SHARI and SHARI THE TOKYO SUSHI BAR in Ginza, as well as CRAFT in Ariake, are releasing the perfect accompaniment to your hanami flower-viewing experience in Japan this spring: the "Hanami Roll Sushi Bento" lunch box, which consists of 36 bite-size sushi pieces made up of 12 different kinds of sushi. It will be available February 18 to April 30.

Hanami Roll Sushi Bento (36 Pieces/Serves 3-4): ¥4,500 (Tax Included)

As soon as your take the lid off this colourful assortment of rolled sushi, you'll find yourself reaching for your camera to snap a photo for Instagram. Each piece is 3cm in diameter and so is deliciously bite-sized. The line-up includes four new kinds of sushi rolls conceived for this release which use seasonal spring ingredients, like sakuradai cherry blossom sea bream, sakura ebi, rape blossoms, fuki giant butterbur, green beans, and moreーas well as eight other types of sushi that are popular classics at each of the three restaurants.

Shrimp Roll

From the four new rolls, we have the sakura ebi shrimp roll, which is served with a gorgeous cherry blossom colour. It's made with shibazuke pickles and vinegared rice, which gives it its colour, and contains, rape blossoms, okra, Chinese yam, and egg. The rape blossoms add a springtime bitterness to the sweetness of the sakura ebi, creating a wonderful combination of flavours.

Beef Butterbur Miso Roll

Then there's the sakuradai roll is wrapped with vinegared tobiko flying fish roe, okra, and cucumber, which is topped with sashimi-style sakuradai cherry blossom seam bream and salty cherry blossom leaves. The spring vegetable and tempura roll has shrimp and green bean tempura mixed with yuzu kosho paste; and finally, the beef butterbur miso roll, which contains beef rib seasoned in a sukiyaki style, finished with sesame seeds, and seasoned with butterbur miso.   The eight popular classics include the wagyu roll sushi seasoned with luxurious truffle oil, Italian roll, duck roll, salmon roll, spider roll (soft shell crab), and more. All of these varied picks go great with wine or champagne.

Hanami Roll Sushi Bento (9 Pieces): ¥1,200 (Tax Included)

The "Hanami Roll Sushi Bento" comes in various sizes. As well as the 36 pieces of 12 sushi types, there's also 18 pieces of 9 types (serves 1-2), and the 9 pieces of 9 types (serves 1).   Reservations are available until 15:00 the previous day. Order yours for your Hanami cherry blossom flower-viewing this year in Japan.

It is already summer! As people return to their families in the countryside or embark on a special trip with friends, Tokyo station is just a thriving hive of busy bees. That is why today we will be introducing you to a variety of general souvenirs that you can buy at Tokyo Station and take to your friends and family.    Souvenirs for Visitors to Japan

Tokyo Station Hand Towel (SHARED TOKYO): ￥1,404 (after tax )    ※ GRANSTA-limited 

This hand towel is decorated with classic illustrations of Tokyo Station's reliefs and clematis flowers. The flowers portray the message: "happiness of travellers"

Furoshiki Patchin (SHARED TOKYO ) 1 set: ￥2,484 (after tax) 

This is a beautiful shaped piece of wood with four holes. When you wrap your bento lunch inside a cloth, this piece of wood comes in handy when tying the corners of the cloth together. In moments, you can turn a normal piece of cloth into a useful bag. When you are going on a trip and have lots of luggage, this will come in very handy.    Character-themed Souvenirs

Suica Penguin O-mikuji Fortunes (TRAINIART TOKYO): ￥594 each (after tax)

Perhaps you are familiar with the Suica card, which is a form of rechargeable contactless card used to pay for train fares in Japan. For fans of the adorable Suica Penguin, which is the mascot of the card, this gift is a must. Peel off the sticker on the bottom and a red string will be revealed. Pull the string and your fortune will be revealed to you!   Unusual Souvenirs

Stained Glass-Style Bookmark (Neue ): ￥1,188 (after tax) 

How about a luxurious stained glass-style book mark? This would make the perfect gift for any bookworm. Just having this would make you excited to get reading.   Bullet Train Souvenirs 

TOKYO STATION SOCKS (Happy Socks): ￥972 (children )/￥ 1,620 (prices after tax ) ※GRANSTA-limited 

The pop-coloured socks are perfect for pumping energy through any child's feet! There are also socks for adults which come in more mature colours which are easier to colour coordinate. These socks are easy to put on and are a great way to add a touch of cuteness to your look. 

