Meet the kinkan (kumquat). Tiny, tart and tantalizing, these little citrus fruits are ideal for a simple kumquat recipe and are easy to find at local supermarkets throughout winter in Japan. Not much larger than an olive, a kinkan ranges in diameter from two to four centimeters. But despite their miniature size, kumquats are packed with flavor and nutrition, and unlike other citrus fruits, they’re often enjoyed whole—skin and all.

Eaten raw, the thin, crunchy peel yields easily to the teeth, the orange orbs bursting with tangy juice. Fragrant oils spray the air, releasing a delicate floral aroma from the pores of the fruit’s sweet, lustrous skin.

When boiled with sugar, kumquats become tender and glossy, tempering the sourness of the fruit’s flesh and preserving its fragrance in a thick nectar. A versatile topping for everything from yogurt to pancakes, we share a simple recipe for kumquats in syrup below.

But first, a little background on the tiniest citrus fruit.

An Auspicious Japanese New Year Food

© Photo by Rika Hoffman

Known as kinkan no kanroni in Japanese, candied kumquat is a sweet treat, home remedy and palate cleanser rolled into one—which helps explain its popularity among osechi ryori (Japanese New Year cuisine) dishes. It’s the equivalent of eating cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving, with a bright, acidic flavor that cuts through the otherwise heavy (and rather brown—at least in the case of American Thanksgiving) meal.

Like other Japanese New Year foods, kinkan has a symbolic meaning that involves wordplay. 金柑 (kinkan; “kumquat”) is a homonym of 金冠 (kinkan; “golden crown”). If you want to attract wealth in the New Year, a kumquat might just be your golden ticket!

Kinkan is also an auspicious food to eat during the winter solstice in Japan. During this time of year, it’s said that eating foods with two letter n’s (ん and ン in hiragana and katakana) in their names attracts luck. Besides kinkan, this includes foods like ぎんなん (ginnan; “gingko nuts”), にんじん (ninjin; “carrots”) and レンコン (renkon; “lotus root”).

Kumquat Health Benefits

© Photo by Rika Hoffman

Need another reason to include kinkan in your diet? Kumquats are full of health benefits, including: 

• High amounts of dietary fiber (especially the peel) for satiety and improved digestion
• Antioxidants like vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, promotes iron absorption and stimulates collagen production
• Moderate amounts of vitamin A, which is beneficial for the immune system, reproductive system and vision

Popular in Chinese medicine, eating candied kumquats is also a traditional Japanese remedy for sore throat and cough. Steep one or two kumquats in a mug of hot water with a teaspoon of syrup and sip your way to a soothed throat.

Kinkan no Kanroni (Candied Kumquat) Recipe

© Photo by Rika Hoffman

Ingredients

• 500 grams (approximately 3 cups) kumquats
• 250 grams (1 ¼ cup) sugar
• 400 milliliters (approx. 1 ⅔ cup) water

Instructions

1. Wash kumquats and make 7-8 vertical cuts into the skin with a knife. This will make it easier to take out the seeds later.
2. Submerge the kumquats in a pot of water (they should be just covered) and boil for 3-4 minutes. 
3. Drain the kumquats and allow them to cool. 
4. Taking each kumquat one by one, gently remove the seeds by inserting a wooden skewer or chopsticks into the vertical cuts you made earlier. 
5. Combine 400 milliliters of water and 250 grams of sugar in a pot and bring to a boil.
6. Add the kumquats. They should all fit in an even layer at the bottom of the pot.
7. Bring the pot of kumquats and syrup back up to a boil over medium heat. 
8. Lower the heat and cover with an otoshibuta (drop lid) to simmer for 30 minutes. If you don’t have an otoshibuta, a piece of parchment paper cut into a circle to fit the pot works just as well.
9. Once the kumquats have softened and the syrup has thickened, turn off the heat and allow them to cool.
10. Transfer your kumquats with syrup into a jar. Due to the high sugar content in this recipe (50% of the weight of the kumquats), it keeps pretty well. Store in the fridge for up to one month, or in the freezer for up to three months.

How To Use Candied Kumquat

© Photo by Rika Hoffman

There are numerous ways to use these plump, candied kumquats and their syrup:

• Top yogurt or ice cream with chopped kumquats and a drizzle of syrup
• Infuse your tea with candied kumquat and a spoonful of syrup
• Replace the simple syrup in a cocktail recipe with sweet kinkan nectar
• Soak cake layers with kinkan syrup for added flavor and moisture
• Mix chopped kumquats into cake or pancake batter

With a jar of candied kinkan on hand, the possibilities are endless!

Using this kumquat recipe? Share your photos with us via Facebook or Instagram with a hashtag #savvytokyorecipe

As a kid, I never really liked cats. Then, one day in Japan, a black cat walked into my life and I had to reevaluate my decision. It was just a stray, but a persistent one at that. My husband and I called her Mikka-chan. She became a constant companion during our year-long sojourn in Tottori Prefecture. It was Mikka-chan who sparked my curiosity about what Japanese books have to say about cats.

Indeed, today, if you go to any bookstore, you’re bound to find more than a few titles featuring a cute kitty on the cover. These titles perform well not only in Japan but overseas. Book lovers, especially feline enthusiasts, gravitate to these quirky, sweet and sometimes heartbreaking stories.

Japan’s Love Affair With Cats

© Photo by iStock: ES3N

Japan, of course, has a special affinity for cats. Have you ever noticed that there are often stray cats but rarely stray dogs out and about? Locals allow these feral creatures to roam the streets freely. In addition, many Japanese households typically have a fluffy feline or two lounging in the window or sleeping under the kotatsu (heated table) during winter.

Japanese culture loves cats. Why? Because they’re cuddly, independent and mysterious, of course! There are cat islands, cat cafes, cat station masters, Kitty Chan/Hello Kitty, even a delivery company named after a black cat.

In Japan, authors also have a fondness for cats. From the classics to modern tales, these 10 Japanese books about cats are the perfect accompaniment to any dreary day. So pull up a chair! Let’s get the cat out of the bag and learn more about these delightful Japanese cat books!

1. A Cat, A Man And Two Women

In the title novella of this collection, Lily the cat gets embroiled in a “custody battle” between a man and his two wives (one divorced and his new bride). Through this story, Tanizaki shows the pettiness and manipulative nature of humans in spurned relationships.

• Author: Junichiro Tanizaki
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,405)

2. We’ll Prescribe You A Cat

What if you could go to a clinic in Japan where the only prescription is cat therapy? In a perfect world, this could happen, right? This collection of five short stories about the healing nature of cat/human relationships is bound to soften anyone’s heart towards felines.

• Author: Syou Ishida
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥4,264)

3. She And Her Cat

If you’re a fan of Your Name and Weathering with You, then you may enjoy She and Her Cat. Originally an anime short by Makoto Shinkai, this collection is written by screenwriter Naruki Nagakawa. The four interconnected short stories about women and their cats are a purrfect choice for the female cat lover.

• Authors: Makoto Shinkai and Naruki Nagakawa
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥3,207)

4. The Traveling Cat Chronicles

Similar to the Japanese classic I Am A Cat, the cat narrator here is Nana, a feisty stray cat who ends up in the life of Satoru. This tear-jerker follows Satoru as he travels around Japan to convince his friends and family to adopt his favorite cat.

