To be able to visit and experience life in Japan has always been one of my lifelong dreams. However, being a plus size had me worried the first time I visited the country as I don't know how I can fit in. I know that the Japanese have a very healthy lifestyle so I thought they are not very welcoming to plus size girls like me.



But all my worries were gone the moment I set foot in Japan. Everyone is so nice and welcoming that curvy girls like me shouldn't worry about any discrimination when visiting Japan. However, there are tourist attractions in Japan that are not plus-size ready as a big girl like me could wish for. There are places that I have visited that prevented me from experiencing every activity because I am either too heavy or they didn't have a size for me. Examples of these places are listed below. Not Plus Size Friendly Places in Japan
  1. Universal Studios Japan - If you like adventurous rides like me, you may not be able to ride all the attractions in this theme park. The good thing is they have ride replicas outside every attraction so you can check if you fit in the ride before you line up. See my detailed experience in Universal Studios here.
  2. Ryokans - These are inns where guests can wear a yukata (a kimono type outfit) while inside the hotel. Unfortunately, their largest size is not big enough to fit me. Good thing I brought cotton pants that look exactly like their yukata so I got away with it.
  3. Onsens - Onsens are more commonly known as public baths or public spas. Although this type of spa in Japan must be experienced without any clothes, there are some that can be experienced with a yukata. I once visited a huge onsen and the only yukata that fit me was for a 6-foot girl. Being a 5'6" girl, it was like I was wearing a gown.
  4. Disneyland - Just like USJ, not all rides are plus-size friendly. And what makes it harder in Disneyland is that they do not have the ride replicas outside each attraction so line up at your own risk.
  5. Ski resorts - It is not that I do not recommend going to ski resorts. It's just that none of their biggest sizes fit me. So if you love the snow like I do, bring your own ski outfit so you don't have to worry about anything.
Where to Buy Plus Size Clothing Although only a very small percentage of Japan are in the plus-size category, I am happy to say that we, girls, actually have a size in Uniqlo. However, it is important to note that big sizes is only available in men sizes. But since many of their clothing is unisex, no one will notice it. For me, I splurged on their winter jackets as you rarely find them in my size in my home country. Plus it also helped that prices in Uniqlo Japan are 2 to 4x cheaper than in the Philippines. My Favorite Buffet Places in Japan Despite being in Japan for numerous times already, I've only experienced buffet twice. One of the reasons we chose not to explore buffets is because most of them have time limits. And if they don't, its usually the most expensive ones. But so far, for the ones I have tried, all the staff are always friendly and don't look at me whenever I go back for another serving. What to Bring Home from Japan The best and cheapest place to shop in Japan for souvenirs and food includes 7 11, Lawson, Family Mart, 100 yen stores, mini drugstore you see in the streets, grocery stores and Gashapons. Must-Visit Places in Japan for Plus Size Girls Everything! Although not all of the places in Japan are big size friendly, that doesn't mean it should stop you from visiting it. The best choice is to lose as much weight as we can so we can experience everything. But if it's not possible at the moment, that's okay. Just do what you can and enjoy it. What matters most is that we make the most out of every moment and be happy. My detailed experience in Japan and how it is to be there for a plus-size.