A Weekday Escape to IKEA Funabashi for Spring Inspiration and Swedish Delights
Hi everyone, this is CityNomix from Photomo! My usual gig is in digital marketing, but my passion lies in exploring cities both in Japan and abroad, uncovering local culture and design from a unique perspective. Photomo, our culture journal, is all about “Walk, Shoot, Write” – capturing the world’s urban charm, design, shops, food, and travel through a monochrome, minimalist, magazine-like lens. We focus on experiences over records, sensations over the mundane. This time, I ventured to IKEA Tokyo-Bay (formerly IKEA Funabashi) in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, to check out their new spring items. I visited on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, around 1:30 PM. It was a beautiful sunny day, perfect for an outing.
Visiting IKEA on a weekday afternoon was a game-changer; it was calm and uncrowded, a stark contrast to the usual weekend rush. Parking was a breeze in their spacious lot, allowing for a stress-free start to my shopping adventure. First on the agenda: lunch! I headed to the second-floor Swedish Restaurant, a spot I’d been curious about for a while.
My First Taste of the IKEA Swedish Restaurant
Though I’ve been to IKEA countless times, this was my first experience at their Swedish Restaurant. I’d always been deterred by the long lines, but on a weekday, it was much quieter, and I got in easily. The restaurant itself is vast, with plenty of seating and a bright, open atmosphere. The cafeteria-style service, where you grab a tray and pick your dishes along the line, felt fun and reminded me of a restaurant at a theme park.
My first pick was the classic Fish and Chips. It exceeded my expectations in both portion size and taste! The freshly fried fish had a perfectly crispy batter and a flaky, juicy interior. The accompanying tartar sauce was flavorful, and the generous serving of French fries made it a thoroughly satisfying dish.
Of course, a trip to the Swedish Restaurant wouldn’t be complete without trying their signature meatballs. The juicy meatballs were perfectly complemented by a rich Swedish cream sauce (Gräddsås) and creamy mashed potatoes. The sweet and tart lingonberry jam provided a delightful contrast. For dessert, I opted for a carrot cake, and a cafe latte to drink, fully immersing myself in Nordic flavors. I spotted draft beer, but managed to resist this time (haha).
Discovering Charming Nordic Home Decor
After a delicious lunch, it was time to explore the store. The true magic of IKEA lies in its inspiring presentation of stylish and functional Nordic home decor. The showroom displays are a joy to walk through, sparking countless ideas for my own living space.
I was particularly drawn to the artificial flower section. The quality of artificial plants these days is astounding, often indistinguishable from the real thing. I found some beautiful white artificial flowers that would suit any interior and decided to buy them. They’re sure to add a touch of color and life to my room.
Down in the Market Hall on the first floor, I browsed the home accessories. One of my missions for the day was to find some new vases. I stumbled upon a charming set of three vases in different sizes and muted colors from the “TJÄRLEK” series. The contemporary dusty colors are very on-trend, and they’ll look great displayed individually or as a group.
I also picked up a clear glass vase with a simple yet sophisticated design, reminiscent of the famous Finnish brand “Iittala.” Its classic Nordic design is incredibly cute and will beautifully showcase any flowers. It’s amazing how IKEA offers such high-quality and stylish decor items at such reasonable prices.
Additionally, I was tempted by the wide array of stylish and affordable room lamps and table lamps. The “HÖGVIND” table lamp, with its modern glass shade, particularly caught my eye. When illuminated, its appeal intensified, promising to create a cozy and chic atmosphere. However, I decided to hold off on purchasing lamps this time, as I need to measure the intended spaces at home first. But hey, it’s a great excuse to plan another visit soon!
My Purchases and Why IKEA Funabashi is a Must-Visit
My haul from IKEA Tokyo-Bay (Funabashi) this time included the white artificial flowers, the set of three colored vases (likely “TJÄRLEK”), and the Iittala-esque clear glass vase. I’m thrilled with these finds, as they’ll definitely freshen up my home’s ambiance.
What I love about IKEA Tokyo-Bay (Funabashi) is the incredible value – you can find genuinely stylish Nordic home decor and accessories at surprisingly affordable prices. Plus, visiting on a weekday means you can enjoy the Swedish Restaurant without the usual crowds and leisurely browse the expansive store. Parking is ample, and with fewer people, I could explore every nook and cranny, ending up spending nearly three hours there! It’s a place full of inspiration and new discoveries, and I’m already looking forward to my next trip.
Getting to IKEA Tokyo-Bay (Funabashi)
IKEA Tokyo-Bay (formerly IKEA Funabashi)
Official Website: https://www.ikea.com/jp/en/stores/tokyo-bay/
Address: 2-3-30 Hamacho, Funabashi, Chiba 273-0012 (Near LaLaport TOKYO-BAY)
Why not visit IKEA yourself and find some wonderful items to brighten your everyday life?