• Author: Hiro Arikawa
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,426)

5. The Cat Who Saved Books

Hikikomori (social recluse) Rintaro takes over his grandfather’s rare bookstore when a magical talking cat, Tiger, enters his life. Tiger encourages Rintaro to go on labyrinthine “quests” to rescue books that are not being appreciated by their owners. These quests also help him cope with his grandfather’s death.

• Author: Sosuke Natsukawa
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,390)

6. If Cats Disappeared From The World

In this story, the protagonist discovers he has a terminal illness. Soon afterward, he meets the devil, who offers a bargain: give up something from his life to extend it. What challenges him the most is whether to give up his beloved pet cat, Cabbage.

• Author: Genki Kawamura
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,556)

7. The Blanket Cats

One pet shop. Seven cats. Seven stories. In each story, the pet shop allows one customer to rent one of its seven special cats for a period of three days. Similar to the premise in We’ll Prescribe You a Cat, this collection celebrates the healing properties of owning a cat (for a while).

• Author: Kiyoshi Shigematsu
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,784)

8. Mornings With My Cat Mii

One evening, author and poet Mayumi Inaba rescues a pitiful kitten along the Tamagawa riverbank in Tokyo. Mii becomes her constant companion over the next two decades. This memoir documents the author’s fond relationship with Mii.

• Author: Mayumi Inaba
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,751)

9. The Guest Cat

A couple in their 30s living in Tokyo gradually drifts apart until a cat literally walks into their lives. Chibi gives the husband and wife a new lease on their crumbling relationship, drawing them out of their humdrum lives.

• Author: Takahashi Hiraide
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,428)

10. I Am A Cat

An alley cat is rescued from starvation by a middle-class family. Soon, he finds himself critiquing the host of strange humans he meets and the foolish social expectations of the Meiji era in which he now lives. The cat’s sassy narrative voice makes this a timeless Japanese classic.

• Author: Natsume Soseki
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,371)

Bonus: Japanese Books For Kids That Love Cats

11ぴきのねこ (Juichipiki No Neko)

My kindergarten-aged sons absolutely love this classic series. The stories revolve around a band of cats who are always hungry. You’ll often find them scheming to eat any new creature they meet. Sometimes, they succeed. Sometimes, they don’t. The illustrations are simple yet hilarious.

• Author: Noboru Baba
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥1,320)

こねこねねこの ねこピッツァ (Kone Kone Neko No Neko Pizza)

Talk about a title tongue twister! This children’s book is apparently very popular with the younger generation because of its seven quirky cat characters, wordplay and songs available by QR code embedded in the text.

• Author: Minako Kusaka
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥1,650)

100万回生きたねこ (Hyaku Mankai Ikita Neko)

This 1977 classic is not your ordinary children’s book. Here, we meet a seemingly immortal cat. He lives and dies several times, meeting several people along the way. What follows is a deeply profound story about loss and love. If you like the movie A Dog’s Purpose, then this kitty tale is probably right up your alley, too.

• Author: Yoko Sano
• Where To Buy: Amazon.jp (¥1,650)

Bookmark this article for your TBR (To Be Read) list. Do you have any Japanese books about cats that you recommend?

Shopping for drugstore skincare in Japan is such a treat. You can find some of the most innovative, interesting and reasonably priced products in the world, that we think even rival some of the ultra-luxury brands that cost 10 times as much.

However, we also know that deciding exactly what to buy can be confusing, especially in Japanese. That’s why we’re breaking down Japan’s cult drugstore skincare favorites, so that you can confidently shop the products already loved and repurchased by the masses.

Know Before You Go: Japanese Drugstore Skincare

© Photo by iStock: winhorse

There isn’t too much you need to know before setting foot in a Japanese drugstore. Unlike some other places, 薬局 (yakkyoku; “pharmacies”) and ドラッグストア (doraggu sutoa; “drugstores”) are not the same thing in Japan. The yakkyoku is only for prescription medications, so you won’t be able to shop for skincare here.

There are plenty of different drugstores all over the country, but the most popular chains are Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia and Tsuruha. You can also find all the Japanese drugstore skincare on this list and more in any Donki (along with every other Japanese souvenir imaginable).

Japanese Skincare Words & Phrases

Hada Labo

Hada Labo is easily one of the most popular skincare brands in Japan, best known for their range of colorful toner and lotion duos. Japanese toner (sometimes referred to as emulsion) differs slightly from its Western counterpart. It’s more of an ultra-lightweight moisturizing step that is applied in very thin layers before being locked in with the slightly thicker lotion (sometimes called moisture milk).

Gokujun 極潤 (White) & Gokujun Premium 極潤プレミアム (Gold)

Hada Labo’s Gokujun toners and lotions are their holy grail products. The white bottles contain the original formulation, which is made with hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize the skin without leaving a sticky residue. If you prefer a lighter formulation that sinks into the skin faster, then you should opt for the ライトタイプ (raitotaipu; “Light Type”) lotion, or for a little more luxury, choose the gold Premium range, which uses an even more intensified, rich and moisturizing formulation.

Gokujun Aging Care 極潤薬用ハリ化粧水 (Red)

The red Gokujun toner and lotion are specifically formulated to firm and plump the skin, reducing the visible signs of aging. The ingredients include three types of hyaluronic acid for deep moisturization, as well as niacinamide to minimize the appearance of fine lines.

Shirojun 白潤 (Light Blue) & Shirojun Premium 白潤プレミアム (Dark Blue)

While Gokujun focuses on moisturizing, Shirojun is all about “whitening”, meaning it brightens the skin and helps to reduce hyperpigmentation. It contains tranexamic acid, which both reduces dark spots and prevents cells from producing excess pigment in the future. The Shirojun Premium line has similar benefits, but in a richer formula that fights dullness for soft, supple and even skin.

Melano CC

Melano CC is Japan’s premier vitamin C drugstore skincare line, ideal for anyone suffering from dull and tired skin. The products contain high levels of ascorbic acid, a pure form of vitamin C that offers numerous benefits. It reduces dark spots and acne scars, boosts collagen and fights free radicals.

Vitamin C Serum & Premium Vitamin C Serum

Starting with the most well-known products, Melano CC offers these highly concentrated and unique vitamin C serums that contain an impressive amount of stabilized ascorbic acid. They’re designed to brighten dark spots, with only a few drops being needed to cover the whole face. The premium serum is similar to the original, but with additional vitamin C derivatives and moisturizing ingredients.

Vitamin C Facewash

Melano CC’s face wash soared in popularity a few years ago, with people loving the way it leaves skin feeling squeaky clean, but not tight or stripped. It features a fantastic combination of unique enzymes to cleanse gently, along with intensely nourishing ingredients that both clean and care for your skin.

Nameraka Honpo

Nameraka Honpo by Sana has created a really interesting (and very popular) range of skincare products that highlight the beautifying properties of soy milk. The brand is a favorite among various age groups for its ability to promote collagen production and hydrate the skin, resulting in an impressive anti-aging effect.

Soy Milk Wrinkle Eye Cream

The Soy Milk Wrinkle Eye Cream is easily one of the brand’s best-selling products, having also won multiple awards for its ability to reduce fine lines and firm the under-eye skin. It packs a hydration punch with multiple moisturizing ingredients, as well as the rejuvenating properties of soymilk isoflavones and the anti-aging benefits of both retinol and a retinoid.

