Whenever I pass through Osaka Station, I always make a point of browsing around LUCUA. Donguri Republic on the 8th floor is a place Hayao Miyazaki fans shouldn't miss, with all kinds of anime merchandise that's hard to resist. This time, I also happened to discover Flower Miffy. The entire store has a floral theme and is filled with cute Miffy products. From the displays to the small accessories, everything feels so soothing, making it easy to overspend. After my shopping spree, I headed to the KUA`AINA Hawaiian burger restaurant on B2 to fill up! I still remember the first time I tried it in Hawaii. The thin, crispy fries are especially distinctive, and the unusual pineapple burger adds a sweet-and-tangy tropical flavor that made me feel like I was back on vacation.
LUCUA FOOD HALL | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum
Located just a five-minute walk from Tokyo Station, the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum offers easy access to a rich cultural experience. The striking red-brick building is a faithful reconstruction of the original Mitsubishi Ichigokan, first built in 1894 and designed by British architect Josiah Conder, known for landmarks like Ueno Museum and Rokumeikan.
Many of Japan's large conglomerates have extensive art collections, and the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum is a prime example of a place that combines historical and artistic appeal. The original building was completed in 1894 as Marunouchi's first Western-style office building. Designed by British architect Josiah Conder, it was demolished in 1968 and reconstructed from the original plans before reopening in 2010. The red-brick exterior is paired with an English Victorian style, and even the window frames, stair railings, and interior decorations are full of detail. The museum mainly exhibits Western modern art from the 19th to early 20th centuries, including works by renowned artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec and Redon. Inside, you can take your time appreciating the beauty created by the blend of architecture and art. It's well worth setting aside some time to explore at a leisurely pace.
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Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park, stretching across Musashino City and Mitaka City in Tokyo, opened in 1917 as the first imperial gift park in Japan, and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017.
On my first visit to Inokashira Park, what I looked forward to most was visiting the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka! As a fan of Hayao Miyazaki's animated films, this is definitely a pilgrimage site that movie fans should visit. The museum is tucked away amid the greenery of the park, surrounded by trees, making it feel as though you've actually stepped into the forest from My Neighbor Totoro. The museum building itself is also full of thoughtful touches. The stained-glass windows cast colorful light and shadows, and when you look up, you can see a ceiling covered with animated characters. In the central hall, spiral staircases and elevated walkways intertwine to create a maze-like space.
The permanent exhibition, "Where a Film Is Born," recreates an animation studio, with manuscripts, art supplies, and all kinds of inspirational materials scattered across the desks, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of animation production. On the second floor, there is also a furry Cat Bus, where children happily climb in and out, as if you can see adorable little Mei among them. The rooftop garden is the one thing you absolutely shouldn't miss. The giant Robot Soldier from Castle in the Sky stands quietly there, with the Laputa stone monument nearby, creating a mysterious atmosphere. Adults and children alike can temporarily leave their worries behind, rediscover their inner child, and immerse themselves in the magical world created by Hayao Miyazaki, making it hard to leave~
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Kachidoki Bridge
Located over the Sumida River in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, Kachidoki Bridge was the furthest downstream on the Sumida River until the opening of Tsukiji Bridge in 2018.
While looking out over the Sumida River from a high-rise near Hamamatsucho Station, I could see Kachidoki Bridge in the distance. Its elegant design left a deep impression on me. I later learned that the bridge was built in 1940 and designed as a double-leaf bascule bridge whose center could be raised to allow large ships to pass. It was once Japan's largest movable bridge. Nearby is the free Kachidoki Bridge Museum, housed in a former electrical substation, which displays the power-generating equipment, machinery, and valuable historical materials used at the time. At night, the illuminated bridge is reflected on the river, making the scenery even more romantic and giving it a charm all its own!
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