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Perfect Souvenirs From Nihombashi Takashimaya: What Awaits You at This Famous Japanese Department Store?

Perfect Souvenirs From Nihombashi Takashimaya: What Awaits You at This Famous Japanese Department Store?

Last updated: 21 October 2019

Nihombashi, the melting pot of goods and services since the early 17th century is where you’ll find Nihombashi Takashimaya, a luxury department store with 200 years of history. Here you’ll innovate products that continue to change the lifestyle of Japanese people.

Today we’ll take a look at a few souvenirs you can purchase at Nihonbashi Takashimaya’s gourmet food gallery basement.

You’ll Find Plenty Of Shops On The Basement Level Of Nihombashi Takashimaya

Cred: pio3 / Shutterstock.com
Cred: pio3 / Shutterstock.com

Let’s first take a look at the basement floor of Nihombashi Takashimaya. It’s an assortment of shops that sell both Japanese and western confectionery, boxed lunches, side dishes, teas, dried seaweed, and more. As Japan ‘s premier department store, you’ll find both domestic and international shops that are known all over the world.

Shiseido Parlour Hanatsubaki Cookies, A Treat With More Than 100 Years Of History

Shiseido Parlour Hanatsubaki Cookies, A Treat With More Than 100 Years Of History

Shiseido Parlour began in 1902, in Tokyo’s Ginza district. Its Nihombashi Takashimaya shop is the brand's first Antenna shop and sells popular products such as Hanatsubaki cookies, cheesecake, and ganache.

Shiseido Parlour is a division of cosmetics maker Shiseido. As Shiseido’s popularity continues to grow outside of Japan, there’s an increasing number of tourists who delight in seeing a Shiseido branded restaurant and Shiseido branded confectionery.

48 count tin of Hanatsubaki cookies 2,700 yen. *From April 1, the tin will retail for 2,916 yen.
48 count tin of Hanatsubaki cookies 2,700 yen. *From April 1, the tin will retail for 2,916 yen.

When you think of Shiseido Parlour, its Hanatsubaki cookies are the first thing that come to mind. Adored with a camelia, Shiseido’s trademark, the receipt of these are Cookies remain unchanged. Light and crunchy, the simple taste is almost as if they were made with a mother’s love

Top right: Hanatsubaki cookies (24 cookies) 1,620 yen; Foreground: 115 year commemorative tin can (24 cookies) 1,620 yen  (on sale until March 31)
Top right: Hanatsubaki cookies (24 cookies) 1,620 yen; Foreground: 115 year commemorative tin can (24 cookies) 1,620 yen (on sale until March 31)

As of January 2018, a golden tin commemorating the 115th anniversary of Shiseido Parlour is on sale alongside the scarlet tin of 48 Hanatsubaki cookies and azure tin of 24 Hanatsubaki cookies. The golden tin ia available for a limited time only while supplies last. From April you will be able to purchase a coral pink tin of 32 Hanatsubaki cookies for 2,160 yen (tax incl.).

14 Piece Box of La Ganache, 1,188 yen.
14 Piece Box of La Ganache, 1,188 yen.

La Ganache are just as popular as Hanatsubaki cookies. Consisting of three layers featuring the finest creamy, rich Belgian chocolate interlaced with chocolate crunch. Enjoy the combination of texture and flavor.

Choose from classic Noir or Blanc. Each Ganache is individually wrapped and the attractive packaging makes it a great gift choice for all ages.

For A Playful Gift,Choose Saganoyaki Rice Crackers from Ogura Sansou, Japan ‘s Traditional Snack Maker

For A Playful Gift,Choose Saganoyaki Rice Crackers from  Ogura Sansou, Japan ‘s Traditional Snack Maker

Walk through Nihonbashi Takashimaya gourmet basement and you’re bound to see a line of customers waiting in line to purchase sensebi (rice crackers), from Ogura Sansou. Originally from Kyoto, its retail locations are largely centered in western Japan and the brand is known for its lineup of rice crackers such as senbei, okaki, and arare.