Soy Milk Wrinkle Night Cream

This thick and luxurious night cream has all the benefits of the wrinkle eye cream, plus additional ceramides to stimulate cell turnover and strengthen the skin barrier. It’s a fantastic product, particularly for drier skin types, that leaves skin feeling soft and not sticky.

Soy Milk Medicated Wrinkle Serum

There’s no cutting corners when it comes to this serum. The ingredient list includes lactic acid to exfoliate gently, retinol to boost blood flow and collagen production, and niacinamide to help restore the skin’s barrier. It works to achieve long-term, firmer and plumper skin, in gentle enough dosages to avoid irritation or inflammation.

Bioré

Bioré is a brand that is widely recognized throughout Japan (and now the world), thanks to its innovative products, particularly its sunscreens. The brand has placed a strong emphasis on making all its products as enjoyable and straightforward to use as possible, while also being some of the most budget-friendly Japanese skincare items available.

The Cleanse Oil Make Up Remover

If you’re looking for a simple, affordable and easy-to-use cleansing oil to break down makeup, debris and SPF, then this is the product for you. It’s also award-winning, having placed first in the 2023 LDK’s beauty awards in the cleansing oil category.

The Face Foaming Facial Cleansers

Bioré is all about the double cleanse, recommending you follow oil cleansing by using one of The Face Foaming Facial Cleansers. This range of foamy face washes features five different, colorful types, making it easy to select the right product for your skin. There’s moist (blue), deep moist (pink), acne care (green), oil control (purple) and smooth clear (yellow).

UV Aqua Rich

You can’t talk about Bioré without mentioning their UV Aqua Rich line of sunscreens. These are the absolute bestsellers in Japan that are as light as water on the skin, quickly absorbed and leave minimal whitecast. The Bioré UV Aqua Rich Water Essence is the most popular formulation, but there are also mist, sweat-resistant and child-friendly formulas.

Curél

Curél offers some of the gentlest Japanese skincare products on the market, which are highly effective yet very affordable. People with sensitive skin especially love the range, as potentially inflammatory ingredients are avoided and replaced with simple, calming alternatives.

Moisturizing Foam Facial Cleanser

This is an excellent product for anyone seeking a gentle face wash that won’t irritate or strip the skin. It’s alcohol, silicon, oil, sulfate and fragrance free, and lathers into a luxuriously creamy foam that delicately washes your skin, leaving it feeling soft to the touch.

Intensive Moisturizing Face Cream

The Intensive Moisturizing Face Cream does exactly as the name suggests. The ingredients include allantoin, which is highly effective in reducing redness and irritation, while tocopherol helps maintain your natural skin lipids, promoting a healthy and strong skin barrier.

Moisture Lip Care Cream

It’s a bold statement, but this might just be one of the best lip balms in Japan. This super-affordable lip cream utilizes squalane to help your lips retain moisture more effectively, making it a must-try, especially during Japan’s severe winter dryness.

Why Is Japanese Drugstore Skincare So Good?

© Photo by iStock: chris-mueller

It’s hard to believe that Japanese drugstore skincare can be affordable, readily available and genuinely effective…but trust us, it’s true! The reason behind this is that J-beauty has an entirely different approach to skincare formulation than in the West. It’s all about balance and gentle, long-term results, rather than fast-working actives that can be expensive and irritating to the skin.

Which of these drugstore skincare products will you try first?

Like many countries around the world, Japan concludes the year with Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. But, while you’re doing your Christmas shopping and looking for the perfect nengajo (new year’s greeting card), be on the lookout for something uniquely Japanese: fukubukuro.

Coming from the Japanese words for luck (fuku) and bag (bukuro), fukubukuro quite literally means “lucky bag”. Lucky bags are sold by a wide variety of retailers in Japan, come at various price points and always contain goods at a discounted rate.

While some stores now display the contents of a fukubukuro prior to purchase, others maintain tradition and obscure the merchandise. In these cases, customers will have to rely on luck and hope that they get the jacket or limited-edition figurine they were hoping for.

Keep reading for an overview of lucky bags and get ready to hunt for fukubukuro!

The History Of Fukubukuro

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While the origins of fukubukuro are as mysterious as their contents, kimono retailers seem to be at the heart of the leading theories. During the Edo period, kimono shops in the capital began to offer unsold fabrics at reduced prices during the winter, when sales traditionally declined. Like modern fukubukuro, customers didn’t know the exact pieces of cloth they were purchasing.

The predecessor of the Mitsukoshi department store, Nihonbashi’s Ichigoya, was one of the first shops to offer fukubukuro to eager customers looking for bargains. The practice quickly gained popularity and other kimono retailers followed suit.

As mass consumer culture developed at the turn of the 20th century, department stores such as Ginza Matsuya, Mitsukoshi and Matsuzakaya adapted the old practice. In both practice and name, the modern fukubukuro was born around 1900. They contained a wide variety of leftover goods at the end of the year. In Japan’s period of economic prosperity during the 1980s, lucky bags became especially popular as people had more disposable income.

When & Where To Buy The Lucky Bags

© Photo by Pixta: Fast&Slow

Typically, you can purchase a lucky bag starting from January 2, when stores reopen after New Year’s Day. However, in recent years, some stores have begun offering them in December, allowing customers to make reservations or purchase them online.

Fukubukuro are available in almost every kind of shop, from your local convenience store to luxury department stores. Most retailers will advertise in advance the types they will offer.

How Much Are Fukubukuro?

Lucky bags typically cost a few thousand yen (around ¥3,000 to ¥10,000), but depending on the brand and contents, they can range up to and over ¥50,000 as well. Whatever the price, the main point of the fukubukuro is that you’re sure to get a bag full of contents worth more than the retail price.

Price Range Examples:

• ¥3,000 to ¥4,000: The standard price for supermarket food and convenience store lucky bags.
• ¥6,000 to ¥9,000: The standard price range for popular brands, anywhere from fashion to miscellaneous goods.
• ¥10,000 and above: Common for brand-name items, high-end cosmetics and expensive food sets.

Types Of Fukubukuro

© Photo by Pixta: yamasan

There are as many types of lucky bags as there are store types in Japan, which is to say a lot! Many of the most popular ones, however, are related to food and apparel.

Food

The category of food lucky bags is the most expansive and arguably the most popular. If you want a selection of overseas items, you can purchase fukubukuro from import stores, like Kaldi and Kinokuniya. They are also available from many bakeries and sweets retailers at varying price points.

Restaurant chains, ranging from famiresu (family restaurants) and kaiten sushi (conveyor belt sushi) to yakiniku and ramen, offer bags that include a combination of original goods and discount tickets. Most cafe chains, such as Tully’s and Starbucks Japan, arrange their lucky bags similarly, featuring drink tickets and branded items.

Finally, if you want food or drink items directly from producers, such as tea store Lupicia or coffee maker UCC, lucky bags are a great way to buy at a discount.

Home Goods

Another popular fukubukuro type is interior. In this category, you can expect to find a mix of discounted tickets for the store and popular miscellaneous items. Home goods brands, like Bruno, are an excellent choice if you’re moving out or moving to a new home.

Clothes (Kids & Adults)

Clothes lucky bags are quite sought-after, but they do come with a caveat that you can rarely choose the color, size or fit of items. But, if you can be flexible, fukubukuro offer very good prices on slightly upscale brands that rarely post sale prices.

Accessories

Accessories bags are fun if you are not particular about color, type and fit. They can be a useful bag for anyone looking to purchase a fukubukuro as a gift.

