Matsumoto Kiyoshi Beauty in JB
Calling all beauty addicts and fans of Japanese snacks. You’ve now got yet another reason to cross the Causeway. If you’ve ever gone feral in a Japanese drugstore while on holiday, you’ll be pleased to know that Matsumoto Kiyoshi, better known as Matsukiyo, has officially landed in Johor Bahru.
This marks Matsumoto Kiyoshi’s first-ever JB outlet. It’s located on the first floor of Toppen Shopping Centre, just about 25 minutes from the checkpoint. Here, you’ll find shelves stacked with Japanese and Korean beauty brands – among others – for both guys and girls. There’s also personal care essentials, health products, and even a tempting selection of Japanese snacks.
What is Matsumoto Kiyoshi?
Image credit: Wiplus Group
If you’ve ever been to Japan, chances are you’ve stepped into Matsumoto Kiyoshi. Or at least, walked past one of its bright yellow storefronts. Often nicknamed Matsukiyo by locals, it’s Japan’s largest drugstore chain, best known for affordable health, beauty, cosmetics, and daily essentials.
The brand was founded in 1932 in Chiba Prefecture and has since grown into a retail heavyweight with over 1,700 stores worldwide.
Image credit: Wiplus Group
Inside, you’ll find shelves packed with cult-favourite Japanese skincare like Hada Labo and Biore, along with makeup, over-the-counter medicines, functional foods, and even snacks. It’s especially popular with tourists hunting down J-beauty staples like whitening lotions, sheet masks, and pharmacy-grade skincare at wallet-friendly prices.
Image credit: Aditi Kashyap
Beyond Japan, Matsumoto Kiyoshi already has outlets in countries like Thailand and Vietnam, making its move into JB feel like a natural next step for fans who’d rather not wait for their next Japan trip to stock up.
A wide range of Japanese & K-Beauty brands
Image credit: Aditi Kashyap
When we say “drugstore”, don’t picture your usual neighbourhood Watson’s. Matsumoto Kiyoshi JB easily rivals Sephora or even Thailand’s Eve and Boy, with shelves packed full of beauty and skincare from Japan, Korea, and beyond. Trust us when we say, it’s dangerously easy to lose track of time – and money – here.
Image credit: Aditi Kashyap
It’s not just J-beauty either. You’ll spot popular K-beauty brands like BarenBliss, Clio, and Colorgram lining the aisles. We saw the viral BarenBliss transfer-proof matte lip cream going for RM32.90 (~S$10.53), while Colorgram’s Nude Blur Tint is retailing at RM49 (~S$15.68).
Image credit: Aditi Kashyap
There are also plenty of Matsumoto Kiyoshi exclusives you won’t find elsewhere. Stock up on their in-house range, including Cleansing Foam (RM16.90, ~S$5.41), Foaming Facial Wash (RM23.90, ~S$7.65), Cleansing Oil (RM29.90, ~S$9.57), and Cleansing Water (RM39.90, ~S$12.77). According to Reddit, they’re pretty decent products, and at a fraction of the price of more popular brands which makes them a no-brainer.
Image credit: Aditi Kashyap
There’s even a shelf stocked up with sachets of products exclusive to Matsumoto Kiyoshi Malaysia, such as shampoo, hair serum, and facial masks all at RM10.90 (~S$3.49). These are perfect for frequent travellers to stock up on and just grab before they leave for trips.
Image adapted from: Aditi Kashyap
And if you’re a sucker for cute packaging, this place is a goldmine. From the MilleFée My Kitty Eyeshadow Palettes (RM78.90, ~S$25.25) to Flower Knows displays that look like a patisserie shelf, it’s pure eye candy.
The latter has products shaped like mini layer cakes, whipped frosting swirls, and jewel boxes with bows, strawberries, and lace-like details. It reminds us of Anna Sui circa late ’90s to early 2000s. Standouts include the Strawberry Cupid Collection pressed powder (RM129, ~S$41.28) and liquid blush (RM116.90, ~S$37.41).
The guys aren’t forgotten either. There’s a decent selection of men’s skincare and health supplements, making this an ideal one-stop shop in JB.
Health supplements & snacks
Image credit: Aditi Kashyap
It’s not all lip tints and sheet masks here. Matsumoto Kiyoshi also has a solid health and wellness section. It’s where you can find Japanese supplements that are a little harder to find back home. You’ll spot familiar names like Kitsui Belloss Fibre for digestive support, as well as Itoh Hanako Crystal Collagen, a popular pick for those looking to boost skin and joint health.
Image credit: Aditi Kashyap
And of course, no Japanese drugstore run is complete without snacks. Beyond supplements, there’s a selection of Japanese instant ramen, candies, and packaged treats that you can toss into your basket while waiting for your friends to finish swatching lip colours. Or if you’ve been wanting to try some uniquely Japanese munchies you won’t usually see at local supermarkets.
Make a stop at Matsumoto Kiyoshi the next time you’re in JB
On your next JB run, make Matsumoto Kiyoshi one of your must-stop destinations. In this economy, it’s smart to save some moolah wherever you can – and Matsukiyo is perfect for skincare and supplement restocks, as well as makeup hauls. Hey, we won’t even judge you even if you have a basket full of impulse buys.
Pair it with other things to do in JB or round off your day with a movie at one of JB’s cinemas, and you’ve got yourself a 10/10 cross-border itinerary.
Find out more about Matsumoto Kiyoshi
Address: 39, Level 1, Toppen Shopping Centre, Jalan Harmonium, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily.
More things to do in JB:
Cover image adapted from: Aditi Kashyap & Wiplus Group