From famous beauty products to innovative accessories, certain things can only be found in Japan. Until now! These local Melbourne shops let you find cult-fave products from glorious Nippon without leaving the city.

The ultimate Japanese sheet masks

If your skincare routine needs a moisture hit, stop by Japanese beauty go-to Merry Seasons on the lower ground floor of Melbourne Central. Pick up made-in-Japan Ishizawa hydrating sheet masks with rice extracts or try the puri peach jelly mask. And we all know the key to good skin is a quality sunscreen so stock up on Biore's UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence in SPF50.

The Issey Miyake Bao Bao bag

It's the shiny, collapsing, geometric bag slung over the shoulder of every cool girl in Ginza. The Bao Bao range is a little higher-end than most everyday totes, but the chic design makes it a timeless statement piece. From totes to shoulder bags and mini purses, you can find Bao Bao goodies at INCU.

A group of handbags
Bao Bao at Incu

Best-selling face peel in a bottle

True beauty addicts all have the same goal on their Tokyo holiday list: stuff every spare inch of luggage with Cure Natural Aqua Gel. A bottle of this amazing exfoliator is sold every 12 seconds in Japan, making it the country's top-selling beauty product. Melbourne-based J-beauty fiends can find a stash at W Cosmetics in Emporium.

Ultra zen essential oil humidifier

Keep your post gel peel, vitamin C prepped skin soft and dewy by introducing a chic humidifier to your space. The Muji humidifier range comes in multiple sizes and spouts a soothing stream of gentle scented mist. It also lights up and runs on a timer. Just set and forget before drifting off to sleep in a relaxing misty haze.

Bottles and vases on a bench
Muji's humidifer and essential oil range

Shop from the Comme des Garcons vault

Travel up the stairs at Curtin House and find your cardio reward in the form of dot COMME. Curated by an obsessive collector and fashion fanatic, this striking store has some of the best in archival Japanese design. Think Rei Kawakubo's iconic jet black looks, rare runway pieces from Issey Miyake and more. The store itself is a piece of art, with interiors by Sibling Architecture and glossy furniture from the likes of design pioneer Gaetano Pesce.

Minimalist tea and coffee ware

Recreate a slick Omotesando coffee shop vibe in your own kitchen with the Kinto range. Designed in Japan, Kinto combines function and aesthetics to create beautiful, useful pieces. Peruse double walled glass latte cups, striking aqua culture vases and the ultra-chic sepia cup and saucer. Shop the whole range at Milligram.

Kinto Sepia Cup & Saucer. Photo via Milligram website.

Futuristic robot smart toilet

How could we leave out the innovative Japanese toilet? From heated seats to the no-nonsense graphics, e-toilets are an unexpected treat for travellers to Japan. If you're curious, Hello Kitchen at Melbourne Central has display models and information pamphlets in-store. They're quite the investment at nearly $1000, but that does include free delivery and basic installation. While you're there, grab a few cute kitchen gadgets (we love the cartoon-shaped fry pans).

More of the best Japanese spots in Melbourne

Coppe Pan

Coppe Pan

Baking fresh four times daily, Coppe Pan has your gourmet sandwich craving covered.

Robot Bar

Robot Bar

Small, hidden Japanese retro and pop culture bar serving Japanese whisky, beers and cocktails.

Lupicia Fresh Tea

Lupicia Fresh Tea

Japanese tea company offering over 400 varieties of high quality tea in both bag and loose form.

Bakemono Bakers

Bakemono Bakers

Inspired by bakeries in Japan and Korea.

Last updated on Tue 20 Feb 2024

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