Pages

Monday, June 4, 2012

Terrace Mall, Or Why Shopping In Japan Is Awesome.

A couple of months ago, my friend sent me an email. "Hey, there is a new mall that just opened near Fujisawa.  Want to go with me?"

Ummmm...gee.  That's a tough one. Let me think about it.  

Terrace Mall is an absolutely enormous shopping complex located near the Sagami Bay.  The nearby beaches and easy train access guarantee bustling activity at this four-story shopping paradise. It's clean, well-lit, stroller-friendly, and did I mention it's huge?  The pictures can do all the talking for this post!
Welcome to Terrace Mall!
Where else but in Japan can you buy Mickey Mouse Birkenstocks?

A bit pricier than in the States, but also with more style.
Of course.
Not the biggest H&M on the Kanto Plain...
...but it does have a section for kids!  Happy dance!
Already overwhelmed?  Wondering where to find a snack, or if
the mall has a Zara?  Head to the closest information sign for help!
The information board is electronic.  A pulsing, red dot shows your location.
Did I mention it's an electronic, touch-screen information board?  Yeah.  You're in Asia, now.
Some of the information sign is in English.  Otherwise, the pictures and icons give you enough information to use it
with ease.  Find the closest restroom, Italian restaurant, or the movie schedule in a matter of seconds!!
Hat stores, everywhere!

An enormous Muji, purveyor of all things sleek and label-free.

The kids' play place, Bornelund!  A welcome sight for weary mommies, everywhere!

Super Sports Xebio is no Cabella's, but a respectable sporting goods store, nonetheless.  

Cinema complex, complete with IMAX.

Southeast Asian store, Malaika. This one is huge! Stock up on woven baskets, incense, bamboo wind chimes, beaded
slippers, wood carvings, clacking jewelry, and woven clothing. Not a kid-friendly location...too many temptations.

Enormous Uniqlo.
A Japanese store, the name of which I cannot remember. This is the place to go if you want your name engraved on
chopsticks, need a noren for your doorway, or want a cute, little tchotchke to mark whatever season it happens to be.
Fans, umbrellas, tea mugs, bento boxes, wash clothes, and chopstick rests galore, all in the cutest patterns imaginable!
Piles of Japanese cuteness
And my PERSONAL favorite, Lush.  If soap were candy, this is what it would look and smell like.

Admire a demo of their fizzy, bath balls.  Pause by the lotion counter to experience their latest exfoliation technique.  Inhale deeply and don't leave without a shopping bag. This is deployment pampering at its finest!

In addition to the familiar, Western brand names, there are also miles of chic, Japanese clothing stores.
They are staffed by impeccably fresh-faced, chic young women who keep these chic stores impossibly
neat, while wearing chic, towering heels.  So please, no sweat pants at Terrace Mall.

Don't forget about the home stores.  Plenty of those, too.  Make sure to pop in!  It's an
enlightening experience for Americans to sit in Japanese furniture. The height of
everything is much lower, and of course, the seating doesn't need to be nearly as wide.  

Men need Coach, too.

This one is for a friend of mine, who I am trying to tempt into another Japan visit this summer.  You know who you are. 

Terrace Mall is also a great location for Date Night.  Plenty of cute, outdoor cafes!
And if ALL THAT was not enough, there is Diesel, Starbucks, Hugo Boss, Timberland, a food court, a gourmet grocery store, Le Creuset, lingerie stores, Cath Kidston, about a million shoe stores (just don't forget our previous shoe discussion), Franc Franc, Swarovski, Pandora, Coach for Women, blah blah blah.


Terrace Mall is connected to Tsujido Train Station, which is one stop away from Fujisawa on the Tokaido line.  Make sure to take a local train, as the express train doesn't stop here.  


For more information, visit this website.  Apparently, there is also a nearby 100 Yen store.  Guess I need to go back!


Disclaimer:  I do my best to make sure all my information is accurate.  However, details may change or I may just be flat-out wrong.  Please let me know if something needs a correction.  Thank-you!

7 comments:

  1. Bahahaha! Funny thing is I just put in MY post today about wearing a fabulously adorable hat on a possible next trip to Japan. I think this thing just needs to happen :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hey, I found your blog via the link from SEJ's blog. I love your site!

    I look forward to reading more of your posts, it's great to see what others are doing here in Japan!

    ReplyDelete
  3. So glad you stopped by. Thanks for the kind words! I also have a Facebook page, The Tofu Fox. Please feel free to "like" the page if you are interested in receiving blog updates. =)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I was told of your blog from another blogger (bleu dress & dress blues). My husband and I will be arriving in Atsugi the beginning of December. This post is one of many that excites me :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm so glad you stopped by! You are really going to love this mall. Thanks for your kind words. =) I hope you end up loving Japan!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I came to Japan and you didn't take me HERE??? Well, then I must return for another trip. I am dying to experience their glories of Asian furniture. Sick of sliding around in chair built for giants.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The mall hadn't opened yet! Quick come back and I"ll take you. =)

    ReplyDelete