Pregnancy & Baby Goods

Stores specializing in baby goods, such as Akachan Honpo, offer lucky bags containing a variety of valuable items for parents with a new baby or toddler, including socks and bodysuits.

Conbini

Convenience stores, such as Family Mart and 7-Eleven, offer lucky bags that combine original goods and coupons for use in their stores nationwide.

Department Stores

At department stores like Mitsukoshi, you can order a fukubukuro for a variety of high-end brands they carry, ranging from food to clothing to accessories. Remember to preorder early for the popular ones and prepare to line up to receive your goods.

Popular Fukubukuro in Japan

© Photo by Pixta: naomono

Below is a sample of popular lucky bags across the categories discussed above. 

Food 

• Kaldi Coffee Farm
• Kinokuniya
• Tully’s Coffee
• Starbucks Japan
• Lupicia
• UCC

Home Goods

• Hario
• Bruno
• Salut

Clothes (kids and adults)

• Gelato Pique (Kids & Adults)
• Comme Ca Ism (Men)
• Mila Owen (Women)
• Bebe Mall  (Kids)

Accessories

• Anemone 
• Luna Earth

Pregnancy & Baby Goods

• Akachan Honpo
• Babies R Us

Combini

• Family Mart
• 7/11

Department Stores

• Mitsukoshi
• Takashimaya
• Seibu
• Hankyu 
• Daimaru

Have you ever bought a fukubukuro? How lucky were you? Let us know in the comments!

Money can be tight after the holiday season. When the days of fun and feasting have faded, January often brings a period of reflection and saving for the new year ahead. Happily, your food budget doesn’t have to break the bank with expensive imports (looking at you, pricey Chilean blueberries!). Alongside leaner meat and fish choices that people often switch to as they double down on New Year’s resolutions, why not fill your plate with affordable, healthy seasonal winter vegetables from Japan?

Winter vegetables may receive a bad rap for their limited variety. Indeed, although I am a big fan of root vegetables, I did tire of throwing them in the oven as a wintery side dish in Canada. However, Japan’s cold-weather specialties have quite a varied taste profile, ranging from earthy and deep to peppery and sharp. Domestically grown, full of vitamins and minerals, and plenty of “Japan-only” appeal: dig into our list below to discover five stars of fuyu (winter)!

1. Burdock Root

© Photo by iStock: sirichai_asawalapsakul

Gobo (burdock root) is a slender root vegetable that resembles a pale white tree root and grows year-round, with peak harvests in fall and winter. Burdock root is high in fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it often eaten to aid digestion or ground into powder and sold as a dietary supplement.

When cooking with burdock, it’s best not to peel the skin, as that is where the most nutrients are located. However, giving the root a good scrub and soaking it in cold water will help remove dirt and reduce its bitter taste. A popular recipe with burdock root is kinpira gobo, or sliced gobo with carrots and sesame, which is a staple for home cooks across Japan. Meanwhile, Hakata, Fukuoka Prefecture’s specialty, is gobo tempura-topped udon noodles, which attract long lines of hungry tourists.

2. Napa or Chinese Cabbage

© Photo by iStock: wahid hasyim asyari

Hakusai (Napa or Chinese Cabbage), meaning “white vegetable”, is the most crucial leafy green in Japanese winter cuisine. This cabbage is widely available across Japan during the winter season, where you will often see the white-stemmed, crinkly-leafed veggie piled high at the supermarket. Napa cabbage is easy to grow and can withstand temperatures as low as zero degrees Celsius as a cold-weather crop.

Napa cabbage has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and works well in steamed and stewed dishes such as hot pot and cabbage rolls. It also serves as the main ingredient in the kimchi sold in Japan. Napa cabbage is also low in calories, high in water content, and loaded with vitamins and antioxidants to help ward off the various colds and viruses that may come your way during the winter season.

3. Japanese Radish

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No vegetable is more iconic in Japan than daikon (Japanese radish). Daikon, or literally “big root,” is commonly bright white in color and notable for its size, especially compared to small red garden radishes. There are several varieties of Japanese radish, but the largest one is Kagoshima prefecture’s Sakurajima shimadekon (island daikon in dialect), which holds a Guinness World Record for being the biggest radish in the world.

Japanese radishes have a milder taste that is less sharp and peppery than that of other radish varieties. In Japanese cuisine, people often grate daikon and serve it with dipping sauces or slice it thinly for fresh salads. During colder weather, they boil it in soy sauce or add it to stews and hot pots to bring out its natural sweetness.

4. Japanese Mustard Green

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Mizuna (Japanese mustard greens) are winter leafy greens that grow in large white bulbs from October to March. They are prolific plants that grow quickly and are productive, with a single bulb capable of producing up to 600 leaves. Mizuna is also known as kyona because it was historically cultivated in the Kyoto region and is considered one of the few native vegetables of Japan.

Mizuna has a peppery and mildly bitter flavor. They are commonly grown for salad mixes and can be easily paired with other greens. These mustard greens can also be sautéed in stir-fries, where they will wilt and shrink like spinach. Additionally, mizuna is a popular last-minute addition to stews and hot pots, such as nabe yaki udon (hot pot udon noodles).

5. Enoki Mushrooms 

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Enokitake (enoki mushrooms) are white, thin, tendril-like mushrooms that naturally grow on tree logs from late fall to early spring. The roots of the mushroom are grown interconnected and produce small bundles, which are then cut and sold to supermarkets. When storing them at home, remove them from any plastic packaging and place them in the crisper to avoid spoilage. 

Enoki mushrooms have an earthy and slightly nutty flavor that will add depth to your cooking. Like other mushrooms in Japan, enoki is used in a variety of dishes, ranging from soups and stews to stir-fries. They are even popular deep-fried as an appetizer or snack while drinking. For an easy meal, try making takikomi gohan (Japanese mixed rice), where you cook enoki mushrooms with rice in the rice cooker.

So, get your nabe (hot pots) bubbling and try out these five winter vegetables in Japan! And, if you want them all to share the same hot pot, why not give it a go? Just make sure only to add your mizuna at the very last minute to preserve its delicate flavor and texture.

Approximately 14 million people live in Tokyo, so space is, understandably, at a premium. And if you look at the modern apartments in this bustling city, you’ll notice that most of them have a similar interior design—classic white walls, faux wood flooring and off-white bathrooms. Speaking of the latter, a Tokyo apartment bathroom is often compact, functional and (between us) a little monotonous. However, if you look closer, you will find beauty in monotony.

With a creative spirit, you can transform your small bathroom into a serene haven with these aesthetically pleasing products. Allow me to show you how!

Set The Vibe With Candles

Greetings from my Tokyo bathroom! As you can see, I’ve decorated the room with candles and artificial plants. I intended to create a space that would allow me to recharge and rejuvenate after a long day at work. The LED candles are from Ikea. I think they add a sense of coziness to the space. To create a spa-like experience at home, I often turn off my bathroom lights, play some lo-fi music and put these candles on while I indulge in a relaxing soak and sip on green tea.

• Price: ¥1,499 
• Buy: Ikea 

Add Sakura Petals To Your Bath

If you’re obsessed with Japanese cherry blossoms, then you will surely love this Sakura Bath Confetti from Loft. Sprinkle a handful into your bath and the water will slowly transform into a blissful shade of pink. It’s the perfect pick-me-up product when you’re feeling under the weather.

