If you’re visiting Japan with little ones, there’s one store you absolutely must know about: Nishimatsuya (西松屋).
It’s a budget-friendly paradise for parents — part baby supply store, part clothing shop, and part lifesaver for anyone traveling with kids.
What Is Nishimatsuya?
Nishimatsuya is a popular Japanese chain that sells baby and children’s goods — think of it as a smaller, cuter version of Target’s baby section. You’ll find EVERYTHING, from diapers and baby food to kids’ clothing, shoes, and even maternity wear. The stores are bright, well-organized, and full of cheerful pastel colors.
One thing you might notice when shopping at Nishimatsuya is that the stores often have fewer staff than other big chain stores.
At first, you might think, “Where are all the employees?” But it’s actually part of the store’s smart strategy.
- Less staff means lower prices — savings are passed directly to customers.
- It also creates a relaxed shopping environment. Parents with kids don’t feel rushed or watched over; you can take your time browsing aisles, comparing baby clothes, and picking out just what you need.
In other words, Nishimatsuya isn’t just budget-friendly — it’s parent-friendly, giving you space to shop at your own pace without stress.
The prices are shockingly low, especially their clothings. You can get adorable T-shirts for under ¥500 (about $3 USD), baby bibs for around ¥200, and durable toddler shoes for under ¥1,000. Perfect for travelers who don’t want to overpack.
What You Can Buy at Nishimatsuya
Here are some categories you’ll find in almost every Nishimatsuya store:
- Baby essentials: diapers, wipes, baby lotion, formula, bottles
- Clothing: newborn to size 150cm (for about age 12)
- Seasonal items: sun hats, swimsuits, rain boots, winter coats
- Feeding gear: sippy cups, lunch boxes, utensils
- Travel helpers: disposable bibs, portable changing mats, mini towels
Many items are Nishimatsuya’s own brand, which keeps the prices low but the quality surprisingly high. The designs are simple, cute, and very Japanese — great for souvenirs, too! No membership needed – just walk in and shop feely.
Some tips for shopping at Nishimatsuya
While Nishimatsuya is great for affordable kids’ clothing, it’s true that some items are lower in quality. Many of these products are meant to be temporary, rather than long-lasting, which is usually fine for fast-growing children.
But there’s a trick to picking the better-quality items: check where the product was made.
Nishimatsuya mainly manufactures clothes in factories located in:
- China
- Philippines
- Myanmar
- Cambodia
- Bangladesh
Of course, this doesn’t guarantee quality, but in general, items made in China tend to have more consistent quality.
Before buying, take a look at the label to see the country of origin — it can make a big difference.
Here’s a quick reference list for the country names (Japanese → English):
- 中国 → China
- フィリピン → Philippines
- ミャンマー → Myanmar
- カンボジア → Cambodia
- バングラデシュ → Bangladesh
By checking the label, you can choose the items that are most likely to last longer — even when shopping at a budget-friendly store like Nishimatsuya.
There is a fitting room at every store, and you are welcome to use it freely without informing the staff. Just be noted that clothes such as underwear /baby body suits in plastic packages are unable to open and try on.
Where to Find Nishimatsuya
Nishimatsuya has over 1,000 stores across Japan, including big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka.
You can easily find your nearest one by typing “Nishimatsuya” into Google Maps.
Look for the cute white bunny logo — that’s your sign you’re in the right place!
If you’re traveling in Japan with children, don’t miss Nishimatsuya.
You’ll save money, lighten your luggage, and maybe even enjoy a peaceful shopping trip — yes, that’s possible in Japan!
If you are looking for kids clothes while traveling, don’t forget to check out thrift shops as well. Used clothes in Japan are in good shapes, and you can buy brand clothes with surprisingly reasonable prices!
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