| 'Lalaport' is the name of a chain of shopping malls in | | | | cookery courses for women and children, the Tokyo |
| and around Tokyo. There is an absolutely massive one | | | | Jaja web broadcasting studio, a dental clinic and an |
| in Chiba, however, its slightly more manageable cousin | | | | aromatherapy salon. |
| in Toyosu is easier to get to and still gives you the | | | | Throughout the mall, there are benches and places to |
| best Tokyo shopping experience. | | | | stop and have a sit down and on the upper floors |
| If, like me, you love shopping then you will find heaven | | | | there are cafes, such as Saint Marc Choco Cro, and |
| at Lalaport Toyosu. It is a bright, modern shopping mall | | | | many informal restaurants and bars. There are more |
| with 190 beautiful stores, cafes and restaurants set in | | | | restaurants, however, on the ground floor facing out |
| a pleasant waterfront location in the Odaiba area. The | | | | onto the waterfront. Many of them have outside |
| layout is designed to be like boats in a harbour with the | | | | seating which is very relaxing when the weather is |
| shopping zones having names like Central Port, four | | | | good. |
| Ships and Islands in the middle. It's difficult to see on the | | | | We had a delicious western-style lunch at Oceans |
| ground but it all adds to the atmosphere. | | | | Burger Inn which, being handily close to the dog walking |
| It has to be admitted that most of the shops are for | | | | area, has a separate menu for canines! Even if you |
| ladies fashions but also of note are a lovely craft shop, | | | | just want a rest or a drink, you'll still be able to find a |
| Mano Creare, the Francfrancfranc furniture and | | | | step or concrete block to sit on while you watch the |
| homewares shop on the second floor and Okichihiroba | | | | futuristic-looking waterbus arrive and depart at the |
| for more traditional Japanese lifestyle goods. Of | | | | Toyosu pier (there is grass around but most of it |
| course, there are many many more and you will find | | | | seems to be for the dogs so you might not want to |
| lots of little gems in amongst the big 'departos' like | | | | risk it!). |
| Tokyu Hands, Muji and Uniqlo. The only thing missing is | | | | Getting there |
| a ToysRUs which is a shame but, on the top floor, | | | | To get to Lalaport Toyosu you can:- |
| there is a huge role-playing theme park called Kidzania. | | | | - Take the Yurikamome monorail line to Toyosu. |
| To be honest, that looked like it was only for the very | | | | Lalaport is visible from the train and only a short walk |
| brave as it was packed to the rafters with screaming | | | | from the station |
| children and harassed-looking adults. | | | | - Take the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line to Toyosu |
| The mall also houses several useful and intriguing | | | | Station. Again, just a short walk. |
| services such as the ABC Cooking Studio which holds | | | | |