• Price: ¥350 
• Buy: Loft

Pamper Your Skin With Honey

This luxury body wash from Hacci is one of my favorites to use when I want to pamper myself. The mellow honey scent is soothing and it makes the skin feel smooth and smell delicious.

• Price: ¥4,950 
• Buy: Hacci

Mini Plants For The Win

I’m a big fan of artificial plants. They’re low maintenance and look like the real deal. I placed these cute succulents on my bathroom rack to add instant color to my plain white bathroom. It’s a minor detail that contributes to the overall low-key Zen aesthetic.

• Price: ¥299
• Buy: Ikea

Bathe With Yuzus

You don’t have to visit a sento (public bathhouse) to enjoy a yuzu bath. You can recreate the same experience at home! Yuzus are available throughout the year in Japan; you can buy them at supermarkets or order them online. Bathing with these aromatic citrus fruits will help melt away stress and elevate your mood.

Note: If you can’t find yuzu fruit at the supermarket, they also offer a bath salt versions.

• Price: ¥1,000 
• Buy: Amazon

Buff Away Those Dead Skin Cells

Most body scrubs in the market today are either too harsh or too fragrant. Some of them could even irritate your skin and cause it to flare up. This one from Sabon is the perfect product for sensitive skin. It is a cult favorite among Japanese women for its powerful scent. A bit pricey, but worth every yen! It contains almond and jojoba oil. Not only does it exfoliate your skin to perfection, but it also leaves your skin smelling divine.

• Price: ¥3,740 
• Buy: Sabon

Try Dry Brushing

Japanese washcloths are physical exfoliators made from nylon and polyester. You can use them with or without soap and water to cleanse your body. It is like dry brushing if you use them without water. Besides exfoliating the skin, dry brushing with this washcloth helps improve blood circulation, elevates your mood and makes your skin feel softer and smoother. Living in Tokyo, I’d recommend dry brushing once or twice a week.

• Price: ¥799 
• Buy: Amazon

Organize Your Bath Salts

Bath salts and tablets are readily available and affordable in Japan. I like to keep mine in this large bowl. You can also store them in baskets and mason jars. The idea is to spread them out to know how many are with you. Depending on the size of your bathroom, you can choose the container that is best suited to storing your bath products.

• Price: ¥1,430 
• Buy: Amazon

Invest In A Reed Diffuser

A reed diffuser in your bathroom will make the room smell fresh at all times. Unlike candles and electric diffusers, they don’t burn or require power to work. The one in the picture is from Daiso (yes, Daiso stores in Japan now sell reed diffusers as well!) If you’re looking for fresh scents in your bathroom, consider lavender, musk, eucalyptus, lemongrass, tea tree, citrus and rosemary. These scents will make you feel relaxed throughout the day.

• Price: ¥1,800
• Buy: Daiso

Bath Bombs For A Luxurious Soak

Lush is one of the best places to shop for bath bombs in Japan. While they offer a variety of them, keep an eye out for the ones exclusive to Japan. I recommend their Temple in the Sky bath bomb. It depicts a sparkly golden Japanese temple and has a fresh citrus scent. 

• Price: ¥920
• Buy: Lush (Japan Only)

I wrote this story to inspire you to transform your cozy Tokyo apartment bathroom space into a sanctuary. If you have more creative design ideas, please share them in the comments below. I’m excited to read yours!

Beautiful layers of white cream adorn a fluffy cake with plump strawberries on top—this has long been the iconic image of Japanese Christmas confectionery. Still, its Christmas cake history goes much further back than many people realize.

Christmas cakes were first sold in Japan in 1910, and the ubiquitous ichigo shotokeki (strawberry shortcake) only hit shelves in 1922. It wasn’t until the postwar period, in 1952, that the strawberry shortcake Christmas cake became more accessible to the general public and cemented its place in Japan’s Christmas imagery (and stomachs across the nation).

To understand the history of this tasty tradition, we must delve into the past of Fujiya, a storied Japanese confectionery maker.

Introducing Christmas Cake To Japan

© Photo by iStock: fazon1

Fujiya, now with branches nationwide, is a patisserie that was initially based in Yokohama. In 1910, Fujii Rinemon opened his first shop in Motomachi, the upscale neighborhood adjacent to the Yamate and Kannai districts where the foreign population of Yokohama lived and worked. As the Meiji era dawned, the Motomachi area blossomed. The streets were soon dotted with cafes, clothing stores and bakeries. The Fujiya store was at the vanguard of this explosion of Western culture in Yokohama, where many overseas customs and wares spread to the rest of the country.

Indeed, in December of the same year, Fujiya offered the first Christmas cake sold in Japan. Arranged simply with silver ball decorations, the cake was a single-layer glazed with white fondant frosting, made by mixing sugar and water. But the difference with today’s decadent fresh cream concoctions was not merely aesthetic. The cake was not a Japanese sponge cake—known now as the shortcake—but rather a fruit cake, steamed in the oven and made of plums, dried fruit like raisins and alcohol.

1921 was a particularly bustling Christmas and a fateful one for Fujii. With business booming, thanks in part to a craze that year for decorated cakes, he opened a second store. To his surprise, his customer base was also shifting from foreign customers to Japanese ones. In 1922, Fujii developed a special cake to sell at his two shops, inspired by his studies abroad in the United States.

The Stawberry Shortcake

© Photo by iStock: muuuu

While stateside, he tried a dessert called a shortcake—two scones filled with cream and fresh fruit and named for the shortening used in the biscuit dough. Fujii felt fascinated by the flavor but believed the crunchy scones wouldn’t suit the Japanese palate.

Instead, he chose to make his shortcake out of a sponge cake. He drew inspiration from the ever-fashionable castella cake, another local interpretation of a Western (this time Portuguese) dessert which emerged in the late 1500s. His resulting creation, combined fresh cream and American-style strawberry shortcake with a softer, spongier cake, making it the first strawberry shortcake sold in Japan.

Many people believe the kouhaku (red and white) color combination—traditionally used for celebrations and shared with the hinomaru (rising sun) national flag—helped drive the popularity of strawberries and cream as the country’s signature Christmas cake style. Still, however, in the 1920s, these cakes were exceedingly extravagant. Without refrigerators in most homes, their potential for the astronomical fame that awaited would remain dormant until the postwar period.

For Everyone To Enjoy

© Photo by iStock: kokouu

In 1952, on the eve of Japan’s “long postwar,” only a few months after the American occupation force left the country, Fujiya held its first-ever Christmas sale. In what would become a tradition across Japan, the strawberry shortcakes lined the shop window, inviting customers to enjoy the sweet treat for the holidays.

By the mid-1960s, the strawberry shortcake’s place in Christmas culture was firmly established. Elaborately decorated two-layer cakes became increasingly common. This design, along with the classic taste pioneered in the early Showa era, continues to dominate Japanese imaginings of Christmas sweets.

Modern Christmas Cakes

© Photo by Ritz Carlton Tokyo

While the shortcake reigns supreme, the current market for Christmas cakes is not exclusively red, white and fluffy crumb cake. Instead, chocolate, pistachio, blueberries, ganache and buttercream turn into festive creations across modern patisseries.

Additionally, Japanese pastry chefs have incorporated traditions from other countries to diversify the confectionery landscape. Popular examples include France’s buche de Noël (a Christmas log cake) and Italy’s panettone (a Christmas sweet bread).

