Takashima

This is a very cute little shop! They have a variety of gifts, plushes, accessories, and beauty and hair products and more. Because their items are from Japan and are authentic, it is on the pricey side. Every time I visit, I am greeted and always receive help from the workers.

Awesome place. Full of the cutest items you can find. They even have a better selection than most places I’ve been to in SGV.

+1 for the BOGO straw slippers.
Came here looking for a gift for a friend. It was a hot summer day and they didn’t bother to turn on the AC so by the time i got out, i was sweating bullets. They have lotions and creams in there as well so don’t know how those hold up.
I saw a cute cell phone chain for $ 16.99 and that was before tax. Granted, it’s made in japan (mostly everything in here is) but no measly cell phone chain should exceed $ 10…unless it spits gold and diamonds. Aisles are also super narrow. I’m not fat but it’s definitely not wheelchair friendly hell it’s not even people walking on two legs friendly. Sure, everything is cute but i just felt really uncomfortable (hot AF) in there. Couldn’t wait to leave.
This place is great if you have money to blow. I didn’t.

I bought a kose whitening toner for $ 16.99. It was recommended by the lady who is helpful. HOWEVER, when I finally got home and take the toner out of its packaging, I notice that the packaging looks pretty worn out with scratch marks. So I doubt how long does this toner has been sitting on the shelf. So I decided to check the expiration date of the toner. As usual, cosmetics do not usually have expiration date printed on, but it always has some kind of number, usually the batch number, printed at the bottom. So i located the number, looked it up online on some websites that helps you figure out when does the batch is produced. And I was shocked when I see the date! It was made in 2012!!! Skin care products like toner usually has shelf life of 3 years! So whether or not the information is true, I am not going to use that on my face. I am going back today and looking for a refund or exchange. I’m disappointed how this shop does not have the integrity and selling old products that already expired! I’m not going back after I got my replacement…

I’ll give them two stars for the variety of Japanese skincare items… I’m being generous at that.
The staff follows you around like you’re going to steal… the prices are outrageous because «we import the stuff from Japan» apparently they fly there and pick stuff up because that’s the only way to justify the $ 60 totoro doll that sells for $ 15 on Amazon.
I wasn’t impressed… I’ll just buy my stuff from Amazon…

This place is tucked in the same plaza as Little Bean and that Newport restaurant. Lot so of Japanese and Korean beauty items and cute knick-​knacks. I went on a weekday, in the afternoon, so parking wasn’t an issue. I was greeted in Chinese, which I didn’t understand. Maggie (elder woman) was friendly, letting me know, that if I needed help, to just let them know. I was on the hunt for a Dolly Wink eyeliner, which they carry. $ 16.99. At first, I felt this was pretty pricey, but looking at other eyeliners similar to this version, they go for $ 19 to $ 24. They also carry a large selection of false eyelashes, specific to Asian eyes. I say this, because the younger girl (Rita) who helped me (who, tried to help me) told me that majority of the false eyelashes are ‘short’, as in, both in length of eye and length of lashes. She showed me a pair that I didn’t like. I explained to her what I was looking for, specifically. I ended up w/​what I originally picked. The prices were fairly high, IMO.
FYI: they do have a ‘discount’ card, which costs $ 5. This will grant you 10% off your purchases. When I asked Rita about this, she said she only recommends this when purchases are large. They only do exchanges (within 7 days of purchase, original unopened packaging and w/​receipt) — no refunds.
Overall, this place was just ok. I will probably return to try the other false eyelashes they offer, once I am able.

The young girl was super nice, greeted me immediately, didn’t stalk me while I was shopping & was available when I needed stuff translated to English. The store was pricey, but I can understand, everything is imported. They carry shisado, bioderma, and SKII. They had some can make stuff. I think it was fantastic that they have testers!

This is the go to place when you wanna find Asian beauty products and surprisingly cute gifts for your special someone.
The owner knows Korean and Japanese and that’s why all their products keeps up with the newest trend in Japan and Korea compare to other Asian cosmetic stores. Also they carries the most Asian beauty products even compare to the stores Ive been to at Little Tokyo!
I have to say Japanese drug store eyeliners and mascaras are the best, they could even compare to high end brands like Lancôme, Chanel etc. Also I love the skincare they sell there, most of them are organic which are paraben free and alcohol free. Asians tend to have more sensitive skins then the Westerners therefore if Western skincare doesn’t work for you, you should go to Takashima and seek for specialists.
They also sell diet supplements and healthy supplements. I got a large bottle of enzyme which helps my metabolism and it keeps your body healthy and slim.
I also got some beauty tools for massaging my face and body!!! It’s made with white gold and the massager establish a «micro current» with solar light to lift the structure of your face and body!
I love everything I got from the store and I will definitely recommend this store to my friends!

