SHOP & SERVE

Toa Textile World in Shibuya is my go to for textiles when making kids Halloween costumes, cushion covers and wall hangings. Toa has a great selection of basic cottons, satins, fleece and suiting. The store also offers chiffons, fake fur, sequins and all the sewing accessories and decorations you will …

When I worked in the corporate world and was 10-20 years younger, I dreaded the annual mandatory company Ningen Dock (Japan Physical Check-up). Now I am a mompreneur and who has to pay for my medical care mostly, so I had not had an annual Ningen Dock in four years. …

The Best Living Japan 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 …

Weaning is an important milestone in a baby’s growth. To help you here is our Guide to Japanese Baby Food Brands and Ingredients. As parents, we want to make the right choices regarding baby’s food and diet. In Japan, weaning typically begins when babies are around 5 or 6 months …

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 …

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 …

Here is a curated listed of Tokyo-based English speaking OBGYNs that we (Lauren and Sandra) and many of my Tokyo Expat friends have used and recommend.  If you are choosing an OBGYN for pregnancy, you will also want to check which hospital or clinic the doctor has delivery access.   …

Journal Standard Square located between Meiji Jingu and Shibuya stations is one of the best Tokyo one-stop shopping locations for Japanese home accessories and kitchenware.  If you are trying to minimize your belongings, do not step in this store!! Every item for sale is beautiful and a “must have” from …

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 …

In an effort to improve the nutritional diets of our families we looked more closely into Japanese packaged kids snacks. Below is calorie, tutorial and allergen comparison of  14 of the most common package snack foods sold in Japan. We all know fruits and veggies are the best but we …

BIC Camera is a huge electronics chain store with about 40 locations throughout Japan. They sell everything from home electronics to car navigation systems, washer dryers to iPhones, Beauty and Health products to PCs and Printers, and little known to most – toys. Their toy section is filled with famous …

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 …

The TOC Shopping Center is a bit tattered (built in 1970), but if you are looking for free parking and a 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 …

School is in session which means sports and sitting close to each other, 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.  We also have a list of skin conditions which are causes by heat and …

One of the most helpful and free services the Tokyo Metropolitan Government provides to Japanese and foreigners is the Himawari Medical Information Service. If you are looking for a doctor or pharmacy, you can call or look on the Himawari English language website.  Himawari also provides emergency medical translation services. …

We`ve listed a few of the most common illnesses among young children in Japan; the Japanese pronunciation, English translation and ways to describe sickness / pain. Please keep this list handy when visiting your local Japanese clinic. If you have some to add please leave in the comment section below. Japanese …

Tokyo is a clean city on the surface but the everyday pollution and fast pace of life can take a beating on your clothes, so here are our top Japanese laundry products to help you out. As a mom of four and a pet owner I highly recommend these Must …

Akachan Honpo baby goods store offers one of the widest selection of pregnancy and baby items in Japan. You can find most Japanese and foreign baby gear brands across strollers, car seats, toys and feeding accessories. Although shopping online is awesome when one does not have time, a visit to …

Reading Japanese Food Labels – Allergens and Tips  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 dietary restrictions or allergies. Food …

MUJI Flagship Store reopened their flagship store in Ginza last year and it’s awesome! The 5-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 set …

If you are are looking for a “Japanese gift” for someone overseas or that something special for your home you will not walk away empty handed from the Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square in Aoyama. This store’s differentiation is that they sell crafts and art of all mediums and from …

Kanaru-sha Japanese Antiques in Fuchu is a beautiful store inside and out. If you live in the Chofu/Fuchu area, or your kids go to the American School in Japan, this store is a great resource to decorate your home with beautiful furniture and pottery. The store is located about 2K …

FrancFranc Japan has over 100 stores and store with stores across Japan. The flagship store in Aoyama is my favorite location, but you can also shop in Japanese on their website and get free shipping on orders over 5,000 JPY.  The tremendous growth is due to the stylish and reasonably …

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 …

Bingoya Japanese Craft Shop has one of the widest selection of Japanese crafts in Tokyo. From paper to ceramics you will find what you are looking for at Bingoya. The store merchandise is located on five floors categorised by type of product. You will also find a very knowledgeable shop person …