While stand-alone patisseries certainly make cakes, department stores and hotels are now the primary purveyors. They often open advance sales as early as mid-November with many selling out before the months end. Conbini (convenience stores) also get into the Christmas cake game, offering their own strawberry shortcakes. And, of course, some families opt to make their own, too.

As for my family, we usually opt for a strawberry shortcake, but last year, we diverged and went with chocolate. Honestly, it was a bit disappointing not to be met with the mouthfuls of sweet-tart strawberries and cream, so we will return to our (Japanese Christmas) roots this year alongside so many other eager sweet tooths.

And if you’re wondering if Fujiya continues to specialize in shortcakes at Christmas time, the answer is a resounding yes. You can find their stores throughout Japan, in both standalone shops and inside department stores, such as Aeon. Celebrating over 100 years since their founder’s first shortcake, they continue to sell classic Christmas cakes.

Did you know about Japan’s Christmas cake history? What sort of sweets do you celebrate this festive season with? Let us know in the comments!

Last month, a Parisian friend told me about a huge designer sale outside of Tokyo’s fashion shopping districts. Here, she claimed, I could nab both vintage and on-trend pieces from brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermès at incredible discounts. This event was Shicchy’s Charity Fair, at the Tokyo Ryutsu Center.

I wanted to get my hands on products that would typically be lightyears beyond my retail budget. As a pawnbroking event, the fair also sounded like an excellent way to shop for sustainable fashion. And if some of the money went to charity, all the better. So, I decided to check it out. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Shicchy’s Charity Fair and the products you can find there. Plus, what happened when I went bargain hunting.

What Is Shicchy’s Charity Fair?

© Photo by Rachel Crane

Shicchy’s Charity Fair is a bi-annual bargain sales event offering discounts of 30% to 90% on luxury fashion goods. First held in 1972, the fair is now one of the biggest pawnbroker events in Japan, with around 100,000 items on offer. The event is held twice a year at the Tokyo Ryutsu Center near Haneda Airport. Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada, Gucci and Tiffany’s are just a few of the brands shoppers can expect to find.

As the name suggests, Shicchy’s Charity Fair donates a portion of its profits to charitable causes around Japan. Past causes the fair has supported include the Japan Committee for UNICEF and numerous disaster-relief efforts nationwide.

The Shicchy Shopping Experience

© Photo by Rachel Crane

I arrived at the Tokyo Ryutsu Center shortly after the event opened at 10 a.m. Huge rows of people were lined up outside the building, waiting to be allowed inside. After 30 minutes in the queue, it was finally my turn. 

The sales floor was organized into sections for clothing, jewelry and watches, accessories and electronics, subdivided by brand. Beyond that, it was a free-for-all. Shoppers jostled to pick through piles of handbags or catch the attention of sales staff. At first, it was a bit overwhelming. However, with a little patience, I was able to get a good look at the items on offer. 

Sales staff wore sashes indicating which languages they spoke, in addition to Japanese, including English. All were very helpful when it came to showing me pieces I wanted to take a closer look at. But when I asked where I might find specific products, they politely told me I was on my own! 

Louis Vuitton was undoubtedly the star of the event, with smaller selections from brands such as Chanel, Prada, Gucci and others. I was able to buy two vintage Louis Vuitton pouches in the ¥30,000 to ¥50,000 range for my Paris friend. I also found her a stunning silk scarf from Hermès for ¥39,800. Lastly, I treated myself to a cute Michael Kors handbag for a modest ¥16,000.

Was it Worth it? 

© Photo by Rachel Crane

While a few items at Shicchy’s Charity Fair could be considered cheap, there are definitely some impressive discounts on offer. If you’re drawn to designer brands but find their products are usually just out of reach price-wise, then the Fair is definitely worth a trip.

Things To Know

Shicchy’s Charity Fair takes place twice a year, every June and November, at the Tokyo Ryutsu Center. For details about the next event, you can go to the Shicchy website or follow their Facebook page. 

Have you ever been to the Shicchy Charity Fair? Did you find any great deals? Let us know in the comments!

It’s started. Halloween has come and gone, and Christmas decorations and signs went up almost overnight, as if Santa Claus were coming to town early. My thoughts automatically turn to the inevitable last-minute Christmas shopping—a mad dash runaround, stressing over whether or not I’ve forgotten something or someone.

Perhaps I’m not alone in thinking that Christmas shopping ought to be less stressful. For those of us who share the same opinion, there is a silver lining: planning ahead of the Christmas shopping hordes is possible and even enjoyable when armed with the right information.

I’ll be listing a few useful words and phrases to help in your shopping endeavors. Additionally, I’ll list a few great areas where you can do the deeds while keeping your children entertained at the same time.

What To Expect When Shopping

© Photo by iStock: nano

The Christmas shopping season in Japan begins as early as Halloween ends and continues through November, with stores becoming increasingly festive through December 24. The busiest days tend to be December 23 and 24, as many people purchase presents just before Christmas Eve.

The best part about Christmas shopping in Japan is how incredibly organized and charming it can be—mainly thanks to the country’s exceptional gift-wrapping culture. Most department stores and even smaller boutiques offer beautifully professional wrapping, often free of charge, and many shops will ask what style you prefer or add seasonal touches without needing to be requested.

When Do The Sales Start?

In recent years, a few retailers have started adopting light Black Friday promotions. You can expect to spot small sales, especially in large department stores like Aeon, around late November. However, unlike in many Western countries, Japan doesn’t associate Christmas itself with significant discounts or markdowns. Instead, shops reserve the biggest price drops for the New Year period, when fukubukuro (lucky bags) and seasonal sales begin.

So while Christmas shopping here feels magical, it’s definitely not the cheapest time of year to buy—save your bargain hunting for January!

Useful Christmas Shopping Phrases

© Photo by iStock: GWMB

When you walk into any shop here in Japan, someone will probably shout いらっしゃいませ (irasshaimase) at you. I have no idea why they feel the need to shout at potential customers, but it means “welcome.”

Unless you’re at a Uniqlo in Tokyo or some large city department store, there is a good chance that no one in the whole shop will speak English. One of the braver shop attendants may approach with a nervous smile and a 何かお探しでしょうか? (nanika osagashi deshouka?; “Are you looking for something?”)

If you are, and you don’t speak a word of Japanese, explaining what you need in English might be ok. They will try their best to accommodate you. If not, say “daijoubu desu,” meaning “I’m good.”

Some other things you may hear are:

• お客様のサイズを探し致しましょうか？(okyakusama no saizu o osagashi itashimashouka?; “Shall I look for that in your size?”)
• こちらでよろしいでしょうか？(kochira de yoroshii deshouka?; “Is this one alright?”)
• 以上でよろしいでしょうか？(ijou de yoroshii deshouka?; “Is that all?”)
• 他に店内をご覧になりますか？(hokani tennai o goran ni narimasuka?; “Would you like to look around a little more?”)