I was helped by Vivian, she was nice an informative. I found makeup, skin and body care that is all new to me. Most everything is marketed towards the Asian community. I found very innovate beauty items that are rare. For example lip conditioners that you can put on your nipples lol. Makeup that makes you look like a porcelain doll. Skin brighteners. UBV protection selves hats visors. Everything is packaged super glamorous! I wanted to buy the whole store. This store also carries car accessories, Sanrio items and innovative kitchen and bath things. They have a 7 day exchange policy only as long as it in on opened packaging.

I just feel they shouldn’t use this store name as «discount «store because no discount at all. They have a lot cute stuff there and a lot of Japanese brand cosmetics. You need spend $ 20 to use credit card, and if not. They tell you to buy the candy which is very expensive to attain $ 20.
I’m scared

— Locale Destination —
It’s on Colima Rd and between S Jellick Ave and Batson Ave in Rowland Heights.
It’s in a big Asian shopping center, right by Chinese market, Newport Seafood Restaurant” (known for dim sum) and «Little Bean» (good boba drink shop). It’s small yet packed with full of stuff. The décor is just casual, nothing special. The staff were friendly. $ 20 minimum for credit card usage, which is kinda weird.
Almost all the stuff were from Japan (maybe made in China or Korea. Those people copy Japanese stuff, so I don’t know where they’re from ;p Some products in Japanese and some in weird Japanese (which is usually copy ;p), hello kitty etc. Japanese stuff is usually more expensive than Korean one even though the quality would be similar (maybe — I’m not sure. Take advantage of the cheaper Korean products! Those Korean cosmetics are totally usable for Asian skins! I got a strong/​healthy skins yet expensive European/​American products cause break outs. They aren’t for Asians, IMO). It’s a bit more expensive than at Japanese markets. It’s run by Korean.
Cosmetics: Japanese got more sensitive skins than people here. If you got a sensitive skin, try one! They’re way softer than European and American products. You’ll like it.
Hair products: Japanese stuff does work with inexpensive price tag.
Japanese character stuff: Bear, Hello Kitty etc.
Stationaries: Japanese got some clever and/​or cute ones.
kitchen tools: Lunch boxes, stuff for lunch, molds etc.
Organizational stuffs: Containers, cases etc.
— Conqueror’s Deduction —
It’s a bit more expensive than Japanese markets.
Japanese stuff is already expensive at those Japanese markets.
I don’t see the point of coming here since Japanese markets are close from here and Korean markets have similar stuff with cheaper price tags than here.
It might be useful if you looked for something you wouldn’t find at Japanese markets. Otherwise, save your money and go to Japanese markets ;p

Came in while waiting for my table at a nearby restaurant. the name of the store is a bit deceiving because there is nothing discount about this place. They had a larger mark up for items that you could find at other places.

I came in here because my female friends wanted to check it out after lunch. I found my gatsby hair wax here!!! All kinds. It’s hard to find that wax.

I’ve visited here one time while waiting for a table at Newport; service here was fantastic, they were all very helpful and patience. The owner was there to make sure his customers get the service we needed.
Prices may vary, I would say they have fair price compare to other Asian cosmetic stores that I’ve been to. I would love to come back here when I visit next time.

Talk about Asian beauty store galore! They have all sorts of Asian makeup, lotions, body wash, pore strips, collagen powders for consumption, shampoo, hair dye, eyelashes, etc. A very large variety and quantity. I like Takashima because the whole store is dedicated to beauty products, unlike a small little isle at other places. Just note that everything here is in a foreign language… I had to ask one of the sales associates for instruction, translation, and information about the product. However, I did not find them to be all that helpful. You’re better off Googling it. Or if you find some makeup guru on Youtube or some beauty blog raving about some Asian beauty product, most likely you will be able to find it here. As for price, I’m not a wiz at price comparison for these types of products. But I did find similar items at the store next to MVP at Yes Plaza for a dollar or so cheaper (but smaller variety and quantity).
I suggest bringing cash to pay because the minimum for card is 20.

