When visiting Japan with children, you might want affordable clothes, cute accessories, or practical items for your family.
Shimamura, a popular Japanese chain store, is the perfect place for this — but it’s not just a regular store. Think of it as a treasure hunt, rather than a neatly organized warehouse.
“Shimamura patrol” is a fun phrase used in Japan to describe the activity of visiting Shimamura stores regularly to check for new arrivals, special deals, or limited-edition items. It’s like a mini treasure hunt for fashion and kids’ goods.
Shimamura has variety of Affordable Fashion for kids
Shimamura offers clothes for adults, children, and babies at very reasonable prices:
- Kids’ T-shirts, pants, and pajamas are colorful, fun, and practical
- Adults can find casual wear, jackets, and seasonal items
- Many stores carry limited edition collaborations, like Pokémon or Tomica-themed clothes, which are extremely popular and often sell out quickly
Unlike stores like Nishimatsuya (西松屋), which feel like a well-stocked warehouse where you always find what you need, Shimamura is about hunting for special finds — every visit can be a little adventure.
Typical prices:
- Kids’ T-shirts: ¥500–¥1,500 (~$3–10)
- Dresses and casual wear: ¥1,000–¥3,000 (~$7–20)
Pro tip: Price tags have a red border, but that doesn’t mean it’s a sale item — it’s easy to assume something is cheaper than it actually is (it’s actually cheap though).
Practical Tips for Kids’ Items for Shimamura shopping
Shimamura also carries:
- Toys and stationery
- Seasonal items like hats, umbrellas, or sandals
- Everyday essentials like underwear and pajamas
A few notes about kids’ clothing quality:
- Most clothes are made in China and have stable quality
- Some underwear may be made outside China; for example, I bought underwear for my eldest son and it stretched out quickly
- Sensitive noses matter! My son complained about a “weird smell” on some new underwear
For basics like underwear, I personally stick with Uniqlo — durable, comfortable, and reliable.
Shimamura gives you a Family-Friendly Shopping Experience
- Stores are spacious enough for strollers
- Larger locations have restrooms and baby-changing areas
- Cashier lines move quickly, which is a relief when shopping with kids
- Some stores have restrooms and customers are always welcome to use
Because Shimamura is about finding treasures, browsing can be a little slower than in a warehouse-style store, but that’s part of the fun!
Why Families Love Shimamura
- Affordable and fun — great for budget-conscious travelers
- Variety — from everyday clothes to limited edition collaborations
- Treasure hunt experience — kids enjoy exploring the store
- Safe and convenient — easy to shop with strollers and toddlers
- Local flavor — shopping like a Japanese family is a cultural experience in itself
In Short, Shimamura is a must-visit if you have kids!
Next time you’re in Japan with your family, a shopping spree at Shimamura, Nishimatsuya (西松屋), and Uniqlo will .
It’s a place where you can hunt for cute and practical items, enjoy a bit of Japanese pop culture, and maybe even score some rare finds — all while having fun as a family.
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