Some useful phrases:

• おいくらでしょうか？(Oikura desu ka?; “How much does it cost?”)
• こちらのSはありますか？(Kochira no S wa arimasuka?; “Do you have this in small?”)
• こちらの色違いはありますか？(Kochira no irochigai wa arimasuka?; “Do you have this in another color?”)
•  試着できますか？(Shichaku dekimasuka?; “Can I try it on?”)
• これを見せてください。(Kore o misete kudasai.; “Could I have a look at this one?”)
• これを下さい。(Kore o kudasai.; “I’ll take this.”)
• これはなんですか？(Kore wa nandesuka?; “What is this?”)
• 考えさせて下さい。(Kangae sasete kudasai.; “I’d like to look around a little more.”)
• ラッピングお願いできますか？(Rappingu onegai dekimasuka?; “Do you do gift wrapping?”)
• これをラッピングして下さい。(Kore o rappu shite kudasai.; “Please wrap this one.”)
• レシートをお願いします。(Reshiito o onegaishimasu.; “Could I get a receipt?”)

Tokyo Shopping Centers That Are Worth The Visit

Among the vast number of shopping districts around Tokyo, here are three of my personal favorite places to shop in the city during the holiday season.

Aqua City (Odaiba)

© Photo by iStock: coward_lion

Just a one-minute walk from Odaiba station, Aqua City has everything—from fireworks displays (all Saturdays in December and Christmas Eve, from 7 p.m.) to the more mundane stuff like ToysRUs. It’s child- and pet-friendly, offers themed events and practical services, such as stroller rentals. Aqua City appeals to all.

Tokyo Dome City (Korakuen)

© Photo by iStock: winhorse

Upon arrival, you may hear blood-curdling screams in the distance, but don’t be alarmed. Tokyo Dome City is a hybrid of a mall (Laqua) and an amusement park, featuring a 1,100-meter-long roller coaster and over a dozen rides and attractions designed for kids. Not as many shops as Aqua City, but the number of rides, restaurants and cafes more than makes up for it. Promise!

Tokyo Solamachi (Oshiage)

© Photo by iStock: y-studio

Tokyo SkyTree, the tallest tower in the world, stands 634 meters above a densely packed city that is home to around 300 shops and restaurants, an annual Christmas market, a mini aquarium and a planetarium. Great for kids, pets and Christmas shopping, and a lovely place to spend a day off.

Also worth checking out are the numerous European-style Christmas markets that appear around Tokyo in December. You can find handmade ornaments, festive trinkets, mulled wine, seasonal foods and plenty of giftable items you won’t see in regular shops. These markets are the perfect place to pick up uniquely Christmas-themed items that feel extra personal and seasonal.

Happy early Christmas, and good luck!

Updated with the latest information for 2025.

Daiso is one of the best places in Japan to stock up on Christmas essentials without blowing your budget in December. From festive decor to DIY craft kits and adorable pet outfits, their seasonal range is huge, affordable and honestly way better than you’d expect from a 100-yen store. Here are some of the standout items worth grabbing this year.

Chocolate Icing Decorative Pens

© Photo by Kerri King

These chocolate icing pens are an absolute must-have if you are planning to decorate gingerbread houses or Christmas cookies this year. They set quickly, taste delicious and Daiso has a huge selection of colours to choose from. Pro tip: Warm the tube in a mug of hot water before opening. It allows the chocolate to flow smoothly, resulting in cleaner designs.

• Price: ¥108
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at supermarkets and other 100 yen shops)

Christmas Nail Decorations

© Photo by Kerri King

Daiso is a go-to spot for DIY nails in Japan and its Christmas lineup this year is genuinely adorable. Tiny nail art parts made from polyresin and zinc alloy (perfect for adding dimension to festive designs) and Christmas-themed gel nail stickers in tartan prints or sparkly white are available this year. It’s an easy, affordable way to add a festive touch without booking a salon appointment.

• Price: ¥110
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at other 100 yen shops)

LED Decoration Lights

© Photo by Kerri King

Daiso’s LED light range is one of the best budget-friendly options for festive lighting. There are many options, including warm white strands, multicoloured sets and fun seasonal shapes like stars and snowflakes. All are battery-operated (batteries not included), which makes them easy to place anywhere without worrying about outlets or extension cords.

• Price: ¥110-¥330
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at other 100 yen shops)

Pet Christmas Costumes & Toys

© Photo by Kerri King

If you love dressing up your pets for the holidays, Daiso has some super adorable options this year. The Christmas tree ponchos and red knit-style outfits come in S, M, L and XL, making them suitable for everything from small cats to bigger pups. They also sell festive collars and small toys for both cats and dogs. They’re very cute and perfect for holiday photos.

• Price: ¥110-¥550
• Store: Daiso

Christmas Gift Bags

© Photo by Kerri King

© Photo by Kerri King

Daiso’s gift bag section might actually be unmatched. There are so many options for any gift type, including simple plastic bags, gorgeous fabric styles, foil bags, gusseted options and large paper bags. Designs range from classic Christmas patterns to kid-friendly Disney and Sanrio styles. Our family reuses the fabric gusset bags every year.

• Price: ¥110-¥330
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at other 100 yen shops)

Santa Costumes & Accessories

© Photo by Kerri King

© Photo by Kerri King

What’s Christmas without a classic Santa outfit? Daiso has a decent range of Christmas outfits this year, including adult-size Santa costumes and Santa dresses, as well as kids’ versions that come as full outfits, dresses or Santa skirts. There’s even a classic Santa beard to complete the look. They’re fun, inexpensive and ideal for holiday photos or at-home festive fun.

• Price: ¥110-¥550
• Store: Daiso

Wreath-Making Supplies

© Photo by Kerri King

If you love crafting, Daiso has everything you need to create your own Christmas wreath. You can choose from polystyrene or wooden wreath bases, then customise them with berries, ribbons, mini ornaments and whatever festive touches you like. Most basic supplies are available year-round, with seasonal variations such as pumpkins in autumn or snow-dusted pinecones in winter. With a few affordable pieces, you can put together a wreath that looks completely personalised.

• Price: ¥110-¥220
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at other 100 yen shops)

Christmas Felt Baskets

© Photo by Kerri King

These small felt baskets are an adorable must-have for festive gift giving. Designs include a gingerbread house, snowman and Santa, each sturdy enough to hold a few small treats or stocking fillers. They also double as cute desk or shelf storage for pens or craft supplies. This year, I filled one with Daiso winter warmers and a few festive goodies to make the perfect holiday gift.

• Price: ¥220
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at other 100 yen shops)

Hata Chanmery (Kids’ Sparkling Drink)

© Photo by Kerri King

No Japanese Christmas feels complete without chanmery, the kid-friendly sparkling “wine” that appears on shelves every holiday season. Daiso stocks the Hata Chanmery brand, which is not only delicious but far more affordable at ¥108, compared to the ¥400 price tag you’ll often see for other brands in supermarkets. It comes in both white and red varieties (regular and berry), and at 300ml per bottle, it’s the perfect size for Christmas celebrations with kids.

• Price: ¥108
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at supermarkets and convenience stores)

Christmas Cushions

© Photo by Kerri King

Daiso’s cute Christmas cushions are perfect for adding holiday cheer to any room. They’re very soft and affordable, making them perfect for mixing and matching throughout your home. Designs include Santa, gingerbread, Christmas tree and reindeer cushions, along with Daiso’s range of festive cushion covers if you prefer to dress up your existing pillows.

• Price: ¥220-¥550
• Store: Daiso

Christmas Felt Craft Kits

© Photo by Kerri King

These small felt craft kits make a great hands-on activity for the holidays, adding a sweet, handmade touch to your Christmas decorations. Designs include polar bears, snowmen, reindeer and Santa. Each set takes around two hours to complete, making it perfect for a cozy afternoon at home.

