LaLa garden Kasukabe ララガーデン春日部

Home of Crayon Shinchan, relaxing shopping

Just outside the west exit of Kasukabe Station is Lala Garden. Normally, I wouldn't recommend a shopping mall, but this one is worth a visit because it's never very busy, so you don't have to contend with crowds. It's got the usual spots - Waku Waku Hiroba for produce and specialty Japanese groceries, Mitsukoshi Department Store, Muji Rushi for housewares and clothing, and a selection of chain restaurants. The real draw is the Crayon Shinchan Studio. On the top floor, fans of the whacky animation series can try their luck at arcade games, Crayon Shinchan merchandise, and displays related to the butt-baring franchise that is set in Kasukabe City.