If this really is the season to be jolly then Tokyo is the place to do it! Winter in Tokyo is a divine time to find yourself strolling through the streets and ambling through ally ways to find never before seen boutiques and jam packed shops. This city has it's fair share of high rises, mass produced madness and rehashed mayhem but the real treasures are just on the outskirts of the inner gridlock. Leaving the pulsing mass of Shinjuku behind just a few stops out on the Chuo Line you will find perfect shopping pit stops such as Koenji and Kichijoji. Filled with used clothes stores, international design and color and some great natural food cafes the stops along the Chuo line offer a relaxed but entirely fulfilling shopping adventure.

We live in Nishi-Ogikubo, five stops from Shinjuku on the Chuo line and one stop before Kichijoji. I must say that moving from the center of Shinjuku I was a little apprehensive about missing the hussle and bussle of the overpowered business district. What I hadn't realized is that there is a whole new world beyond the sky scrappers and boys with big hair. A world of independent style, artistic creation and holistic health consciousness.

A short walk from Nishi-Ogikubo station and you will stumble upon a variety of independently owned boutiques with some of the most grab worthy treasures. Known for it's antique store walking trail, maps of the area can be picked up at any of the used and antique stores to help point you in the right direction.

Moshi Moshi Moshi Moshi began as a gallery in Portland, Oregan selling Japanese cuteness. In May of 2007 Moshi Moshi Tokyo was opened. The cosy little store has the most amazing array of funky vintage toys and accessories as well as art, apparel and posters from the US.

Honey Bee The sweetest store on the street, Honey Bee is a Blythe lovers paradise. Also stocking other adorable toys such as Care Bears and My Little Pony as well as indie toy brands from around Japan. This weekend is their one year anniversary and according to their blog it is set to be a super kawaii party.

Hims A used and select clothing shop, I adore Hims for two reasons. Firstly it always has a rack of 315 yen vintage clothes hanging at the front of the shop beckoning me and owner Hiroyuki Sekiguchi is one of the funkiest but friendliest dudes in our neighborhood (he even offered to hunt down some grey and blue animal print tights I was looking for!)

Just a few of the many treats on offer...