Shopping in Japan

[Melfish]

I'm going to Japan in April-Tokyo and Kyoto- can anyone recommend what cosmetics or accessories to buy? I'm 5'7" and a size 12/14 with size 8 feet so I think all clothing is probably out!
I already intend to bring a suitcase of stationery home.

Stationery? What's the deal with Japanese stationery?

Go to Loft for lovely stationery and cosmetics and all sorts of other good stuff! At 12/14 clothing will probably be out; you’ll get some bits in Uniqlo but it won’t be cut for boobs or hips.

BeverlyHillsBillie- I don't know, it all looks so lovely and I'm hoping buying it will make me a more organised and efficient person, although short of getting a robot I don't think that'll happen.

GreenbackBoogy thank you, I'll check out Loft.

Check out the drugstores for great make up, skin care, hair stuff etc. Tokyu Hands for random great stuff, loft for stationery and household bits

The Mujis in Japan has more stuff than the UK ones good for stationery, clothes, toiletries, household stuff etc. Go to the huge 100 yen stores in Japan which is the equivalent of our pound shops and you can get some amazing household , beauty, stationery products which look much more expensive.

Another vote for Loft for stationery, cosmetics/skincare, tech etc I love it, it's my favourite Japanese shop.

Kyoto and Tokyo Precincts books are really good for finding cool restaurants and shops.

Oh yes, Mujis are great - there’s much more than here - and of course everything is so much cheaper there than in British Muji stores!

Tokyu Hands has lovely stuff, but not particularly cheap.

Muij has wonderful make-up they don't do overseas.

The cheapest of the cheap is Daiso, I'm thrilled they have outlets in Melbourne and amazed they haven't got their foot in the door in London yet.

In Kyoto, go to the arcades: Shinkygoku, Teramachi and Nishiki market - astounding.

Lots of sheet masks - incredibly cheap in Japan. Daiso was great fun for quirky buys like hello kitty shower caps, little bowls for sauces, pop up cards, etc. If getting cosmetics I would recommend getting one those apps on your phone that does auto translate via the camera so you can get the right one for your skin type.

My absolutely favourite thing I got from japan is a 100yen key ring of a dog in a pasty (yes seriously) from one of this coin operated toy machines in akihabara. It’s so naff, odd and cute at the same time that it perfectly encapsulates the madness of akihabara!

Echo the suggestions re Loft and Tokyu Hands. My dd's eyes nearly popped out of her head when she saw the array of stationery and lunchboxes in Loft.

Takashimaya has a special place in my heart for some reason - especially all of the crockery and kitchenware. It's very expensive though...

I'm 5"10, size 12/14 and size 8 feet. Went to Japan a New Years ago and unfortunately didn't fit in any clothes or shoes there! I actually broke my shoes in Tokyo and was laughed out of the store when I tried to buy women's size 8 shoes - ended up getting a pair of men's flip flops!
I stocked up on awesome stationery and cosmetics. The stuff there is awesome and like pp have said the 100 yen stores have some awesome stuff!

Tokyo hands is great.
The department stores are a league of their own. The food halls are amazing - Japan bananas are yummy.
Uniqlo is good - you'll need to be selective though.

You definitely need this face cleanser. It's amazing! Goes on like an oil and dissolves all your makeup (inc eye makeup) but then rinses off easily with water. It's the best thing I've ever found for my dry sensitive skin. And it's super cheap from any drug store. I might have to go back just to restock!

@MarriedinMaui Thanks for the tip!

www.amazon.co.uk/Kose-Cosmeport-softymo-Speedy-Cleansing/dp/B000V2FBAQ?tag=mumsnetforum-21

@GreenbackBoogy Oh wow thanks! That amazon link is definitely cheaper than a return trip to Japan

Thanks for all the tips! Can't wait!