Great shopping mall, but it's always super crowded.
LUMINE EST | Review by 徐東東
Other Reviews by 徐東東
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Sunroad Shinshigai
Established in 1903, this 235 m-long covered shopping arcade is located just south of Shimotori Shopping Street, and its Approx. 18 m-wide walkway is the widest in western Japan.
It’s a lively street with a real local feel, and it’s very pleasant to walk around. There are all kinds of little shops, restaurants, and cafes to browse at a relaxed pace, and you’ll see locals shopping or chatting too, which gives it a very laid-back atmosphere.
If you’re traveling nearby, it’s a great place to stop by for a walk, grab a bite, and get a feel for everyday local life. It’s not the kind of place that feels overly touristy, and that actually makes it feel more authentic and full of local character! -
JR Tokai Food Service Co., Ltd. “Piyorin”
This adorable chick-shaped sweet is made using eggs from Nagoya Cochin, Aichi Prefecture’s prized brand of chicken. A rich custard pudding made with Nagoya Cochin eggs is wrapped in a fragrant vanilla bavarois, then coated with finely crumbled sponge cake to create its fluffy texture and signature chick shape. Each one is decorated by hand-from the wings and beak to the tiny comb-giving every Piyorin its own unique expression.
The pudding itself is pretty soft and has a fluffy texture, kind of like a mousse cake.
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Jindaiji Daruma Doll Fair
Founded in 733, Jindaiji Temple in Chofu City is one of the oldest temples in the Kanto region. It houses the oldest National Treasure Buddha statue in eastern Japan, the Shaka Nyorai. Every March, the temple hosts the Jindaiji Daruma Fair, a traditional event that has continued since the mid-Edo period. It is also known as one of the three major Daruma fairs in Japan. The event takes place on March 3rd and 4th, when red and white plum blossoms decorate the temple gate. Among the temple’s annual events, the Yakuyoke Gansan Daishi Festival is the largest, held to ward off bad luck.
Seeing all the Daruma dolls lined up together is really impressive! The colors and their faces are super cute. You can even ask the temple staff to 'open the eyes' of your Daruma, which makes the whole experience feel really special.