MIDETTE is your one-stop goods and promotion shop for the best of Fukushima Prefecture. Conveniently located in the center of Tokyo, it offers everything from fresh produce and traditional products, to an amazing selection of Japanese sake. Unlike the other two
Fukushima antenna shops in Tokyo, this huge store focuses less on tourism and more on introducing regional specialty products. The effect is a surprisingly fun cultural and shopping experience.  

 

Loosely translated as “Come and See”, MIDETTE really has it all. Most obvious is the abundance of food products. Fukushima is a foodie’s paradise. It is the third largest prefecture, divided into coastal, plains, and mountainous regions. This results in a myriad variety of food products: fruits, vegetables, marine products, noodles, rice, and beef--to name a few. Produce is fresh, so can be enjoyed now or later. Refrigerated products tend to tempt local housewives.

The traveler can pick up some prepackaged goods like instant ramen, honey, or sake. Fukushima’s sake is famous, having won consecutive gold medals in the last four national sake competition. The store offers an extensive range of sake. With so many to choose from, it is advised to try the 500 yen tasting set at the store before you buy.        

 

Also very popular are the arts and crafts. There are many kitchen or dining items, such as gorgeous lacquered cups, detailed tea utensils, and useful Aizu table mats. On the other hand, folk crafts such as kokeshi dolls from the Tsuchiyu and Nakanosawa hot spring regions, or charming akabeko head-bobbing cows.

Maybe you want to visit to learn more about Fukushima. Again, you came to the right place. Most people are not aware of the recovery and revitalization efforts of the prefecture. An information corner (mostly in Japanese) shares such activities, with some tourism recommendations.

 

Staff can also explain about the rigorous food safety measures and multi-testing practices taking place to make sure all food is safe for consumption. Cultural demonstrations include watching master chefs make Fukushima soba or sweets by hand. Study more about food by visiting the miniature café or bar.

 

Lastly, make sure to keep an eye on the website, as events happen almost weekly. Past events include “Fukushima Beer Night”, painting horse designs on pottery, and cooking classes.  

MIDETTE is accessed easily via a one minute walk from Shinnihon-bashi Exit 2 or by walking 15 minutes from Tokyo Station towards Shinbashi.