You need to set up your new home, or you want to add some local flavor to your own furnishings, but your house or apartment is typical of Japan and a little on the cosy side - and perhaps a touch plain too. There’s no need to sweat the small stuff, though: there are plenty of useful, space-savvy household solutions available that don’t compromise on style.

Whether it’s clever storage options or compact bento boxes, beautiful paper or handy home fixes, soft cushions or portable lightweight camping gear, the trendy Japanese retail stores below have most of your life covered.

The stores introduced here have both physical and online presences, so even if there is not a nearby brick-and-mortar store, you can easily purchase products online.

Trendy Japanese Retail Stores

Francfranc

When it comes to home interior, this is a great all-round store. Everything you could think of to decorate your home or set up the essentials in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom is here, but most appealing of all is the clear sense of style throughout. There are plenty of Francfranc shops in Japan and its growth in popularity is due to this classic yet stylish aesthetic – not to mention reasonable prices. Whether you need some throw pillows or a coffee table, a flower display or some house slippers, a laundry hamper or storage boxes, some wineglasses or a sandwich press, this is furnishings central.

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Loft

For a wide range of household items plus some well-curated sections perfect for gifts, Loft is another megalith of variety. There are numerous shops in Japan, some small, some large, that cater to people looking for everything from luggage to original stationery to kitchen crockery to souvenirs. Loft offers a fantastic range of Japanese cosmetics, and its stationery section is worth a visit, not only for the basics but also for some original designs or traditional washi paper. Some of the bigger stores even have an anime merchandise section and another devoted to high quality Japanese goods, including traditional items such as fans and sake glasses, that you might keep for yourself or send home as gifts.

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Mujirushi Ryohin (MUJI)

Commonly known as Muji, this store is one of Japan’s great exports but remains an everyday staple of shopping for Japanese people. The concept is “no brand” and Muji’s goods (none of which feature their name) are characterized by neutral colors, natural textures and clean, simple minimalism. Besides the aesthetic though, range is a key part of the Muji experience as they set out to provide everything for life. Clothes and baby goods, storage and electronics, furniture and bed linens, skincare and aroma oils, healthy snacks and curry packs. Muji products are made to last and to help provide a calm environment. The flagship store in Yurakucho, just one of many Muji shops in Japan, is a great place to get familiar with what they offer; the model house tour is especially worth a look.

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NITORI

NITORI is a major Japanese retailer specializing in furniture and household goods. Known for its commitment to offering high-quality products at affordable prices, the company's motto is "Good stuff, cheap." Nitori's product lineup includes bedding, furniture, kitchenware, storage solutions, and interior decor. The company provides a wide range of household items and lifestyle goods, making it a popular choice for consumers. The combination of low prices and high quality has made Nitori's products attractive to a broad audience.

Nitori's stores, as well as its online platform, offer a diverse selection of affordable and well-crafted goods, catering to the needs of a wide customer base.

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Plaza

Established in the 1960s as the first Japanese retail store to sell imported goods, Plaza continues to specialize in bringing items from regions such as Europe and North America to the Japanese market in addition to their carefully selected local fare. Plaza stores in Japan are easy to find and offer all kinds of products, including stationery, household items, snacks, toys, clothing, travel gear and an extensive cosmetics section. Plaza outlets are often found within department stores because of their on-trend product selections, and one of the things that makes Plaza popular is its merchandising displays and seasonal promotions. It’s an ideal destination when you need to pick up some basics for the house, find things from home as gifts for Japanese friends or colleagues, or simply keep your style up to date.

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Tokyu Hands

The one-stop shop to beat all one-stop shops, TOKYU HANDS changed the landscape Japanese retail stores when it was established in the 1970s. You can find almost anything you need for your home or hobbies here and there are locations dotted around Japan. Science lab supplies, anyone? Want to learn how to decorate shoes with paper napkins? Get some wood or leather cut to size? Or just need a good kitchen knife and some towels? Despite the size, finding what you need is easy because everything is clearly displayed. Apart from the sheer variety, Tokyu Hands is careful about quality and originality too; look for the “Made in Japan” signs.