Tokyo is a haven for shoppers, boasting an incredible variety of goods and experiences. Whether you’re seeking high-end fashion or unique vintage finds, Tokyo’s diverse neighborhoods have something for everyone.
Exploring Tokyo’s Shopping Districts
Asakusa, once the bustling heart of Edo’s low city, still holds a charm of old-world Tokyo. Stroll through its narrow lanes, filled with traditional crafts like ceramics and lacquerware at Yamakichi, or unearth vintage treasures at Tokyo Hotarudo. For souvenirs, Nakamise-dōri, the path leading to Sensō-ji Temple, offers an abundance of trinkets. Seek out the backstreets for higher quality items and fewer crowds. For a taste of Japan’s regional specialties, visit Marugoto Nippon, where you can find everything from pickled seaweeds to rare sake. Foodies will adore Kappabashi-dōri, a street teeming with culinary supply stores.
Ginza, Tokyo’s most affluent shopping district, is a haven for luxury brands and department stores. Explore Mitsukoshi, a classic department store, or discover avant-garde fashion at Dover Street Market Ginza. Ginza Six, a glamorous high-fashion mall, houses Imadeya Ginza, a delightful sake store where you can sample various varieties before buying. Beyond the glitz, you’ll find gems like Takumi, offering fine crafts, Davidoff of Geneva Ginza Shop, a haven for cigar enthusiasts, and Itōya, a nine-floor paradise of stationery and art supplies. Be warned, Ginza is not for the budget-conscious shopper.
Kuramae, once a warehouse district, has been reborn as a hub for young artisans. Camera offers leather goods and delicious coffee, Maito showcases clothes dyed with traditional natural dyes, and at Kakimori, you can design your own notebook and ink color. Exploring Kuramae’s streets promises a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind goods.
Kōenji, just west of Shinjuku, is a haven for counterculture, brimming with secondhand shops and unusual finds. Kita-Kore Building houses a collection of street fashion stores, while Sokkyō, an easily overlooked gem, offers coveted vintage goods. Further west, Kichijōji is a haven for homewares. Explore the bohemian vibes of Outbound, discover antique ceramics at Puku Puku, and soak in the atmosphere of the local jazz bars before browsing the Disk Union Kichijoji Jazz Hall record collection.
Daikanyama, a residential enclave of cafes and boutiques, is a fashionista’s dream. Okura specializes in garments dyed with traditional indigo dyes. Bibliophiles will adore Daikanyama T-Site, a maze of literary genres, boasting a fantastic collection of photobooks and English-language novels by Japanese authors. Naka-Meguro, Daikanyama’s bohemian neighbor, offers a treasure trove of secondhand stores, trendy cafes, and hidden lounge bars. For vintage clothing, Vase is a must-visit, while Vendor features modern Japanese fashion brands.
Shibuya pulsates with the energy of youth. While older generations might feel a little out of place, the sheer energy of Shibuya is exhilarating. Shibuya 109 is a haven for youth-focused fashion, Candy showcases underground designers, and Tokyu Hands offers an array of homewares, gadgets, and accessories. Gamers will find their paradise at Shibuya Parco, with stores dedicated to Nintendo and Capcom merchandise. Miyashita Park, a recently renovated shopping mall with a rooftop park and garden, offers a unique experience. Enjoy a pastry and ice cappuccino at Bread, Espresso & Machiawase, or indulge in soft-serve ice cream at Miyashita Cafe. Cloudy, on the second-floor south concourse, offers vibrant African textiles with proceeds benefiting Ghanaian schools and education. For a touch of Japanese magic, visit GBL, showcasing a unique collection of Studio Ghibli souvenirs. Kith, a trendy street fashion and sneaker store, and popular brand shops, including Adidas, New Era, The North Face, Gucci, and the world’s first flagship Louis Vuitton men’s store, complete the shopping experience. Miyashita Park’s airy spaces and focus on customer experience, wellness, and inclusivity make navigating this vibrant complex a breeze.
Shimo-Kitazawa (Shimokita), a haven for students and artists, boasts a quirky atmosphere. Discover Tokyo’s highest concentration of vintage clothing stores, including Haight & Ashbury, iot, Lost Boy Tokyo, and Desert Snow. Shimokita also offers a treasure trove of record shops, like Flash Disc Ranch and Jet Set, and the eclectic mix of stalls at Shimokita Garage Department.
Harajuku & Aoyama: A Fashion Lover’s Dream
Harajuku and Aoyama, two iconic neighborhoods, offer a contrasting yet complementary shopping experience. Takeshita-dōri, Harajuku’s youthful shopping strip, brims with experimental fashion, while Omote-sandō, Aoyama’s stylish boulevard, showcases sophisticated high fashion. Ura-Hara, the maze of backstreets behind Omote-sandō, unveils a hidden world of eccentric shops and secondhand stores. Indulge in fashion and accessories at Laforet, 6% Doki Doki, and Sou-Sou, explore vintage kimono at Gallery Kawano, and find pre-loved fashion at RagTag. For rare sneakers, Worm Tokyo boasts the city’s best collection.
Shinjuku: A Shopping Wonderland
Shinjuku, a bustling neighborhood, is a haven for shoppers. Amid the lights and noise, discover Isetan, one of Tokyo’s most revered department stores, Don Quijote, a ‘variety’ store with something for everyone, and Disk Union, a haven for music lovers where you can spend an entire day exploring eight stories of secondhand vinyl and CDs. Bibliophiles will find solace at Kinokuniya Shinjuku South, a haven for English-language books and manga.
Akihabara: Electric Town and Otaku Haven
Akihabara, known as Tokyo’s Electric Town, is a mecca for electronics enthusiasts. Explore Akihabara Radio Center, an organized scrapyard of electrical components, or lose yourself in Yodobashi Akiba, the world’s largest electronics store. Akihabara is also a haven for otaku, geeks who embrace anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture. Mandarake Complex, a massive store catering to otaku, offers a vast selection of merchandise. Super Potato and Retro Game Camp offer a blast from the past with video game nostalgia. Don’t miss 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan, an excellent crafts bazaar located under the train tracks.
Shopping Tips
Tax-free shopping is available for foreign tourists spending over ¥5000 at many stores, especially department stores. Bring your passport and look for tax-free stickers in the window. Carry some cash as many traditional and smaller stores may not accept credit cards. While bargaining is common in many parts of Asia, it’s not customary in Japan, except at flea markets and occasionally at electronics stores. Tokyo’s department stores have excellent basement food halls, called depachika, which are perfect for finding foodie gifts or enjoying a mid-shopping treat.
