Summary of new facilities opened in 2024 – Discover attractions no one knows yet
Explore Japan: A Journey Through New and Exciting Store Openings
Japan, a country where tradition meets innovation, continues to captivate travelers worldwide. Beyond its famous landmarks and rich cultural heritage, Japan is home to an ever-evolving retail scene, featuring new and exciting stores that open regularly across the country. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, these new store openings offer an opportunity to discover fresh products, unique shopping experiences, and the latest trends in Japanese culture. In this article, we’ll introduce some of Japan’s newest stores that you won’t want to miss.
store introduction
Yogibo Store Kobe
Yogibo, known for its versatile and innovative bean bags, offers a new level of comfort and relaxation. With their unique designs that mold to your body, Yogibo products are perfect for anyone looking to unwind in style. These bean bags, cushions, and furniture pieces are not only functional but also fashionable, making them ideal for both your home and office. Whether you’re relaxing after a day of exploring or looking for a chic way to enhance your living space, Yogibo provides the ultimate blend of comfort and modern design.
@cosme STORE Sapporo Stellar Place
Beauty enthusiasts won’t want to miss @cosme STORE, Japan’s top destination for all things skincare, cosmetics, and beauty. As part of the @cosme network, this store is known for curating the most popular beauty products based on real customer reviews, ensuring that you’re only getting the best of the best. From top Japanese brands to international beauty sensations, @cosme STORE offers an unparalleled selection of products. Discover the latest beauty trends and find your perfect skincare routine with a visit to one of their newly opened locations.
Nitori Fuji Gran Hiroshima
Known as Japan’s leading furniture and home goods store, Nitori is the go-to destination for affordable and stylish home décor. With the opening of new locations in 2024, Nitori continues to expand its range of products, offering everything from functional kitchen tools to luxurious bedding. Whether you’re furnishing a home or searching for unique souvenirs, Nitori’s mix of practicality and aesthetics makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to add a touch of Japanese design to their space. Explore the latest collections and find items that will transform your living environment.
Novotel Nara
Located in the heart of Nara, Novotel Nara is the newest addition to the renowned Accor group, offering an exceptional blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern luxury. Conveniently situated near iconic landmarks like Nara Park and Todaiji Temple, this hotel provides an ideal base for both business travelers and tourists. With its concept of “Your Time, Your Way,” guests can relax and rejuvenate amidst serene surroundings while exploring Nara’s rich cultural heritage.
The hotel features 264 elegantly designed rooms, each providing stunning views of Nara’s cityscape or lush mountains. Guests can indulge in a variety of amenities, including a rooftop terrace bar, a wellness lounge with hot baths, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. For dining, the on-site restaurant “Trattoria Ponte Nara” serves exquisite Italian cuisine, incorporating fresh local ingredients and embracing the slow food philosophy. Whether enjoying a Zen-inspired lunch buffet or a sumptuous dinner, every meal is crafted to reflect the flavors of Nara.
SMASELL Sustainable Commune
Grand opening in August 2024, SMASELL Sustainable Commune is a multi-purpose facility where visitors can experience the joy of sustainable living through fashion, food, and lifestyle. This unique space, renovated from a former steel factory, spans over 200 tsubo (approximately 660 square meters) and brings together eco-friendly brands dedicated to clothing, food, and housing. The aim is to offer an immersive experience of sustainability and permaculture through the intuitive senses of “delicious,” “fun,” and “joyful.”
At this new gathering spot, you can explore a wide range of sustainable products across various categories, including fashion, interior decor, cosmetics, food, art, and music. Visitors can enjoy lunch and shopping while engaging with the principles of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). The facility also features a donation system where 100 yen from each purchase is contributed to an NGO of your choice, supporting causes like forest conservation, refugee assistance, or children’s cafeterias.
Additionally, a renovated London bus turned into an organic café offers a relaxed and cozy space for visitors. On weekends, the facility hosts flea markets featuring preloved items from celebrities and influencers, as well as live music events with performances from musicians and DJs.
WHATAWON Kishiwada Izumi
Grand opening in May 2024, WHATAWON is a stay-and-play entertainment mall where you can shop, dine, relax, and stay—all within a 30-minute taxi ride from Kansai International Airport. The name “WHATAWON” is derived from “WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD,” symbolizing the goal of creating an exciting space for everyone—regardless of age, gender, nationality, or physical ability. Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy a gourmet area that features delicious cuisine from all over Japan.
The facility offers experiences such as relaxing with tofu-inspired dishes at a café exuding traditional Japanese charm, unwinding in a spa facility adorned with majestic pine trees and traditional lanterns offering ceramic bed therapy and other soothing amenities, and reliving the nostalgic fun of traditional Japanese festival games at the “Ennichi” corner, perfect for soaking in authentic Japanese culture. Additionally, WHATAWON includes music venues and accommodation options, ensuring a complete experience. Visitors can also make use of beauty salons and teeth-whitening services between shopping and dining.
WHATAWON is a place where everyone can enjoy an entire day from morning to night. It’s a unique space where diverse people can mingle, transcending genres and values, whether they come with a purpose or just to explore. Fully cashless and cutting-edge, WHATAWON offers an experience like no other. Discover WHATAWON today!
FAQs
Q1: When is the best time to visit Japan for shopping?
A1: Japan is a shopping paradise year-round, but the best times to visit for shopping are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer mild weather, making it comfortable to explore outdoor markets and shopping streets. Seasonal sales in summer (June to August) and winter (December to February) also provide excellent opportunities to find great deals, with special promotions and discounts on a wide variety of products.
Q2: What types of stores can I find in Japan?
A2: Japan’s retail scene is incredibly diverse, ranging from luxury boutiques and global brand stores to small, specialized shops and traditional craft markets. Visitors can find a wide variety of products, including the latest electronics, high-fashion items, traditional Japanese crafts, cosmetics, and gourmet food. Many new stores also focus on sustainability, handmade goods, and experiential shopping, giving visitors a chance to discover unique and innovative products.
Q3: Can I find souvenirs from Japan’s new stores?
A3: Absolutely! Many new stores offer exclusive products that make perfect souvenirs. From limited-edition items to locally crafted goods, you can find unique gifts that capture the spirit of Japan. Popular choices include traditional sweets, fashion accessories, and home décor inspired by Japanese art and design.
Q4: How do I get around Japan’s shopping districts?
A4: Japan’s public transportation system is one of the best in the world, making it easy to travel between different shopping areas. Major cities have convenient train and subway systems, and many shopping districts are within walking distance from stations. For more remote stores, renting a car or taking a bus might be a better option.
Conclusion
Japan’s vibrant and diverse retail scene is an integral part of any travel experience. Whether you’re exploring the newest store openings or searching for traditional souvenirs, each shop offers a glimpse into the country’s dynamic culture. Be sure to plan your shopping adventures carefully to make the most of your trip, and don’t forget to bring home a piece of Japan as a reminder of your journey.