Shopping at Japanese stores is something I enjoy doing. Even if I exit the shop without buying a thing, at least wandering through the store entertained the idea of future visits and purchases. It’s a shame that Takashima Discount Store just didn’t do it for me and that I have to hit it with a 2-​Star rating.
Pros
+ A decent selection of Japanese cosmetics.
+ Tons of cute stuff: Hello Kitty, Domo Kun, Mashimaro, Totoro, etc. You know, the usual characters you expect to see at store like Takashima.
Cons
— Store’s name is misleading: The word «discount» implies that there’s a possibility that I could buy something from this store without breaking the bank, but many of the items sold here are waaaay overpriced. I understand that the majority of products are imported from Japan, but I’ve visited shops similar to Takashima, and they’re much more affordable.
— Stalker employees: Maybe I haven’t visited an Asian store in a while where its employees are always keeping an eye out on you in case you break or steal something (mirrors and surveillance cameras not good enough?), but the ladies working here were following us throughout the entire store.
Overall
The only time I’d visit this place is if I wanted to walk-​off all the food I chowed down on at Happy Family Restaurant, and I’m sure the stalker girls at this store can help. Other than that, I’ll never drop a dime here.

***VIOLATES MERCHANT AGREEMENT** it’s illegal to force a spending limit to the customer to use your debit/​credit card. If you want to use your card at this location you have to spend a minimum of $ 20!!!
reference:

My mom always come here when I need car fresheners, lip balm, shampoo&conditioner, nail polish, powder, and almost everything else to face lotion! $ 50 for a small bottle that last less than a month… uhhh, thank goodness I got over the whole asian spf «gotta be white» stage. I can’t believe my mom spent so much on a little kid (me) just for face lotion… (I feel so spoiled…) But after all these years, I finally grew up to be an adult and transitioned to sephora! ‚) Rather buy my beauty products there.
My mom has their VIP card where you get 10% off your whole purchase. Everything is super cute here. My mom purchased a hello kitty… microwave, rice cooker, toaster, water heater, utensils, clock, curtains, trash can, & a whole bunch of things here! My mom is in love with hello kitty, that explains our pink kitchen… BUT JUST TO GET ONE THING STRAIGHT, NO. My mom is NOT the crazy blonde hello kitty woman that you see walking around in Rowland Heights. She ain’t THAT cray cray!

This place sells cosmetics but it is $$$$ compared to Marukai or Mitsuwa markets. They do have a nice colllection of Japanese cosmetics and we all know how expensive Japanese cosmetics are.

They also sell cute Hello Kitty stuff, both real and fake. A fun little store for both kids and adults. You can even buy Japanese household products here.
The girl was kinda rude and friendly. Friendly because she said to let her know if we needed help. Rude because she just walked in front of us when we were looking at stuff. Inches from us, right between the products and the customers.
I came back again the second time and the workers were all nice. They greeted me and offered help. I had a question about some face lotion and one girl was able to explain it to me. She even told me to test the lotion.
4 stars!
Takashima is a lot of fun.

One-​quarter of the store resembles Daiso (Japanese 100 yen store) with discount houseware items (cute sponges, sushi molds, containers, socks). Half the store is bath, body and cosmetic items imported from Japan and to a lesser extent Taiwan. The packaging can be super cute (e.g., smiling soybeans) but bewildering since it’s in Japanese without an English translation. These items aren’t cheap but I’m sure some are hard to find. The lip balms come in dessert flavors ($ 7.99 each).
The last quarter of the store has character merchandise, like Hello Kitty, Monchichi, Rilakkuma, Snoopy and so forth — this includes iPhone and iPad covers, iPhone chargers, plush toys, car accessories, cookware, stickers, pens, toasters, jewelry, etc. Most of it is locked up in clear cases.
They seem paranoid about shoplifting here. They watch you closely and even the lip balms are hooked together. Almost everything of value is locked or hooked up so the only thing you can really shoplift is inexpensive trinkets. The sign says they’ll prosecute shoplifters. They also ask to hold your items up front.
The credit card minimum is $ 20 or $ 25 — really high.