Trip to Japan

[CardiCorgi]

Does anyone have any style and beauty must-buys on a trip to Japan? I've never been before.
I would like to buy a yukata (hope I've spelt that correctly) for myself and the DC. I'm also hoping to find fabric.
I'm not a big shopper and not into anything very experimental regarding skincare.

I bought some really beautiful second hand silk haoris (short kimonos) that look beautiful over a plain dress. I also bought a beautiful kimono in cotton which I wore when walking around Kyoto (lots of people dress up there so not weird). I got them from a vintage kimono shop-my husband got some too at prices that were an absolute steal. My yukata I bought from a market-they have tons of cheap cotton ones and I love it as my summer dressing gown as the sleeves don’t dangle in everything. Lucky you as Japan was the most interesting country I’ve ever been to.

Loft is good to look for reasonably priced skin and hair care. It's fun shopping for children too. Muji is also so much better in Japan, and if you like stationery Itoya in Ginza is well worth a visit.

I don't know what you mean with experimental skincare, unknown ingredients or nothing more exciting than moisturiser? Anyhow, SPF is great in Japan and very cheap so I'd stock up on those.

For Yukatas, Kimonos and fabrics you're best off looking where the flea/antique markets are, they tend to be weekly and the locals tend to prefer new over old so it's very cheap. Vintage silk fabrics tend to be sold by the roll (very narrow ones) for very little money at those. If all else fails, there's usually a shop near or in a large US luxury hotel chain (Westin, Park Hyatt, etc.) that will sell Yukatas and Kimonos (new and secondhand) at tourist prices.

jw-webmagazine.com/loft-the-coolest-store-to-shop-cutting-edge-gifts-5d776944268b/

I spent a fortune in Don Quixote in Shinokubo, the Korean skincare range in there was mad. Definitely worth experimenting!

Thanks so much, that's exactly the sort of thing I wanted.
Regarding skincare, yes I meant I'm wary of unknown ingredients and tend to just cleanse and moisturise.

Just waiting to board the plane...

Have fun OP, I'm super jealous - Japan is on my list of must see places.

If you’re looking for fabric @CardiCorgi and you’re in Tokyo then the ONLY place to go is Nippori Fabric Town.

It is sensational.

I'm so jealous, have a fantastic time.

Also, for gifts of every imaginable kind, including skincare and beauty, try the wonder that is Tokyu Hands

I have no advice but oh I'm so envious of OP! Japan is definitely on my bucket list. I hope you have a fabulous time - please update the thread when you get back!

Well fist of all my apologies for taking so long to update the thread and thank you for all of the advice, it was spot on.

The trip was great and for anyone considering it I would say to go. The dc enjoyed it too and it's a country where travel with children is relatively easy.

Regarding shopping, I needed more time in Nippori fabric town, the choice was overwhelming and the dc spent a lot of time trying to persuade me to buy cutesy prints (no idea what they want to do with them).
We also found a couple of places in Kyoto where pieces of vintage kimono were being sold amongst other bric-à-brac.

The covered shopping area in Kyoto was great, not just for buying but also looking at all of the goods on offer and the amazing variety of food.
The dc are in love with Loft and we had trouble getting them out, anyway they are well equipped with bento boxes and I'm getting quite good at making onigiri!

The highlight for me was the Miyako Odori - a dance performance by trainiere Geisha so if anyone reading this happens to be in Kyoto at the right time, don't miss it.

Glad you had a great trip, @CardiCorgi!