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Japan Village has a cozy outdoor courtyard for dining, which includes a fire pit in the colder months.

Since opening in 2018, New York City's first Japanese food hall Japan Village has been serving up delectable food like piping hot noodle dishes and tasty Tokyo-style street snacks. A regular destination for my family, we often spend a weekend afternoon there enjoying lunch in all seasons. During the colder months, the expansive heated outdoor dining area and fire pit helps diners stay cozy while they eat. No trip is complete without a visit to Sunrise Mart to pick up fun Japanese snacks and prepared foods for the week ahead.

Given our love for Japan Village, we were excited to learn it's added another 20,000 square feet to its footprint, doubling it in size. Inspired by Japan's famous culture of bustling retail centers and arcades, the new upper level—dubbed The Loft—includes local and international Japanese brands and offers a variety of goods and services, many of which have only previously been available in Japan. The space will host both long-term and rotating vendors, and plans are underway to expand even further to feature Japanese fabrics, hands-on classes, and more activities soon.

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Shop for everything from housewares to beauty supplies at the jam-packed and reasonably priced Daiso outpost.

The main draw here is Daiso—the giant retail chain that started in Japan and is now known the world over for its reasonably priced merchandise. Carrying more than 100,000 products, this store offers bath and beauty supplies, stationery items, home decor, and oh, so much more. The store is also a huge hit with the tween crowd; my 12-year old daughter was in retail heaven when we visited. She filled her basket with school supplies, new stickers for her water bottle, and cute room decor—most of which cost just $1.99 per item.

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Manga fans are sure to find something to love at the secondhand shop Book Off.

Around the corner from Daiso, find an outpost of Book Off, Japan’s largest chain of used bookstores, offering a wide range of gently used anime-related products. Items for sale here include manga, DVDs, CDs, video games, figures, and clothing.

The nearby Chashitsu offers guests a space to experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony from the preparation to the serving and drinking of tea. To reserve a tea ceremony spot, join the online waitlist. Invitations to purchase tickets are sent directly to participants on the waitlist; walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Tickets cost $50 per person.

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There is plenty of Japanese culture and art to absorb while you're exploring The Loft at Japan Village.

Before you leave, check out the lovely Setomonoya shop showcasing Japanese pottery. See a wide range of ceramics and porcelain creations, including individually crafted bowls, teapots, and teacups, all handmade. Next door, Beauty at The Loft features natural Japanese beauty products like skin care, body lotions, and hair care products. In-person nail and lash sessions by professional Japanese cosmetologists can also be booked.

Know Before You Go to The Loft at Japan Village

• The Loft is located on the second floor of Japan Village and is open Monday-Sunday from 11am-7pm.
• Hours for individual businesses vary.
• There is an elevator to access The Loft and plenty of room for strollers in the main space; Daiso is a small space with tight aisles and strollers are not recommended there.

Photos by the author