Tokyo Metro corporation and the Metro Commerce corporation has just the thing for you with the release of their “Metro Kanzume” line of original goods at the Hanzomon Line’s Oshiage Skytree Station plus their online shop starting from March 28, 2019.

With designs not only sporting Japanese aesthetics like traditional Japanese turtle shell and checkered patterns or the like, but also being authentic “Made in Tokyo” goods, these products are sure to spring forth fond memories of your time in Japan whenever you use them.

On that note, we had 3 of our staff members from LIVE JAPAN (American, Korean, and Taiwanese) try out some of these products and got to hear their impressions!

This multi-purpose hand towel can be used to wipe sweat instead of a handkerchief and is also perfect for the coming summer as a bandana. The dyeing is done by professionals proficient with the “tenassen” method, that is, using stencils to color the fabric one color at a time with.

They come in 3 different designs, with the Kabuki-motif red-lined fabric representing the Tokyo Metro lines, the blue one being a collection of the different lines’ symbols against a traditional checkered motif, and lastly the checkered one printed with various tourist icons of Japan.

“Not only is it great for putting your pictures and souvenirs from your Japan trip on top of to display, it’s also a perfect gift for railway fanatics!” (Mr. T/America)

This money clip is amazingly useful when you need to keep your bills or cards in check. Tokyo Metro ticket motifs are etched into the piece.

“Getting something to put your money in place is especially in a cash-based society like Japan. The manekineko, a symbol of good fortune, as well as the Japanese-styled kabuto designs are really wonderful!” (Ms. P/Korea)

It was also well-received by the other staff. “The cool design makes it great for other uses like bookmarks or even a decoration for your bag!” (Mr. T/America)

A bottle holder that lets you clip your plastic bottles to your bags more easily. The snap ring makes it easy to attach and remove it from your bag as well.

“It’s a lot more well-made than I thought it would be. In a humid country like Japan bottled drinks really are essential, huh. It might be convenient for people who travel light with a knapsack or small bags.”

Attach this to your camera as you take your picture and get an amazing shot of your subject as if in a kaleidoscope.

“This is probably my favorite among the goods so far. This makes taking Insta-worthy shots a breeze. It’s long and narrow, making it easy to carry around too.” (Ms. C/Taiwan)

This is how it looks using it. Not a bad shot, huh?

Our final product of this recommendation is the Chiyogake bag, useful for carrying items you frequently use like your smartphone or wallet. It sports a pattern of famous tourist icons.

In any case, each of these items are bound to be useful in anyone’s trip in Japan. Just take a step into the shopping passageway and get these items that will add on to your Japan experience!

1) Metros Oshiage Branch (Inside Hanzomon Line Oshiage Skytree Station)
Operating Hours: 8:30 - 21:30 (Closed on weekends and public holidays)

2) EC Site “Metro Kanzume” Website: http://www.metocan.com/
Customer Service Hotline: 03-5246-8124 / 10:00 - 17:00 (Except for Weekends and Public Holidays)