What’s your go-to snack from Japan? Is it the iconic Tokyo Banana, or the irresistible flavours of KitKat and Pocky? At JAPAN RAIL CLUB, we aim to introduce you to the fascinating world of Japanese snacks, inviting you to explore beyond the usual fan favourites.
We collaborate closely with makers across Japan, particularly within the JR East railway network, with the support of our local teams of curators and distributors.
GRANDUO Tachikawa is a high-end department store within the JR East network, and they are part of our team of curators who have been responsible for the line-up of snacks you receive each month with the Omiyage Snack Box!
Beyond just curating snacks for JAPAN RAIL CLUB’s Omiyage Snack Box, what is GRANDUO Tachikawa up to? We visited GRANDUO Tachikawa and spoke to Product Group Representative Ms. Murakami (村上) to learn more about GRANDUO Tachikawa.
Introduction to GRANDUO Tachikawa
Murakami-san, thank you for your time! Please tell us more about GRANDUO.
GRANDUO is part of JR East Group, and we are a commercial facility operating department stores at two locations: GRANDUO Tachikawa and GRANDUO Kamata.
Boasting excellent accessibility from JR Tachikawa Station (立川駅) and offering a rich assortment of goods and lifestyle needs, GRANDUO Tachikawa plays a huge part in the Tachikawa community, which is a residential area in Western Tokyo.
Yes, we noticed that even though GRANDUO opens it doors at 10am daily, there are already so many people lined up to make payment at some of your shops!
Yes, GRANDUO Tachikawa is one of the most-visited places to shop for the locals here, especially amongst ladies. Also, there are plenty of campaigns held for JR East-related card-holders to enjoy discounts as well as collect JRE points (point ecosystem by JR East), making it very popular.
There are eight floors in GRANDUO Tachikawa, but the first floor is where I would like you to pay closer attention, especially if you love Japanese snacks.
Introduction to Meika Meihin Nihon no Aji Souvenir Store
Oh! What is there on the first floor of GRANDUO Tachikawa?
In addition to shops selling accessories and restaurants, the first floor features a store offering a wide selection of Japanese confectionery and famous local items from across Japan.
Centrally located on the first floor, the shop is called Meika Meihin Nihon no Aji (銘菓銘品 日本の味), which translates to “Famous Confectionery and Fine Products, A Taste of Japan”. As the name suggests, this store allows you to try different sweets and snacks from renowned confection manufacturers from all over Japan.
One of the unique parts about our shop is that you can buy these snacks in individual pieces!
While Japanese souvenirs are typically sold in larger volumes for distribution, offering them in smaller quantities and individually separated pieces is perfect for those who want to sample a wide variety for themselves or as gifts. The selection changes seasonally, even by the day, ensuring a diverse range of flavours and makers with each visit.
Happiness in a Snack!
Sounds like a gastronomic trip around Japan! The fact that they are sold separately makes it easier for those who want to try a variety, just like our Omiyage Snack Box! Could you tell us more about the product you picked as part of this month’s Omiyage Snack Box?
The product that we would like to recommend as part of this month’s Omiyage Snack Box is called the “Oiri Shiawase Happiness Pack” (おいり幸せパック). Oiri has a long history as an essential confectionery for happy and celebratory occasions in Kagawa Prefecture in the Shikoku Region.
In Japan, March is typically associated with images of plum blossoms, as well as the joyous celebration of Hina Matsuri (ひな祭り), also known as Girl’s Day, on 3 March. The colourful Oiri and its melt-in-your-mouth texture goes well with sweet ice cream and marshmallows, making it the perfect product to introduce the culture of Girl’s Day!
Your Gateway to Local Sweets
That sounds kawaii! As a curator, what are some of the unique points of the products you handle?
At Meika Meihin Nihon no Aji, we prioritise products that are requested directly by our customers, as well as products that our stockists and distributors feel are truly delicious.
Apart from seasonal products, we also offer a selection of items from popular stores along local train lines in the residential parts of Tokyo. These products are introduced as souvenirs for locals to give to visitors or to bring as gifts when they return to their hometowns elsewhere in Japan.
With that added personal touch, we are confident and proud of the products that we introduce to you.
We also have a concept similar to the Omiyage Snack Box, except that you can pick and curate your own snack box!
The Suburban Charm of West Tokyo
Speaking of local lines and residential areas, what are some places you would recommend to international tourists visiting the area?
Tokyo is facing issues of over-tourism now, but in areas like Tachikawa and Nishi Tokyo (West Tokyo), it isn’t as crowded, and there are plenty of things to do around here! Accessible from Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station by the JR Chuo Line, Tachikawa is a residential neighbourhood that is close to nature.
A stone’s throw away from Tachikawa Station, the Showa Memorial Park (昭和記念公園 Shōwa Kinen Kōen) is popular amongst locals and tourists as a park where people can enjoy seasonal flowers and changing of colours, and a fireworks festival is held here in the summer. Mount Takao (高尾山 Takaosan), in neighbouring city Hachioji, is also popular as a hiking spot for beginners and climbing enthusiasts alike.
Message from GRANDUO
Both spots sound perfect for a day trip out of central Tokyo! Do you have any final messages for our readers?
If you like the snacks we have selected for you as part the monthly Omiyage Snack Box thus far, you will be pleased to know that you can enjoy the experience of curating your own gift box here at GRANDUO Tachikawa’s Meika Meihin Nihon no Aji! Simply purchase a plain box at our shop, fill the box up with your choice of snacks, and then pay at the cash register. We think that this is a fun way for both locals and foreign tourists to enjoy Japanese snacks.
Although in Tokyo, Tachikawa is close to rich natural land, offering a blend of urban and scenic nature attractions. GRANDUO Tachikawa is directly connected to Tachikawa Station, so please stop by to look for souvenirs at Meika Meihin Nihon no Aji on the 1st floor on your way back from sightseeing.
This March 2025, JAPAN RAIL CLUB is proud to introduce the Hina Matsuri-themed Oiri “Shiawase” Happiness Pack, handpicked by GRANDUO as part of the exciting snack line-up in the “All About Her” Omiyage Snack Box! As we celebrate a month dedicated to the women in our lives, treat you and your loved ones to tantalising treats from Japan, delivered to your doorstep.
Subscribe today with promo code “HINAMATSURI10” to enjoy delicious savings as you embark on your new Omiyage Snack Box subscription journey!