Electric Pen: E6 Series Super Komachi Shinkansen /Electric Car Pen E5 Hayabusa (Neue): ￥648 (after tax)

 Tip the pen and the bullet train will zip to Tokyo Marunouchi Station. There's no doubt that train fans and children would love to get this present.    We hope this article helps you choose a souvenir on your next visit to Tokyo station.

From Monday 22nd April to national holiday Monday 6th May 2019, there will be a Golden Week Fair held within Tokyo station. The fair will be held at Gransta shopping centre within the ticket gates and at Gransta Marunouchi which is located outside of the ticket gates. This is your chance to browse for the perfect gifts ranging from limited edition sweets, alcohol and general goods to bento lunches and small side dishes that are perfect for when heading on a trip. For 10 days only, Gransta will be filled with a variety of fair goods. As the national holiday Children’s Day is approaching, there will also be sweets and small gifts available.  

Baked Reiwa (10 cakes) ￥3,000 ※Limited number sold per day <Within GS/B1 ticket gates > Available：until 7th May

These cute cupcakes are sure to put a smile on your face without you even knowing! The icing designs include the Japanese characters for “Heisei” and “Reiwa”, which are Japan's old and new era names respectively. There are also some cute animals designs and a round circle design that represents the sun!

Caffarel : Tokyo gianduja chocolate pie (contains 8)   ¥1,080 (tax included) ＜Within GS/B1 ticket gates＞

Caffarel’s gianduja chocolate pie is exclusive to Tokyo station! This is your chance to casually enjoy Caffarel’s signature chocolate!

 

Kyou no gohan Wasai no kuni: Edokko bento ￥980 (including tax)  <Outside GS Marunouchi/B1 ticket gates>

These bento lunches are seasoned with traditional flavourings. You can enjoy sweet miso and anko karaage, Edo vegetables simmered in sake, and many other flavours used since Tokyo was called Edo.

Ginza Cozy Corner: Exciting suica penguin zoo (9 mini cakes included) ￥2,484 (tax included) ※ Only 50 will be sold! Available: 26th April ー 6th May

 These cute round egg cakes include designs such as the suica commuter pass penguin and adorable footprints!   Come browse the fair in Tokyo station and buy some amazing goods!   （C）Chiharu Sakazaki/JR East/DENTSU

