Howmore Living: A Charming Curated Lifestyle Shop in Trendy Kuramae
kote2 Nestled in the heart of Kuramae, one of Tokyo’s most rapidly evolving neighborhoods, Howmore Living is a delightful lifestyle boutique that perfectly captures the area’s transformation from traditional shitamachi (downtown) to a haven for design-conscious locals and travelers alike.
The Verdict
⭐ Rating: 4.1/5
Howmore Living is absolutely worth visiting if you’re looking for unique gifts, organic lifestyle products, or charming baby and kids items. The carefully curated selection features products from around the world (Latvia, UK, India) as well as local Japanese brands, making it perfect for finding something special you won’t see in typical chain stores. The shop has a warm, welcoming atmosphere with attentive staff, though the compact space means selection can vary by season.
Tourist Quick Check
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment | Credit Cards Accepted (Likely) |
| English Support | Available (Staff described as multilingual) |
| Reservation | Not Required (Walk-in Shop) |
| Typical Visit Time | 20-40 minutes |
| Wi-Fi | Unavailable |
Why Locals Love It
Howmore Living has become a neighborhood favorite since opening, now celebrating over 4 years in business. Located directly across from Exit A5 of Kuramae Station on the Toei Oedo Line, this boutique embodies the area’s creative renaissance. Kuramae has transformed from a traditional warehouse district into a stylish neighborhood filled with artisan chocolate shops, trendy cafés, and independent boutiques—and Howmore Living is a perfect example of this evolution.
What sets this shop apart is its thoughtful curation. Rather than mass-market items, you’ll find organic skincare products, handmade toys with safe materials (including non-toxic crayons and clay), beautiful clothing made with traditional Indian block-printing techniques, and charming accessories. The staff are known for their excellent customer service, taking time to help customers find exactly what they’re looking for and offering alternatives when specific items aren’t in stock.
The shop particularly shines for baby and kids items, with an even larger selection available at their Marunouchi Building location. Seasonal displays add to the charm—during the Christmas season, the shop fills with festive decorations and gift items.
Highlights & What to Look For
- Children’s Clothing & Accessories: Beautifully designed kids’ clothes, including unique pieces like block-printed dresses (around ¥9,800), handbags, and handkerchiefs
- Organic Beauty & Wellness: Handcrafted soaps, body creams, and aromatic candles
- Baby Essentials: Safe, eco-friendly baby toys, rattles, and gifts perfect for new parents
- Art Supplies for Kids: Non-toxic crayons, clay, and creative materials
- Curated Home Goods: Plush toys, pouches, and lifestyle accessories you won’t find in chain stores
- International Brands: Products sourced from Latvia, UK, India, and select Japanese regions like Ehime Prefecture
- Gift-Worthy Items: Everything is beautifully presented, making gift shopping easy
Honest Warnings
- Limited Inventory: The shop is compact, so if you’re looking for a specific item or brand, they may not have it in stock or in multiple colors. Call ahead if you’re searching for something particular.
- Price Point: Products lean toward the premium side, reflecting their quality and curation. This isn’t a discount shop—expect artisan pricing.
- Seasonal Selection: Product availability varies by season. The shop adjusts its inventory throughout the year (e.g., Christmas items in December).
- Hours: Open daily 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Plan accordingly as these are limited hours compared to larger retailers.
- Size: It’s a small boutique, so browsing space is cozy. Not ideal for large groups.
Exploring the Kuramae Neighborhood
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the surrounding Kuramae area. This stylish neighborhood is packed with artisan chocolate shops, specialty coffee roasters, contemporary craft stores, and unique dining spots. The transformation of this former warehouse district into one of Tokyo’s coolest neighborhoods is remarkable—a perfect blend of traditional shitamachi charm and modern design sensibility. Plan to spend a few hours wandering the area to discover hidden gems around every corner.
Access Information
Nearest Station: Kuramae Station (Exit A5, Toei Oedo Line) – The shop is directly across from the exit
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Phone: 03-5846-9797
Website: https://howmoreliving.jp/
Access
Howmore Living
Howmore Living
3-22-7 Kuramae, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0051, Japan
〒111-0051 東京都台東区蔵前3丁目22−7
TEL: 03-5846-9797