Prefectural governments are offering busy Tokyoites a chance to experience their local products and cuisine -- if only for an hour or so -- and hope to encourage tourism in the process.
Regional specialties at the satellite shops are becoming popular lunchtime draws, helping to trigger food fads.
Tourist information centers share space with restaurants and officials help interested customers make hotel and train reservations. "We hope patrons, after tasting our specialties, visit our hometowns for sightseeing," a shopkeeper said.