The latest rankings have been announced for the Top 10 most popular souvenirs and Top 5 most popular bento sold at Gransta.   Gransta is an indoor shopping facility inside Tokyo Station. It is made up of two facilities: Gransta is in the B1 area beneath the Central Passage of Tokyo Station inside the ticket gates, while Gransta Marunouchi is outside the Marunouchi underground ticket gates. Shops there sell everything from freshly made bento to side dishes, exclusive sweets and confections and more. There’s even the huge miscellaneous and cosmetics zone where a range of goods are sold.   The top rankings for souvenirs and bento are as follows.   Souvenirs 1^st Place: Tokyo Station Set of 10 Waffles (¥1,300) Shop: R.L Waffle Cake   This set of waffles contain five types of waffles available only at Tokyo Station together with five of R.L Waffle Cake’s popular waffles. It comes in colourful packaging with the Marunouchi station building illustrated on it. The waffles are packed with a bunch of different creams including custard cream, chocolate cream, matcha cream, strawberry cream and more. 2^nd Place: Gin no Budo Chocolate Sandwich (Almond) Price: 8 Set – ¥712 / 12 Set – ¥1,080 / 18 Set – ¥1,620 / 24 Set – ¥2,160 Shop: Gin no Budou   This popular delectable can only be purchased at Tokyo Station. The most the shop has sold in a day is over 50,000. It’s a sandwich-like confection made with smooth and melty milk chocolate and white chocolate together with the shop’s own hard and crispy chocolate nuts.   Bento1^st Place: Spanish Bellota Iberico Pork on Rice (¥1,100) Shop: Eashon   Taking the No. 1 spot in the bento category is Eashon’s consistently popular pork bento. It’s made using only the best Bellota Iberico pork from Spain. It has maintained the most sales of any other bento in Gransta for 10 consecutive years. Its special quality comes from the melt-in-the-mouth fat and sweet and spicy sauce which goes well with the rice. You can also get completely new flavours when eating it with mustard. It’s also served combined with ginger pickled in sweet vinegar, resulting in an array of flavours you won’t tire from down to the last bite. 2^nd Place: Jou Nigiri (¥1,550) Shop: Tsukiji This ten-piece sushi bento is made with fresh ingredients shipped directly from Takewaka Tsukiji. It is made in front of you by a sushi expert. The sushi includes medium fatty tuna, sweet shrimp, salmon, greater amberjack and more. It also comes with tamagoyaki. *Please note that ingredients may change depending on stock.   The list includes a line-up of fantastic choices as gifts and souvenirs, so be sure to use it as reference.

Shinagawa Station is a convenient location for travel as not only do bullet trains arrive and depart there but it's also very easy to get to airports.   The Tokyo Meat Market takes place every October in Shinagawa which brings people flocking from afar to get their teeth stuck into the meat on offer. In line with this year's market, another event titled "Shinagawa MEAT LOVERS" will take place at ecute Shinagawa South from October 1 to 21.   Take a look below to see what you can expect to look forward to at the event.   Meat SandwichesTAMEALS Classic Burger w/Fries - ¥900 @ TAMEALS (ecute Shinagawa South) This burger boasts a filling patty with an original bun made completely with whole grain flour that both hug together to make the perfect combination. If you're looking for a quality burger then don't pass up this opportunity. Served from 11:00am. La Terre Hot Dog - ¥378 @ Boulangerie La Terrie (ecute Shinagawa South) La Terre's hot dog is made with sausage from Kyushu that is completely free of preservatives and colouring agents. The rich, sweet and soft bread they use is made from 100% wheat flour. Anshen Buffu (Roti & Pastrami) - Whole ¥1,188 / Half ¥594 @ PAUL (ecute Shinagawa) This sandwich is made with PAUL's exquisite bread and is packed with roast beef and pastrami. The roast beef is combined with a horseradish sauce. The flavour goes perfectly with sake. Available at ecute Shinagawa only.   Meat Bento / OnigiriJapanese Black Beef Bento - ¥2,650 @ Asakusa Imahan (ecute Shinagawa) This luxurious bento set brings out the full flavour of its Japanese Black wagyu that can be enjoyed together as both sukiyaki and yakiniku. Available at ecute Shinagawa only. Japanese Black Beef & Black Angus "W Black" Beef Hamburg Steak Bento - ¥1,380 @ MADE IN JAPAN Tsubame Grill (ecute Shinagawa) Tsubame Grill's Hamburg steak is made with two kinds of 100% beef, clocking in at a hearty 160g. Experience its delicious flavour available just for this event. Available at ecute Shinagawa only. Char Siu Yaki Onigiri  - ¥260 Each @ Onigiridokoro Kongariya (ecute Shinagawa) This plump onigiri is topped with a cheddar cheese-covered char siu covered in a steak sauce. Available at ecute Shinagawa only.   Meat DeliBasque Style Terrine - 1 Pack ¥650 @ Table Ogino (ecute Shinagawa) A spicy patty made in the image of the Basque Country. It's packed with pig ear and tongue that give texture, pork, and chicken liver. The flavour of everything has been condensed into the patty for a richer taste. Wagyu Sukiyaki Steamed Bun - ¥445 Each @ PAOPAO (ecute Shinagawa) Enjoy the full flavour of Yamagata beef wrapped carefully into a steamed bun. Available at ecute Shinagawa only. Only 20 made per day. Japanese Beef With Seasoned Oyster Mushrooms (100g) - ¥798 @ RF1 (ecute Shinagawa South) This beef platter lets you enjoy the full delicious flavour of meat. The beef goes perfectly with the salt and peppers oyster mushrooms. Limited quantity available.   SweetsYanesen Grape Anmitsu - ¥604 @ Funabashiya (ecute Nippori) These sweet treats are a collaboration with Vegeo Vegeo. They are pione grapes covered with anmitsu―syrup covered anko―from Yanesen. Available at ecute Nippori only. Kawane Sencha Siberia Cake - ¥648 @ Dalloyau (ecute Nippori) This cake is made in collaboration with Thés du Japon which opened in Yanaka, Tokyo in August this year. The cake is filled with a mousse made with Kawane sencha tea and an anko jelly. Available at ecute Nippori only. Imomitsu Roll Cake - ¥480 Per Slice @ Drip Mania (ecute Nippori) This product is made in collaboration with Amendoroya, a shop specialising in imomitsu - honeyed potato. They have taken Drip Mania's popular roll cake and made it more delicious with purple sweet potato. Available at ecute Nippori only.   A campaign is also being held to get people walking around the district of Yanesen. It is taking place in collaboration with products from shops around Yanesen as well as products in ecute Nippori using ingredients from places around Yanesen. Get your hands on the map and enjoy walking around the neighbourhood.   As well as the delicious meaty goodness listed above there's plenty more where that game from, so head to Shinagawa this October.    

