Japan Baby Shopping Guide
Akachan Honpo & Nishimatsuya Must-Buys
January 12, 2025 | Travel, Baby Products
Planning a trip to Japan? Don't miss the amazing baby products! Akachan Honpo (赤ちゃん本舗) and Nishimatsuya (西松屋) are the holy grails of Japanese baby shopping. With the weak yen + tax-free benefits, you can score incredible deals!
Akachan Honpo vs Nishimatsuya Comparison
| Akachan Honpo 赤ちゃん本舗 | Nishimatsuya 西松屋 | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Premium brands | Budget-friendly |
| Price Range | Mid to High | Low to Mid |
| Store Brand | Water99.9 wipes | SmartAngel diapers |
| Tax-Free | Most locations | Select stores only |
| Store Count | ~108 stores | ~1,067 stores |
Akachan Honpo (赤ちゃん本舗) Top 10 Must-Buys
1. Pigeon Bottles (ピジョン 母乳実感)
The most popular baby bottle in Japan! Designed to mimic natural breastfeeding, helping reduce nipple confusion.
- Available in PPSU or glass
- Buy multiple nipple sizes
- Price: ~¥1,500-2,500
2. Peach Leaf Skincare (桃の葉シリーズ)
Pigeon's Momo no Ha (桃の葉) line is famous for preventing heat rash and diaper rash. Available as lotion, cream, and bath additive.
- Great for heat rash and skin troubles
- Gentle enough for newborns
- Price: ~¥500-1,000
3. Liquid Formula (液体ミルク)
Essential for traveling! Pre-sterilized liquid formula you can feed directly. Get the nipple adapter too!
- Brands: Meiji (明治), Glico (グリコ), Morinaga (森永)
- Room temperature storage
- Price: ~¥200-300 per pack
4. Formula Cubes (キューブミルク)
No need to carry bulky formula containers! Each cube = 40ml, perfectly measured every time.
5. Teethers (歯がため)
Character teethers featuring Mickey Mouse, Miffy, and Anpanman (アンパンマン) are super popular! Brands like NUK, Edison, and Pigeon available.
- Price: ~¥600-1,000
6. Baby Food Supplies (離乳食グッズ)
- Angelette fruit feeder (アンジェレッテ): Easy fruit feeding
- Richell spoons (リッチェル): Soft-tip feeding spoons
- Food scissors (離乳食ハサミ): Cut noodles easily
7. Cooling Fever Sheets (熱さまシート)
Stick-on cooling gel pads for baby's forehead when they have a fever. Pigeon (ピジョン) brand sticks well and lasts long.
8. Large Cotton Swabs (おしりふき綿棒)
Bigger than regular cotton swabs—perfect for diaper changes and cleaning.
9. Blanket Clips (ブランケットクリップ)
Attach blankets to strollers. Disney (ディズニー) character designs are popular!
10. Skinababe Lotion (スキナベーブ)
Baby-safe lotion with mosquito repellent + UV protection. Perfect for outdoor use.
Nishimatsuya (西松屋) Best Picks
Best value for money! Their house brand SmartAngel offers quality at budget prices.
SmartAngel Diapers (SmartAngel おむつ)
- Popular with local Japanese moms
- 30-40% cheaper than name brands
- Available for international shipping via proxy
Baby Clothes (ベビー服)
- Bodysuits (ボディスーツ), rompers (ロンパース)
- Cute designs at low prices
- Price: ¥500-1,500
Other Recommendations
- Bedding and gauze towels
- Baby food containers and storage bags
- Bath supplies and nursing pillows
Store Locations by City
Fukuoka (福岡)
- Akachan Honpo LaLaport (赤ちゃん本舗 ららぽーと福岡店): 3F, LaLaport Fukuoka
- Nishimatsuya (西松屋): Multiple locations in Hakata (博多)
Tokyo (東京)
- Akachan Honpo Alcakit Kinshicho (赤ちゃん本舗 アルカキット錦糸町店): 1 min walk from JR Kinshicho Station (錦糸町駅) north exit
- 2,300m² floor space, ~18,000 products
Osaka (大阪)
- Akachan Honpo Namba Parks (赤ちゃん本舗 なんばパークス店)
- Nishimatsuya (西松屋): Multiple locations citywide
Shopping Tips
Getting Tax-Free Benefits
- Requirement: Spend ¥5,000+ (about $35 USD)
- Must have: Passport
- Save 10% consumption tax!
Shopping Checklist
- ☐ Bottles + nipples (various sizes)
- ☐ Liquid formula + adapter
- ☐ Peach leaf lotion/cream
- ☐ Teethers
- ☐ Baby food supplies
- ☐ Fever cooling sheets
- ☐ Baby clothes (Nishimatsuya)
Things to Note
- Weight check: Strollers and car seats are heavy—consider shipping
- Expiration dates: Check liquid formula and skincare products
- Shipping: Use hotel-to-airport delivery for heavy items
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