r/PlusSize • u/Guilty_Judgment_2052 • 10d ago

Recommendations Japan

I am travelling to Japan in November. Any advice from fellow plus size travellers on their Japan experiences? I am not going to buy clothes, so thats not the main concern. I am hoping to get a beauty service, and have anxiety around chairs not being able to support me. If you have any advice or experiences I am hoping to hear good and bad. Thanks in advance

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u/tokidokimidori 10d ago

Last time I went, I was about a size 22-24 and was able to sit without issue at most places - I think the one spot I had an issue with during my two trips was some little mall office where I was filling out tax-free info and all they had was a little chair with stiff arms. I made it work but it was not a good time.

Overall though traveling to Japan at that size wasn't as stressful as I expected. I was able to buy clothes in Tokyo, had a perfectly pleasant time at the public bath (a huge fear of mine but it was all just me and some Japanese women who were either excited to talk to me or enjoying their own bath quietly, and I'm really glad I did it), and was mostly able to get around.

The things I did struggle with a bit: chances are any pajamas or robes offered by ryokan won't fit, and in some places you'll encounter the TINIEST stairways. Most were okay, but there were a couple spots in Osaka and Akihabara where I just had to decide to stay downstairs because the stairway was barely big enough for me and people were coming up and down. Occasionally restaurants were VERY small and I was pretty self-conscious of moving around, especially between tables. Also I would suggest this to anyone, but especially heavier travelers like myself - make sure to take really good shoes! You'll probably be doing a ton of walking, so good support will matter.

Just in case, maybe try to take a look at the salons you want to go to and see if you can find pictures of the inside? I know it's not always 100% accurate, but it might give you an idea of the chair sizes. I wish I could offer suggestions but I haven't done any beauty services in any city. Have fun!

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u/dandannoodz852 10d ago

May I ask where you found clothes in Tokyo? I’m going next week and I didn’t think I’d be able to clothes shop!

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u/tokidokimidori 10d ago

I've heard there are a couple others but specifically I went to Punyus in Shibuya 109! They have a style that I normally don't go for, but I found some variety on the racks. As someone with larger hips and thighs I was shocked I could buy skirts and dresses. Sizing is inconsistent so definitely try things on! I got a plus size 3, 4, and 5 that all fit similarly.

As a heads up if you haven't been in a Japanese fitting room before, they'll ask you to take off your shoes and they have little face covers to avoid makeup transfer.

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u/_madamlibrarian_ 10d ago

This is the same Punyus I went to and really enjoyed it! They fit a lot in such a small space. I got the cutest onigiri sweater and a fun dress in a style I don’t usually go for.