Lazona Kawasaki Plaza

The basics

In an urban area with no shortage of opportunities to shop, Lazona Kawasaki Plaza makes it even easier to enjoy some retail therapy. It’s right next to the JR Kawasaki train station between Tokyo and Yokohama, so you can make a quick trip from either of the two cities. It’s an appealing foodie destination, too, as the fourth floor is dedicated to food outlets. Dine on Japanese, Italian, Chinese, or other international cuisine for lunch or dinner.

Things to know before you go

• Many different types of credit cards are accepted throughout the mall, but there are no currency exchange facilities.

• Coin lockers (both large and small) are available to store your personal belongings while you shop.

• Wheelchairs and strollers are available to borrow from the customer care center or the information desk.

How to get there

The shopping mall is connected to the west exit of the JR Kawasaki station. You won’t need a train ticket to enter the mall as it’s not within the ticket gates. Kawasaki station is in Kawasaki between Tokyo and Yokohama, and less than a 20-minute train journey from Tokyo. It’s on the JR Keihin-Tohoku, Ueno-Tokyo, Nambu, and Tokaido Main lines, so is easy to reach from the Tokyo–Yokohama urban area.

When to get there

Opening times vary by floor, retail outlet, and outlet type, but most are open between mid-morning and late evening. While most of the shops won’t open before the morning rush hour, it’s always best to avoid the evening rush hour between 5pm and 7pm.

What to see in Kawasaki

Not many travelers visit Kawasaki while staying in the Tokyo or Yokohama regions, but it’s an easy trip from either place and there are many things to see and do here. Culture enthusiasts can check out the grand Kawasaki Daishi Temple or the Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum, while Japanime fans can visit the Fujiko F Fujio Museum, dedicated to the co-creator of the lovable Doraemon.