• Price: ¥110
• Store: Daiso

Christmas Cards

© Photo by Kerri King

Daiso’s Christmas card selection is very impressive this year. They have stocked up on everything from simple flat cards to pop-up designs, 3D scenes and glittered or embossed styles. They come individually wrapped with envelopes and many of the pop-up cards look far more expensive than their price tag.

• Price: ¥110-¥220
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at other 100 yen shops, supermarkets, variety stores and stationery stores)

New Year Essentials

© Photo by Kerri King

© Photo by Kerri King

© Photo by Kerri King

© Photo by Kerri King

After Christmas, preparations for Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year) begin almost immediately and Daiso is one of the easiest places to pick up everything you need. Their seasonal section is packed with shogatsu kazari (traditional New Year decorations) such as wreaths, small decorative arrangements and zodiac ornaments for the Year of the Horse (2026). You’ll also find festive tableware, party supplies and plenty of small items to refresh your home for the holiday. Families can also prepare for otoshidama, the New Year tradition of gifting children money in decorative envelopes. Daiso carries a vast range, from zodiac-themed designs to kid-friendly options. Envelopes are available individually or in multi-packs, making it easy to stock up before the new year.

• Price: ¥110-¥330
• Store: Daiso (Similar items can be found at other 100 yen shops and department stores)

Other 100 Yen Shop Recommendations

• Daiso Winter Must-Haves For Keeping Warm
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for Families
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for Traveling
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for Cleaning
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for Emergency Disasters
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for School and the Office
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for the Kitchen
• 100 Yen Shop Summer Must-Haves for Cooling Down
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves for Home Decor
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves For DIY Nails
• 100 Yen Shop Must-Haves For Cherry Blossom Viewing

Do you have any Daiso or 100 yen shop must-haves for Christmas? Let us know about them in the comments!

The city is transforming into a blend of frosty mornings, glowing illuminations and effortlessly stylish outerwear. It’s the season when fashion becomes as functional as it is expressive, and following the right coat trends can define your entire cold-weather look as winter settles over Tokyo.

Known as 冬支度 (fuyu-jitaku), the act of preparing for winter, this time of year invites thoughtful layering, plush textures and refined silhouettes that elevate even the simplest everyday outfit. Think oversized wool coats that sway with every step, padded jackets that feel like wearable duvets and tailored outerwear that adds structure to the season’s cozy chaos.

Whether you’re navigating icy commutes, strolling through festive markets or simply refreshing your winter wardrobe, these are the five coat trends keeping Tokyo stylish and snug this year!

1. Ultra-Long Coats 

This season, ultra-long wool and wool-blend coats are making a statement, combining elegance with everyday functionality. Classic neutrals, such as black, gray and beige, dominate, but check and tartan patterns are also trending, reimagined in relaxed, cozy and polished designs that feel modern rather than preppy. For Tokyo women aiming for timeless style with a contemporary twist, these maxi coats are a must-have this winter.

Luxury: Wool Long Coat by Biyoma | ¥132,000

Budget: Chester Long Coat by ap retro | ¥6,990 (28% off ¥9,800)

Savvy Styling Tip

Maximize drama and elegance by wearing your ultra-long coat open over a sleek, monochrome outfit. Think fitted turtlenecks and wide-leg trousers. Add a statement belt to define your waist or create a flowing silhouette. Pointed ankle boots and a structured tote will elevate the look for both office and evening outings. Experiment with textures, like a soft cashmere scarf or suede gloves, to add subtle sophistication.

2. Scarf Coat

Scarf coats, featuring built-in scarves or attached wrap pieces, are having a major moment in Tokyo right now. Japanese fashion is highlighting statement outerwear that blends practicality with refined design, keeping you warm while looking effortlessly chic. From wrap-style scarf coats to sleek options like the Theory Wool Divide Scarf Coat, these pieces offer a modern, elegant silhouette that perfectly fits Tokyo women’s desire for versatile, stylish winter outerwear.

Luxury: Wood Divide Scarf Coat by Theory | ¥89,000

Budget: Wool Short Scarf Coat by Zara | ¥15,990

Savvy Styling Tip

Use the built-in scarf as the centerpiece of your outfit. Wrap it asymmetrically over one shoulder for an avant-garde street look or drape it neatly over a midi skirt and pair it with heeled boots for city elegance. Pair with slim leather pants or tailored culottes to balance volume. A pop of color in shoes or earrings will keep the ensemble modern without feeling heavy.

3. Lightweight Functional Coats with Smart Insulation

Japanese fashion trends are highlighting outerwear that blends practicality with high-performance design, offering warmth without heavy bulk. From sleek, minimalist silhouettes to sporty, technical styles, smart-insulated coats are not just practical. They’re a fashion-forward choice that signals an awareness of both style and sustainable, utilitarian design.

Luxury: Immix Jacket by Oros Japan | ¥28,500 (on sale from ¥68,000)

Budget: Puff Tech Long Coat Relaxed Fit by Uniqlo | ¥10,900

Savvy Styling Tip: 

Play up the technical edge by mixing sporty elements with polished pieces. Layer over a cropped hoodie or knit top and wide-leg joggers, but finish with sleek ankle boots or loafers to avoid a purely casual feel. Incorporate metallic or reflective accessories like a belt bag or subtle hardware detailing for a contemporary, urban vibe. This coat is perfect for layering creatively without adding bulk.

4. Boa, Faux Shearling Coats

Cozy, tactile and effortlessly stylish, plush textures like boa and faux shearling coats combine warmth with modern design. From sleek, short styles to long, boa coats, they now offer polished silhouettes that appeal to adults seeking comfort without bulk. Lightweight yet insulating, and with versatile colors and shapes, boa coats are a must-have this season, offering a contemporary twist on winter layering.

Luxury: Faux Shearling Coat by Hyke | ¥68,200

Budget: Form Boa Jacket by KBF | ¥15,400

Savvy Styling Tip

Embrace texture contrast. Pair a plush boa coat with tailored trousers or a satin slip skirt to balance softness with structure. Add tactile accessories, such as a leather crossbody or knit beanie, to complement the coat’s cozy feel. For a chic weekend look, pair it with oversized cropped denim and platform boots, allowing the coat’s tactile texture to become the focal point of your outfit.

5. Leather Bombers

Making a strong mark on Tokyo street style this winter, leather bombers blend retro cool with modern sophistication. Far from a classic staple, leather outerwear, especially relaxed, oversized or mid-length cuts, is one of the hottest trends for 2025. From sleek blousons to reinterpreted bomber silhouettes, leather jackets are being celebrated as versatile, street-style relevant pieces that combine fashion-forward design with urban practicality.

Luxury: Reversible Mouton Coat by Prank Project | ¥165,000

Budget: Faux Leather Harrington Jacket by GU | ¥5,990

Savvy Styling Tip

Lean into the rebellious, urban vibe. Layer your bomber over a printed silk blouse or patterned knit for visual interest, and pair with straight-leg trousers or a pleated skirt to soften the edgy silhouette. Complete the look with chunky sneakers or leather loafers, and add minimal metallic jewelry to keep it sleek and refined. A crossbody bag with hardware details will tie the street-style aesthetic together effortlessly.

Which coat trends are calling your name this season in Tokyo? Are you drawn to bold textures, classic neutrals or modern silhouettes? Tell us how you’ll be layering up and putting your own twist on these city-ready looks in the comments below!