Takashima - Irvine

This store is a joke. If you don't wanna ruin your girls night out, please don't go to this store.

I don't know who is the owner of this store but if you still care about your business, please replace your store manager. Or just please simply close your store so customers like us won't have to deal with your rude and discriminating manager in the future.

The moment me and my friends walked into their store, the manager and other colleague did nothing but chit chatting while staring at us. We felt uncomfortable but didn't say anything until we checked out. The colleague told us that there is a minimum $20 for credit card. I was looking around the register for a sign when the manager came around and point at a tiny print underneath the counter without saying a word. Then one of my friend lost her temper and start arguing with the manager about her bad customer service and attitude towards customers. Surprisingly, the manager yelled back at my friend, even louder, about how the customers need to ask them if they need help and that they don't need out feedback since they have a lots of customers everyday. It was my first time being told by a store manager that their job is not to greet and help us feel welcomed in their store.

I honestly don't understand how this store still survives in a market where every company takes customer service as their core value.

Its crowded/tight space (don't go if you are claustrophobic), but has a lot of Japanese products and newer that are comparable price. It might depend on the item as some items were probably like $5 marked up, while others were comparable. I would come here if there is a niche Japanese item that is harder to find in the states, like acne medications as it is authentic. They do have some Korean products but a lot more expensive than Korean makeup stores.

The workers will kind of periodically follow you around and offer you a basket or offer advice. They seem to work well with Chinese clientele. But they were nice. They had brands that are newer on the market, which smelled good. No &honey at the time we went as its popular but the replacement brand smelled good.

It's definitely a bit aged and much smaller in comparison to the other Takashima that I've been to, looking at the 2 story one in SGV and the larger one in Diamond Jamboree's counterpart, Diamond Plaza in Rowland Heights.

You can find Japanese beauty, skincare, make up, health items, and snacks here, as well as some household goods, etc. It's nice to look through if you're waiting for your order or number or something in Diamond Jamboree nearby, but I guess with the other Takashima as comparison and even more so all of the Shibuya LA, which is much more modern and carries the same stock, if not more, makes this location just kinda meh.

Updated review:
I recently came here and was greeted with great Custer service upon entry. They provided excellent recommendations and sampled some items.
My favorite Moist Cream Face mask is sold here and I can't wait to try the S Spa eye mask.
Definitely will be returning back.
Thank you Takashima!

I was in the area with my friend and we stopped by this shop since it looked nice from the outside. My friend and I were looking around the store to see what we can purchase, and the a lady that seemed like the manager or store owner kept giving us a bad look. We noticed that she proceeded to say something to her worker out loud and the worker kept staring at us. We didn't understand what she said since we don't speak that language but after she spoke to the girl, they kept following us and asking if we needed help multiple times after we had said, we were just looking around. They made us feel very uncomfortable, I wanted to purchase something but that made me not.

SHOULD HAVE READ THE REVIEWS BEFORE WASTING $$ AT THIS PLACE!! WELL, lesson learned, I just donated about 10 extra dollars to this place
WISH I COULD GIVE ZERO STAR!! This place doesn't even deserve a star!! AVOID!! VERY SHADY PLACE, don't give you actual receipt. She tossed right after the transaction without asking, is it illegal? I should have be more cautious, this part was my fault...
She just gave you the CC receipt, so you're not aware of the price unless asked or on the transaction receipt. Then you realized you being charged way too much, and didn't tell you return policy since you don't have itemize receipt.
Suggesting better places like Mitsuwa, Tokyo Central or even Shibuyala for Japanese merch.
Takashima was way overpriced!!!
THIS PLACE IS SHADY!!!!!! AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!

Everyone's complaints are valid. Saw and exorbitant number at checkout and saw an item being rung for 300% above buying direct from Japan. Be aware of what is being charged before buying.

The Staff was nice and helpful.
The price is bit high but it's imported from Japan and Korea so I understand that.

One star.
Walked in and all the staff immediately followed me. The guy was in his phone, eyes glued to the camera. Meanwhile, my white friend and all the other shoppers received no such treatment. After being followed at and yelled at by the cashier I was followed out of the store. She tried to play it off, like girl I clocked your racist tea.

You can find most Japanese cosmetic at this place. It is small but was fully stocked. I love going here every time I am in the area. Located in the diamond plaza in Irvine. They carry makeup and skin care, car fresheners, and cute knick knacks . Prices are reasonable. highly recommend !

We purchased 2 items totaling $50, was not given any receipt, and later saw our credit card was charged $500.
Seems like what happened to us isn't all that unique, which makes me think this place is either employing complete idiots, or they're trying to scam people.

It took two attempts to get a refund, as the first time they somehow "didn't do it correctly". My gut says they were hoping we would either forget or give up. This place screams shady.