SHOP & SERVE

So much unrest and need in the world that one can not sit by and watch – Volunteer in Japan. Get involved! I was at an event the other day, and the volunteer speaker said that “Children raised in a house with volunteering activities become givers and volunteers”.  Teach your …

We are sharing our top 10+ Tokyo shops for Japanese gifts! If you are looking for something special for friends in town or overseas? Some of my favorite gifts to bring abroad are hanging fabrics (tengui), calendars, chopsticks, items made from metal, or washi paper. Local gift favorites are pottery, …

I picked-up the TokyoTokio version of the Nurie colouring poster recently. Loving this product – Nurie!  I have decided to award this Nurie poster series a BestLivingJapan Great Product Award. This award will go to products that are both are both curious and creative! Another super fun Japanese kids gift is …

As moms of six kids, we often get asked about great gifts for Baby. Zero to nine-month babies are typically non-mobile but are highly stimulated by high-contrast colours, sound and motion. Also by nine months many become solid sitters and crawlers. You do not need to invest in a lot …

Shimojima Decorating and Packaging Store is the go-to chain store for handicraft makers, gift givers, and party planners. Shimojima has 30+ branches in the Kanto area where families can go and buy all their decorating items for the holidays and parties. The 8-floor flagship store in Asakusabashi on the Ginza …

Kayanoya dashi is my favorite instant dashi to cook with. Kayanoya specializes in offering carefully prepared, authentic seasonings and foods to make delicious dishes with the minimum of fuss. All are made without any artificial flavors or preservatives, and a super easy to use. Kayanoya Stores are located throughout Japan and …

Wondering where to buy a Christmas Tree in Japan? Many people have asked recently about where to find a Christmas tree in Japan. First, you need to determine if you want a real tree or an artificial tree. There are pros and cons to both! Real trees smell amazing but …

Uniqlo Flagship Store Ginza is the World`s Largest Uniqlo store. They have 12 floors of clothing to fit many sizes, provide the widest range of Uniqlo products, supply a concierge counter with multilingual staff, and cashiers and fitting rooms are on every floor. Stop in to stock up on great …

Adding another Tokyo Store to or favorites list – the Yamashiroya Toy Store in Ueno.  Like Hakuhinkan in Ginza and Kiddyland if you are looking for Japanese or International toys and collectibles you will not be disappointed. Yamashiroya Toy Store is a one minute walk from Ueno station so you can …

The Shibuya Scramble Square opened on November 1st, 2019, making it now the tallest building in the Shibuya area. We are really excited about this new addition to Shibuya because it sits right on top of Shibuya station which is super convenient if you want to meet friends or shop …

Yutenji Kindergarten is holding their annual bazaar on the Yutenji Temple grounds tomorrow Tuesday, October 31 from 10:00 – 12:45. If you`re looking for gently used Japanese children`s clothing, toys and books this is a great place to shop. There will be food stalls and games for young children outside …

Need to buy holiday decorations in Tokyo that last forever for Halloween, Christmas, Valentines?  Artificial holiday decorations are in abundance year round at Asakusabashi (Kuramae station on the Oedo line). There is a handful of stores on the same corner that sell an amazing selection of fake flowers and holiday …

10 Popular Japanese & English book series for babies and toddlers What better way to spend time with your child than by curling up together and reading a good book? Reading is a wonderful way to establish communication between you and your young child. Books introduce children to concepts like …

Electrically assisted bicycles is a great way to save money while burning off some extra calories! When you take a stroll down the street mums riding electrically assisted bicycles are bound to soar by. The number of people purchasing electrically assisted bicycles escalated after the March 11 earthquake in 2011; as …

Looking for great English speaking photographers in Tokyo, Japan? Our first few years in Japan, we took our photos but as the number of children increased we decided the job was beyond us and have outsourced the annual ritual. I have used Kerry at Keyshots, but all of the photographers …

Gazone Studio is a small studio located in the Osaki New City building in Shinagawa. They offer services from maternity to family portraits, and ceremonial to business photos. They also specialize in product photos, travel, wedding photography and commemorative photos. We made an appointment to celebrate and capture our kid`s 753 …

SABON opened their first cafe-spa in Nakameguro Tokyo. SABON offers a rich variety of quality cosmetic products focused on natural ingredients and beneficial minerals from the Dead Sea. They carry homemade soaps, bath products, among others. SABON has locations all over the world with over 50 locations in Japan, and …

The Blue & White store reopened April 2017 in their new location one building over from their old store. Same brilliant Blue & White arts and crafts in new digs. Amy Katoh opened the Blue & White Store over 35 years ago promoting Japanese crafts and lifestyle of years past. …

One of the many things I love about Japan are the seasons, with each season come unique changes in nature, food and celebrations. A great way to capture the ever-changing seasons is to place a simple but beautiful tenugui in a prominent place in your house. Asa no Ha Shop, …

Squishies スクイーズ are the trend right now in Japan for kids! You can’t walk anywhere in Shibuya or Harajuku and not see Squishies for sale in all the Tokyo kids and teen shops. Squishies can run anywhere from a few hundred yen to thousands of yen. So was so psyched …

Tokyo Urban Garden Planting Calendar – Autumn. Whether you`re an accomplished gardener or a novice, gardening is a great opportunity to partner with Mother Nature and bond with family and friends. Gardening teaches patience, care and offers a pathway to better health and nutrition. Our advice for novice gardeners is to …

Need to buy a birthday gift for a friend so stopped by Nihonbo Chopstick Store in Hiroo. Nihonbo has thousands of chopsticks (Hashi) from everyday to special occasion. You can even have the chopsticks personalized with your name engraved. Nihonbo Chopstick Store (Hiroo, Tokyo) I have been a loyal fan …

Whether you live in Japan or are visiting chances are you enjoying the 2019 Rugby World Cup this autumn. Such a great spirit in the air as the Japan player host country. To commemorate the 2019 Rugby World Cup make sure to pick up a shirt or ball! They also …

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 …

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 …