Umeda Loft is a large household goods store that spans from 1 basement floor to 8 floors above ground. Floors 1-6 feature a variety of items such as miscellaneous goods and cosmetics. Alipay and WeChat Pay are also accepted, making it relatively easy for tourists to shop, too.

In addition, Loft has taken new measures against coronavirus, so you can shop with peace of mind. Alcohol disinfectant is installed at the entrance and used to regularly disinfect escalator handrails, elevators buttons, cash registers, and shopping carts. Vinyl curtains are also placed at cash registers and counters. Employees are also required to wear masks and have their temperatures taken before starting work. (As of June 4, 2020)

Tax-free shopping is also available from the 1st to 6th floors. If you go to the tax exemption counter on the 4th floor after shopping, you will be refunded in cash. For more information, please refer to the leaflets on the tax exemption procedure located next to the cash registers.

We will now introduce the best UV protection goods as recommended by Ms. Aimi Muraki, the head of sales promotion at Umeda Loft.

An umbrella that is also effective against the hot sun. The "Loft Original Mens UV Protection Parasol For Sun and Rain" has a polyurethane-coated fabric, which provides not only has UV protection but acts as a heat shield as well. It includes a pouch for convenient storage.

It's foldable, so it's compact and easy to carry. The umbrella also has a nice simple design with a matching pouch. You can purchase it on the 1st floor.

There are all kinds of umbrellas in the 1st floor umbrella section, so you may feel confused. However Ms. Muraki recommends the Nifty Colors Sun/Rain Umbrella. It has a simple design, is great for both men and women, and is compact with its thin, high-density, lightweight fabric. It is water repellent with UV protection, so it can be used for both sun and rain.

"It's convenient because you can open and close it by simply pressing the button on the handle. You can even open it with one hand if you're carrying luggage," says Muraki. The umbrella shaft also folds in stages, making it easy to close and store without having to use much force.

The UV Water-Repellant Shut-Out Spray can be used for clothing and umbrellas. It is an excellent product that easily protects you from UV rays. It is also water repellent, prevents fading, and is effective even when using a small amount.

It also prevents discoloration due to ultraviolet rays and strong sunlight. “It's easy to find products that are water-repellent and stain-resistant, however ones that also prevent discoloration are pretty rare,” says Muraki. Make your favorite umbrella or hat last even longer with a simple spray! You can find it on the 3rd floor.

Speaking of measures against ultraviolet rays, you can't forget about Japanese sunscreen. There has been a recent surge in the number of multifunctional Japanese sunscreen products that also offer a cooling sensation and skin toning.

You can find UV protection items on the 2nd floor health goods section. Items such as Shigaisen Youhou UV Spray can even be used on children as young as 1 year old, as is perfect for the whole family.

You will feel cool and comfortable after applying this item, and even with several layers, it will not feel greasy. Pigment-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free, and waterproof, it can be removed with soap. It is an effective SPF50+ sunscreen spray.

This stick-type Japanese sunscreen is also a part of the Shigaisen Youhou series: the Shigaisen Youhou Sarasara UV Stick. Easily apply it on your face or body without getting it all over your hands. It is waterproof, but can be removed with soap. Contains hyaluronic acid and 7 kinds of plant extracts to conceal the appearance of dry skin.

Because it's direct application, you can easily cover the back of your neck, which is usually difficult to do by yourself. There are various types including sticks, sprays, and gels, so you can select whichever you find easiest to use. They can be purchased on the 2nd floor.

The Beauty Veil Strobe UV Stick provides UV protection while helping to make your skin beautiful. It is a stick-type Japanese sunscreen with fine pearls. The curved shape makes it easy to apply, and the SPF50+ is extremely effective against UV rays. Its compact container makes it perfect for carrying around.

“The fine pearl mixture gives a highlighting effect on your skin, so you can apply it to your décolleté area or your upper arm,” says Muraki. Paraben and alcohol free, it can also be used as a makeup base. It is also available in a smooth powder type, so you select whichever you like best. You can find it on the second floor.

Yakenu is perfect for protecting large areas of skin from the sun. It uses velcro so it is easy to put on and take off, making it the perfect daily-use sun protection item. You can separate the upper and lower parts, opening the mouth area to easily rehydrate without having to remove it. Unlike masks, it does not fog glasses and sunglasses, and it is easy to breathe through.

They are made with different types of Japanese materials, from standard fabrics to those with a cooling touch. The special shape is also patented! The UV blocking effect lasts even after washing. Muraki says, "These popular items are often bought in bulk, especially by our customers from Asian countries." You can purchase them on the 2nd floor.

The Namiki Design Room UV Hat is made by a long-established headwear manufacturer, popular in Europe and America for its delicate construction and beautiful silhouettes. Look great while protecting yourself from UV rays. Some designs can even be rolled up for ease in carrying it around.

These hats are fashionably designed and come in a variety of styles. They're a great fashion accessory to have when walking around town or while on vacation. You can buy the on the 2nd floor.

Made in Japan, the Kinuya Hemp Stole features a gentle texture and colorful design, woven from a kimono loom. Made from natural hemp and cotton, it has good breathability and is cool to the touch, so it won't cause sweating while wrapped around your skin.

These are perfect for UV protection. Layering them can cut the rate of UV exposure by 90% or more. It is easy to fold and light, so it is convenient to carry. It is also good to have when riding a train with the air conditioning too high. Both fashionable and functional, this item is a must-have.

Astalift D-UV Clear White Solution effectively cuts the amount of ultraviolet rays that reach the outer layer of skin. It is a highly-functional, complete UV serum that cuts UV rays, acts as a beauty serum, and can also be used as a makeup base. It only requires a light application, so it doesn't even look or feel like a Japanese sunscreen.

This unique "stretch UV shield" is made utilizing the same technology as photographic film, and stretches to perfectly fit your skin. It also helps prevent sunburn. What is unique about it has a UV sensor cap that turns purple when exposed to ultraviolet rays! You can buy it on the 2nd floor.

If you plan to shop at Loft, you'll want to install the Loft app. You can receive one stamp per day that your purchases total 1,000 yen or more (tax excluded). Collect 6 stamps to receive a 10% off coupon. (Available only in Japan)

Umeda Loft has many high-performance UV protection goods. The amount of exposure to UV rays increases from spring to summer, so protect yourself from suntans and sunburns with the UV protection goods offered by Umeda Loft.

*Information as of June 4, 2020; some items may be out of stock.
*Product lineup my vary by location.
*Prices and contents subject to change.
*All prices include tax.

Text by:Niki Shigemi