Written and reviewed by Susumu
Born and raised in Japan · Checked against Japanese law and ministry guidance
Two store chains cover most of what you need as a new parent in Japan: Akachan Honpo and Nishimatsuya. This guide explains what each sells, how they differ, and which to head to first.
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Two store chains cover most of what you need as a new parent in Japan: Akachan Honpo (アカチャンホンポ) and Nishimatsuya (西松屋). This guide explains what each sells, how they differ, and which to head to first.
The Two Stores to Know
Japan has no shortage of shops that sell baby goods, but two chains are the ones to learn first — especially if you are still finding your feet with the language:
- Akachan Honpo — a dedicated baby and maternity specialist with a wide range covering everything from pushchairs to baby food
- Nishimatsuya — a children's clothing and goods chain with a strong focus on everyday items at accessible prices
Both have online shops, but visiting in person is worthwhile. The floor layouts are intuitive, signage uses pictures as well as text, and staff in both chains are generally used to helping customers who are still learning Japanese.
Akachan Honpo (アカチャンホンポ)
Akachan Honpo (赤ちゃん本舗) is Japan's best-known baby and maternity specialist. Most branches sit inside large shopping centres, which means lifts, air conditioning, and easy access with a pushchair. You will usually find it on a dedicated floor or wing of a major mall.
The range is broad. Beyond the everyday baby essentials, Akachan Honpo carries a full selection of pushchairs and car seats — including imported models — alongside maternity clothing, nursing wear, and a section aimed at pregnancy specifically. If you are looking for big-ticket items before the baby arrives, this is where to start.
What You Will Find
The nappy section is particularly well-stocked — large value packs are always available, making it a natural stop when you need to buy in quantity. The baby food aisle is equally comprehensive, with a wide range of stage-appropriate options from smooth purees through to toddler meals.
Many branches have a member of staff with a childcare or nursing background on the floor — look for the 育児アドバイザー or 妊娠アドバイザー sign near the information desk. They can answer questions about products, feeding, and what to expect at different stages. A loyalty programme is available at the register — ask at the checkout for details.
Nishimatsuya (西松屋)
Nishimatsuya is easy to spot by its blue and white rabbit logo. It has a far larger network of stores than Akachan Honpo — including many standalone shops in suburban neighbourhoods — which often makes it more convenient to reach. The focus is firmly on value: clothing in particular is priced for practical, everyday use.
If your baby is moving through sizes quickly — as they tend to do in the first year — Nishimatsuya is where most parents find themselves returning again and again. The size range runs from newborn all the way through to older children, and seasonal ranges are refreshed regularly.
What You Will Find
The feeding section stocks a solid range of bottles and accessories. Baby toys occupy a generous part of the floor — the wall displays change with the season and are aimed at babies from newborn through toddler age.
Side by Side
| Akachan Honpo | Nishimatsuya | |
|---|---|---|
| Store type | Baby & maternity specialist | Children's clothing & goods |
| Typical location | Shopping malls | Shopping malls and standalone stores |
| Product range | Very broad — pushchairs, car seats, nursery furniture, food | Strong on clothing and everyday consumables |
| Price positioning | Mid to premium | Budget-friendly |
| Maternity section | Yes — full range | Basic items only |
| Strollers | Wide selection | Limited |
| Baby food | Extensive | Basic range |
| Staff advisors | Yes (育児アドバイザー) | Standard retail staff |
| Online shop | shop.akachan.jp | 24028-net.jp |
Which to visit first?
For big-ticket items — pushchairs, car seats, and the main purchases before the baby arrives — Akachan Honpo is the better starting point. For clothing and everyday consumables, especially as your child grows through sizes, Nishimatsuya is hard to beat for value and convenience.
Useful Phrases
Tap 🔊 Play to hear the phrase spoken aloud in Japanese — useful when you are in the shop and need to say it to a member of staff.
To ask for a bigger size
大きいサイズはありますか
Ōkii saizu wa arimasu ka
"Do you have a bigger size?"
To ask for a smaller size
小さいサイズはありますか
Chiisai saizu wa arimasu ka
"Do you have a smaller size?"
To ask if a product is in stock
この商品の在庫はありますか
Kono shōhin no zaiko wa arimasu ka
"Do you have this product in stock?"
Japanese Vocabulary
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ベビー用品 | bebī yōhin | Baby products |
| おむつ | omutsu | Nappy / nappies |
| ベビーカー | bebī kā | Pushchair / pram |
| チャイルドシート | chairudo shīto | Car seat |
| 哺乳瓶 | honyūbin | Baby bottle |
| ベビーフード | bebī fūdo | Baby food |
| マタニティ | mataniti | Maternity |
| 育児アドバイザー | ikuji adobaizā | Childcare advisor |
| ポイントカード | pointo kādo | Loyalty / points card |
| サイズ | saizu | Size |