Shop & Serve

Japanese Baby Skin Care Products – Best Sellers and Organic Choices In recent years, there’s been an increase in the selection of skin care items available for newborns, babies, and toddlers. These products match parents’ demands and concerns regarding products that are gentle on a little one’s sensitive skin. These …

Kappabashi Kitchen Town, Tokyo is a cook’s shopping paradise. There are over 180 cooking, kitchen and restaurant supply stores extended over six blocks. Here even the kitchen sink is for sale – every pot and pan, serving dish, utensil, kitchen appliance that a cook can imagine. Kappabashi is located between Ueno …

TOC Shopping Center is a bit tattered (built in 1970), but if you are looking for free parking and one stop for kids, baby, home and crafting items TOC is the perfect location. I shop at the TOC at least once every few months to stock-up on kids/baby products at …

Reading Japanese Food Labels – Allergens and Tips for Pregnant and Nursing Women A challenging part of life in Japan is navigating the supermarket aisles and deciphering the labels. You may be wondering how to recreate home dishes using ingredients available at your local grocer, or you may have special …

MUJI Flagship Store reopened their flagship store in Yurakucho over the summer and it`s awesome! The 3-story complex now holds an organic foods marketplace which offers fruits and vegetables direct from farms that use little to no chemical pesticides and fertilizers, packaged soups, condiments and so much more. They also …

With four men & boys in our house,  I have been researching and shopping at Tokyo Men’s Big and Tall stores for quite a few years. Here is a list of the top locations in Tokyo and also the best online resources (domestic and international). I have shopped at, and …

School is about to begin which means lots of excitement but also some contagious children’s ailments. Be prepared and know what to look for. Here are five common contagious children’s ailments in Japan.  To help you out we consulted with one of our family’s dermatologists (Dr. Chin-huai Keong, M.D., Ph.D.@ Garden Clinic Hiroo) about …

The Spiral Market is a great store for stationary and home accessory lovers. The merchandisers have selected a beautiful selection of foreign and Japanese products that would fit in any design savvy home around the world. The Spiral Market is located on the second floor of the famous Spiral Building …

Zusso Kids Hair Salon is a great place to get your kids first haircut. They have everything a child needs to keep them entertained; mini cars to sit in, small toys for toddlers, and a selection of Japanese and Disney movies to keep them entertained. They will shampoo, cut, blow …

The Itoya Ginza Flagship Store is not just one of the Tokyo Must Shop places to spend hours shopping for Japanese paper (washi) and stationary and home accessories, but also has a great restaurant and in-house veritable garden. The Ginza Flagship Store (located on Ginza Dori) and second building directly behind …

Love the new lego store at Roppongi Hills. They have a pick-a–brick tower where you can fill a cup with the bricks and elements you want in different shapes and colors, a hands-on play table, mini tower where you can mix and match from a wide selection of tops, bottoms, …

F&F is a natural food store with 15 locations in Tokyo and 2 in Kanagawa. They carry fresh, pesticide-free vegetables, quality Japanese rice, super foods like Hemp & Chia seeds, additive-free seasonings, homemade lunch boxes and breads, household items and organic baby food, snacks and rice cereal. F&F receives their produce direct …

Guide to Strollers in Japan – Brands, Types and Where to Buy You can find a wide variety of strollers in Japan – both domestic and imported brands are equally popular here. It can be difficult finding the right stroller for you and your needs, but strollers in Japan are …

If you need to stock-up for your new apartment or a new seasonal wardrobe for you or the kids, there are eleven greater Tokyo area outlet centers. Japanese outlets usually offer a 30-50% discount off of department store prices – although most of the product is made specifically for outlets …

If your child suddenly has a skin rash the cause could be heat to a virus – check out six common children’s skin rashes in Japan. The summer months in Japan are warm and moist with lots of outdoor play which can lead to skin rashes and bug bites. Inspect …

Guide to Dog Food in Japan – Brands, Types, and Where to Buy Dog food in Japan is sold as dry kibble, semi-moist kibble, and wet type, and is marketed towards a certain age group (puppy, adult, senior), dog breed, or dietary issue. As it can be difficult deciphering the …

Guide to Nursing Pads in Japan – Brands, Types and Where to Buy Nursing pads are an essential item when breastfeeding. They can provide comfort and discretion by preventing leaks and keeping your skin and clothing dry. While many of the best-selling nursing pads are praised for their absorption, nursing …

Lupicia is a tea and teaware retailer with locations in Japan, US, France, Australia and Taiwan. They carry their own blends of Green Tea, Oolong, Black Tea, Matcha, Wellness and Seasonal teas, gifts, sweets and teaware. They have a beautiful boutique shop in Jiyugaoka that carries an impressive selection of …

Nitori is the IKEA or Bed Bath & Beyond of Japan selling affordable furniture and interior goods.  Nitori is a nationwide chain with more than 300 stores throughout Japan and around 50 stores outside the country. It’s a great place to shop if you are setting up a home in Japan or if you want to …

Summer in Japan is hot and humid, but it brings plenty of opportunity for kids to go out and enjoy themselves. While kids take advantage of school vacations and longer day light hours, we must also be vigilant in keeping them safe from insects, intense heat, harmful UV rays and …

Guide to Baby Formula in Japan There is a dizzying colorful assortment of baby formula available on the Japanese market. This guide will help you navigate the aisles by introducing the various types of baby formula and their manufacturers. Packaging You may be surprised to find out that concentrated liquid …

It is hot outside and getting hotter – time to make a Tokyo summer oasis on your patio or balcony. No matter how small your space, you can create a fun and refreshing area for your family. Here are our recommended ten summer water play items.  All are for sale …

Guide to Baby Wipes in Japan As with diapers, there is a large variety of baby wipes available on the Japanese market. According to a survey by Unicharm, a leading producer of sanitary items and the manufacturer of Moony and Mamy Poko diapers, the top three qualities that Japanese mothers …

Mega Don Quijote opened their newest store in Shibuya last month! Don Quijote is Japan’s largest discount goods store with locations all over Japan. Like all the Don Quijote stores, also known as Donki (ドンキ), Mega Don Quijote is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and offers everything …

Guide to Baby Diapers in Japan Added to the stress that comes with a new baby comes selecting the right diaper to suit your baby’s needs. Any advertising catchphrase will tell you “__ percent of moms love xx brand!” So, how do you chose the right brand of diapers for …