Ginza is Tokyo’s fanciest district and home to many luxury brands flagship stores. It’s also where you’ll find two of Tokyo’s earliest retail establishments for kids, Hakuhinkan Toy Park and Sayegusa.

Top left: Kapla. Bottom left: German made music boxes. Right: The staff uniform at Hakuhinkan Toy Park.

One of the city’s best-known stores for kids, Hakuhinkan Toy Park is a multi-storey haven for character dolls, battery operated paraphernalia, cute stationery and more. We headed for the specialty toys department where  a very enthusiastic staff member showed us a couple of amazing Japanese wooden toy collections. We’ll showcase a couple of our favourite pieces in the next issue of LMNOP.

Nano Block is currently Japan's most popular toy.

Tiny, Lego-like pieces called Mamelog are all the rage here in Japan. Glass jar sets are filled with colourful miniature Nanoblock bits that can make a multitude of tiny structures.

Left: Sayegusa on Ginza St. Right: Highchair at Muji.

Sayegusa first opened it’s doors in 1869, and have since become renowned for being the purveyor of finery for babies and kids in Tokyo. The store layout is impeccable and a spiral staircase takes you on a tour of this extravagant, four-storey treasure. The clothing labels and accessories on offer are just as exquisite.

Although it hasn’t been around for nearly as long, Muji, Japan’s modern-day, world famous emporium is a must-see destination for any visitor to Tokyo. You’ll find Muji’s line of childrens’ clothing and toys on the second floor. The Muji brand is notorious for beautifully designed, fuss-free fashion and lifestyle accessories, so you’ll need a couple of hours to really go through this store like we did. There’s a Muji cafe on the ground floor so you can take a quick break if you get hungry.