From the mega-department stores in places like Ikebukuro, the high-end brand and fashion consumer sets of Ginza or even the traditional shotengai shopping arcades filled with the local atmosphere of years of tradition and history, Japan is home to any number of places to spend your yen.
Frespo Yashio is another such place. Like many suburban centres, Frespo Yashio is convenient, simple and completely modern. Located in Saitama's Yashio City, the centre features three storeys of easy, stress free, suburban shopping including free one-hour parking on the ground level and two-hour free parking from level three and up.
Without the massive crowds or overwhelming modernity of many shopping centres, Frespo Yashio offers a much more down to earth consumer ambience. Brand names like UNIQLO and ABC Mart offer the latest in casual fashions while those looking for cheap conveniences will love the ultra affordable Daiso. Kasumi, a large supermarket chain, takes up a sizeable portion of the ground floor where you'll also find Japanese confectionery and cake stores, crepe vans as well as, among other stores, a photo studio and bicycle shops.
Inside, you'll find market stalls offering local produce from areas around Japan. Recent fairs have included places like Okinawa and Sendai and are great for an authentic souvenir or two. Tasty nibbles can be had as well but for more family-oriented dining, head up to the second floor. Hamazsuhi sushi train is great value at JPY100 per plate while Gusto is another cheap hamburger and family meal joint. On the third floor, you'll find the 3rd Planet Amusement Centre as well the famous Nojima electronics store.
Pleasant and simple, Frespo Yashio is a nice example of Japan's modern suburban shopping experience.
