Uwajimaya
In the International District at the corner of 6th Avenue and Weller Street is the magic that is Uwajimaya. Started by a Japanese immigrant in 1928, it has mushroomed into an entire overwhelming mega-retail block. Kinokuniya Bookstore, located inside the market, is the largest Japanese bookstore in the Northwest. The gift shop has an impressive selection of Hello Kitty merchandise, Japanese knives, rice cookers, lacquer ware dishes, and luck cats. But the real reason to go inside is the grocery selection. Prepare to be stunned by the number of unidentifiable products located up and down every aisle. At the seafood counter you can even pick your own sea cucumber or live Tilapia out of huge water tanks. When all the smells and eye candy get you salivating stop by the deli for a Bento Box or fresh sushi to enjoy in the attached food court. Oh, and the coconut buns at the Yummy House Bakery are pretty spectacular too.
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