It can be tough picking out gifts and souvenirs, especially in Japan.   In this article you'll find some great choices at 4 branches of the train station shopping complex ecute where they will hold the Plus Tohoku Fair from September 3 to 24. Get your hands on a range of food gifts and souvenirs from fruits to meat and fish, all made with ingredients from the Tohoku region of Japan.     Recommended Gift: Fruits

Fig Tart - ¥594 (Tax Included) / le billet (ecute Tokyo)

This tart is made with sweet and refreshing figs from Fukushima Prefecture. It's made with a custard containing cream cheese. Available at ecute Tokyo only.

Raihou Strawberry Chiffon Sandwich - ¥700 (Tax Included) / OVO (ecute Omiya)

This fluffy chiffon cake sandwich is made with the finest quality eggs and is filled with raihou strawberries from Miyagi Prefecture which are known for being a luxury. Available at ecute Omiya only.

4 Fruit Sandwich - ¥540 (Tax Included) / Sandwich House Marchen (ecute Ueno, Tokyo) & Sandwich Café Oishii Marchen (ecute Omiya)

This colourful and hearty sandwich is made with a variety of fruits including La France pears from Yamagata Prefecture and apples from Aomori Prefecture. Only 30 made per day.

Shine Muscat Grape Éclair - ¥320 (Tax Included) / Dolce Felice (ecute Ueno)

When you bite into this éclair your mouth is filled with the refreshing sweetness of the fresh cream mixed with fresh fruit Shine Muscat grapes. Only 30 made per day served after 11:00am. Available at ecute Ueno only.

Baked Apple Tart - ¥1,480 (Tax Included) / Andeli (ecute Omiya)

This limited edition autumn tart is packed with Jonathan apples from Yamagata Prefecture. Only 16 available per day. Available at ecute Omiya only.

