Just back from Japan with the latest Kyoto shopping recommendations! Here’s where to shop in Kyoto for Imabari towels, makeup brushes, organic skin care, tea, incense and room wear. (1) Iori for Imabari towels Once you have used Imabari towels, you’ll never go back to your old towels. I was converted to the famous towels […]
Japan tax free items now include cosmetics, food and beverages
October 20, 2014 by
As of 1 October 2014, tourists in Japan can get a tax refund for cosmetics, skin care, food and beverage (e.g. sake) purchases in department stores and other shops offering tax-free shopping. This is big news for tourists who come to Japan to buy high-end Japanese cosmetics brands such as Shiseido, Cle de Peau, Lunasol, […]
Tokyo Shopping: fountain pens, notebooks and agendas
October 15, 2013 by
Tokyo is the best place to find the finest fountain pens, as well as notebooks and agendas with good paper for fountain pen writing. Here are my favourite places in Tokyo for pen/notebook/agenda shopping. (1) Tsutaya Daikanyama: Also called T-Site, this is the most luxurious Tsutaya bookstore in Tokyo. Make sure you have lunch or […]
Tokyo Shopping The Ginza — Shiseido, 45rpm and others
October 7, 2013 by
The Ginza is one of Tokyo’s most popular shopping districts because of the variety of stores — expensive Western designer brands, department stores and Japanese fashion — in such a small walkable area. Here you will find notable stores such as: Shiseido The Ginza: This is Shiseido’s flagship store where fans of Shiseido can sample […]
Top cheese shops in Paris
April 8, 2013 by
What are the top cheese shops in Paris? Each person has his own favourites, mostly in the district in which he lives. Many of the weekly markets in Paris also offer excellent cheeses. For example, the Avenue de Saxe market in the 7th arrondissement has a stand that sells excellent fresh and aged sheep, goat and cow […]
Where to shop in Paris for skin care and beauty products
January 28, 2013 by
Here is a list of where to shop in Paris for skin care and beauty products. I have added a few cosmetics boutiques for those who want to shop for makeup. France is justifiably famous for its skin care products because French women spend a lot of time and money caring for their skin. The […]
Where to shop in Paris for perfume and scented candles
January 24, 2013 by
Here is a list of where to shop in Paris if you are looking for perfume (for men and women), scented candles and home fragrances. (1) Annick Goutal: Best known for Eau d’Hadrien, Ce Soir ou Jamais and Petite Cherie, they also have men’s fragrances and scented candles. Each boutique is a lovely paradise of […]
