on one by one. Together with the historic red-brick buildings and retro streets, it feels as though you've suddenly been transported to a port city in another country. As the sky grows darker, the harbor, bustling during the day, takes on a completely different romantic atmosphere that makes you want to stop and admire it. If time allows, consider staying until after sunset to experience the enchanting transition from twilight to night in Mojiko.
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L-Breath Shinjuku Store
The L-Breath Shinjuku Store is the spot for outdoor gear and goods, located just southeast of JR Shinjuku Station. Always innovative and ahead of the curve, this outlet reopened in November 2022 under direction from the Xebio Group. Known for its vast selection and knowledgeable staff, the store always draws the savviest of new and repeat customers.
It was my first time skiing in Japan, and I was really looking forward to it, but just getting all the gear ready was a headache. Before leaving, I visited several sporting goods stores in Taiwan but couldn't find any ski goggles I liked, so I decided to try my luck in Japan. L-Breath Shinjuku Store didn't disappoint. The store is spacious and has a wide selection of products, including ski goggles, padded shorts, and warm gloves. In the end, I found a pair of goggles I liked. Protecting your eyes while skiing is important, after all, so you can't be careless about your gear. It was a very successful shopping trip. Recommended for anyone looking for sporting goods.
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Ishinomaki Genki Ichiba
Along the Kitakami River, a 2-story market stands at the heart of Ishinomaki City. The merchandise section on the 1st floor provides fresh seafood from Ishinomaki Port.
The 3/11 earthquake and tsunami devastated Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture, destroying many businesses, factories, and workplaces. The local seafood processing industry also faced the challenge of losing its sales channels. To help local businesses rebuild their livelihoods while revitalizing commerce and tourism in central Ishinomaki, local companies and other related businesses worked together to develop this market.
Ishinomaki Genki Ichiba opened on June 30, 2017, primarily selling fresh local seafood, processed seafood products, agricultural products, and local specialties. It also has a dining area where visitors can try local Ishinomaki dishes. It is more than just a place to shop and eat; it also has a mission to help revive local industries, create jobs, and draw people back to the city center.
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