Goro Goro Kurenai no Yume Apple Pie - ¥1,296 (Tax Included) / Rapoppo (ecute Ueno) & Rapoppo mini-on (ecute Omiya)

Kurenai no yume is a new variety of apple grown in Akita Prefecture that's a deep red all the way through the peel to the meat. This apple has been taken and made into a deliciously plump pie. Only 12 made per day.   Recommended Gift: Meat

Iwate Yamagatamura Shorthorn Beef Bento - ¥1,580 (Tax Included) / Daichi wo Mamoru Deli (ecute Tokyo)

Shorthorn makes up only 1% of the beef share in Japan. This carefully brings out all the flavour of the red meat which comes from cows that graze from spring to autumn and are raised carefully. Available at ecute Tokyo only.  

Yamagata Beef Shigureni & Soboro - ¥1,000 (Tax Included) / Tsukada Nojo OBENTO&DELI (ecute Ueno) & Tsukada Farm Tokyo (ecute Keiyo Street)

This bento is made with beef carefully selected  by Yamagata beef experts. The sweet and hot shiguredani complements the dish perfectly.

Yamagata Pork & Three Mushroom Cream Stew - ¥1,060 (Tax Included) / Madame Bro (ecute Keiyo Street)

The pork in this dish comes from the famous Hirata Farms in Yamagata Prefecture. It's topped with three kinds of mushrooms. Available at ecute Keiyo Street only. Served from 11:00am-10:30pm.

Seasonal Vegetable Katsu & Hirekatsu Bento - ¥1,150 (Tax Included) / Hirata Bokujo (ecute Tokyo)

This bento comes with edamame from Yamagata and mozzerella cheese wrapped in pork from Hirata Bokujo. It also comes with pork fillets. Available at ecute Tokyo only.

Beef & Seafood Spicy Bento - ¥2,380 (Tax Included) / Kakunoshin TSB (ecute Keiyo Street)

Enjoy Japanese Black beef and oyster from Iwate Prefecture in this one bento. It comes with homemade warishita making it a very delicious bento! Only 20 made per day. Available at ecute Keiyo Street only.

 Tohoku Wagyu Rice Balls - ¥390 each (Tax Included) / Omusubi Momochi (ecute Keiyo Street)

These rice balls are made luxuriously with wagyu beef from Tohoku. Only 20 made per day.   Recommended Gift: Fish

Bigeye Tuna & Sea Urchin Eggs Hokkai Don - ¥1,500 (Tax Included) / Sushi Rikizou (ecute Ueno) & Uoriki Seafood Sushi (ecute Keiyo Street)

This luxurious bento is made with raw bigeye tuna from Miyagi Prefecture and sea urchin eggs from Iwate Prefecture.

Hiraizumi Uni Gohan - ¥1,200 (Tax Included) / Furusato Ryori Fukuyoshi (ecute Tokyo) & Miyage Kasen (ecute Ueno)

This bento includes eel steamed in a specially made soy sauce dashi, chewy salmon roe from Sanriku, and kukiwakame seaweed which plays a major role in bringing out the flavours of the ocean in this dish.

Mackerel Sushi (4 Pieces) - ¥1,296 (Tax Included) / Wakahiro (ecute Ueno)

These thick mackerel sushi pieces still have the juicy fat on them and are made with vinegar. The kombu from Hokkaido brings out the deliciousness of the mackerel.

Coho Salmon & Sea Urchin Egg Bento - ¥1,167 (Tax Included) / Chirashi Sushi Kanzan (ecute Ueno)

This bento comes with a large serving of salmon from Miyagi Prefecture topped with lots of sea urchin eggs. Only 30 made per day. Available at ecute Ueno only.

Baby Scallop Pollack Cream Doria - ¥800 (Tax Included) / Humming Cafe By Plame Collome (ecute Ueno)

This dish is small but full of flavour. It's packed with lots of sweet baby scallops from Aomori Prefecture and made with a white sauce accented by walleye pollack roe and melted cheese. Available at ecute Ueno only.     Head to one of these four ecute branches where this food from Tohoku and more is set to gather!