Small tin of Sanganoyaki, 40 pieces (2 per package) 1,296 yen
Small tin of Sanganoyaki, 40 pieces (2 per package) 1,296 yen

A best-selling item since Ogura Sansou first opened its doors, Sanganoyaki senbei are coated in a sweet soy sauce and accented with tiny squares of seaweed. For a reasonably priced gift, consider buying this box of 40 senbei.

Karuta Hyakunin Isshu Gift Box  1,620 yen
Karuta Hyakunin Isshu Gift Box 1,620 yen

For a unique gift, choose this variety box of senbei that features karuta, a traditional Japanese playing card game that is an anthology of 100 poems by 100 different poets. The 100 senbei in this set come in ten flavors such as sakura shrimp and sugar.

Each box is guaranteed to feature all 100 poem cards, so perhaps this would make a great gift for a family.

Asakasa Kakiyama, Where Tradition And Innovation Forged Akasaka Keicho

Asakasa Kakiyama, Where Tradition And Innovation Forged Akasaka Keicho

Specializing in beika, or a variety of rice crackers, Akasaka Kakiyama began in the Akasaka district of Tokyo in 1970. Its concept, “to give a gift means to plant a seed for the future” is the foundation on which its crackers are carefully made. This shop is popular among Ja

Akasaka Keicho, Scarlet Tin (14 pieces) 1,080
Akasaka Keicho, Scarlet Tin (14 pieces) 1,080

This selection of rice crackers are flavored with soy sauce and sesame. Made from rice from Tomiyama Prefecture. Enjoy the crispness of the crackers and the rich taste of soy sauce and sesame.

The tin is decorated in a Japanese-style pattern features a mountain resting atop a persimmon. It is especially popular among travelers who appreciate the colorful Japanese motif.

Arakashiko (40 pieces)  2,160 yen * Selection subject to change from March 10.
Arakashiko (40 pieces) 2,160 yen * Selection subject to change from March 10.

This charming mozaic of the traditional Japanese artwork, yosegi-zaiku, decorates box of assorted rice crackers. Featuring 6 different types of rice crackers, there’s something in here for everyone to enjoy.

Choose Akasaka Kaichou for something compact yet durigabel and the Arakashiko variety set for your workplace -- or how about both?

For A Gift For Someone Special, You Can't Go Wrong With A Classic Japanese Treat From Kanau

For A Gift For Someone Special, You Can't Go Wrong With A Classic Japanese Treat From Kanau

Based in Otsu, a city in Shiga Prefecture, is Japanese confectionery maker Kanou Shoujuan

Akai (5 pieces) 1,123 yen
Akai (5 pieces) 1,123 yen

The best-selling item at Kanou Shoujuan is its Akai, which uses two Japanese flavors: matcha green tea and kuromitsu, a dark syrup made of raw sugarcane. The cubes of gyuhi, a glutinous cake made from a high grade of sticky rice, are coated in kinako, roasted soybean powder. Drizzle with kuromitsu syrup before eating.

The gyuhi portions may be comparatively smaller, but their texture is incredible: they've an elastic feeling that pleasantly squeezes against your teeth as you chew. The kuromitsu is outstanding in its elegant sweetness, while the matcha has a refreshingly bitter aftertaste - in that way only green tea can be!

Dorayaki, 162 yen
Dorayaki, 162 yen

Fans of Japanese animated classics may be familiar with dorayaki, a pancake-like sweet filled with melt-in-your-mouth roasted adzuki beans grown in Hokkaido. Sold individually, might even want to pick up a few for yourself.

These Souvenirs Are Sure To Be A Hit

These Souvenirs Are Sure To Be A Hit

All the sweets featured on our list have won over plenty of visitors to Japan. They are perfect for any occasion, so be sure to stop by Nihombashi Takashimaya before you leave Tokyo.

  • Takashimaya Nihonbashi
    日本橋高島屋
    • Address 2-4-1, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-8265
    • Nearest Station Nihombashi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Tozai Line / Toei Asakusa Line)
    • Phone Number 03-3211-4111
*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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