Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The joy of the 100 yen store


When I first arrived in Japan I couldn't get over how amazing the hyaku (100) yen stores were. This was the place of dreams! Plants, house slippers, cute sponges, bento boxes, origami paper, washi tape and so much more, all for a pittance.

 Whenever I'm feeling rather poor but have the need for a mini shopping spree I bike on over and buy myself a pretty new plant or a nail polish bottle. Or I can pretend I'm being 'practical' and buy an array of kawaii sponges for the kitchen.  The nail polish is seriously the best I have ever tried which was a bit surprise so I've been stocking up large. It has the best finish and lasts for a week!

I'm happy to make a mini hyaku en package (some washi tape, nail polish, a set of cards, some origami paper and perhaps a few other little treats) for one special reader so just drop me a line in the comments box and I'll pick a winner next week.  

I hope you're all having a wonderful week so far! x x

11 comments:

  1. Ahh too cute! This would make the most adorable package!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. hyaku yen stores are so much fun aren't they? the crazy product variety and all the bright colours are a feast for the eyes! I fell in love with the fruit shaped sponges when I was in Japan last >> sooo adorable!

    ps. super cute blog! thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh you lovely little thing. I wish we could go hyaku en shopping together! A giant new daiso has just opened up near my house in Shimokitazawa too!
    I am going to send you the letter set! I am so sorry it's taken so long. Will explain to you soon.
    I am tweeting your giveaway pronto!
    Love Ebony
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  4. How I wish I live in Japan too... I'd probably go crazy over all those cute stuffs... We had those kind of stores here in the Philippines too, but not are lovely things...

    ReplyDelete
  5. i love your blog gemma! i dream of going to japan one day and live vicariously through your updates..hope to catch you next time you are in nz and you can meet my sweet anouk! xxx marta

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh I cannot believe I am only just finding your blog! I love it, such great photos ^_^ !!

    hyaku en stores are often the cause of my suitcase overload when i come back from japan. It's too hard to say no!

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. i would lose my shit in a shop like that!

    ReplyDelete
  8. gemma, this has got to be one of my most favourite giveaways I've ever seen! :) they've just opened up a "100 yen" type store here in my favourite asian precinct (sunnybank) but its more like AU $2.80 and their stuff isn't nearly as cute or lovely xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. If only they had such well stocked $2 shops in NZ. That tape is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  10. There are some 100 yen concept stores here in Melbourne but I'd be excited to see the real thing in Japan ! Looks like there are some awesome buys there. How long have you been in Japan for and what do you do, may I ask ?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yes the hyaku en stores are AMAZING! I've been in Japan just over a year now and it's flown by. I feel like I can't really scratch the surface of the country, there's so much to see and do :)

    ReplyDelete