Shop ‘til you drop!
Apart from attractions like the Tokyo Skytree and Sensoji Temple, visitors from all over the world make their way to Tokyo, Japan specifically for its exquisite shopping scene. Here you’ll find everything from handcrafted artisanal goods all the way to rare designer items. So if you’re visiting Tokyo anytime soon, you might find this shopping guide helpful!
Keep reading to find out more about each shopping district in Tokyo and where you might find the items on your shopping list. To aid your shopping extravaganza, you might want to book yourself a Tokyo Subway Pass so you can easily hop from one district to another!
- Shibuya
- Shinjuku
- Ginza
- Daikanyama
- Harajuku
- Aoyama
- Asakusa
- Akihabara
- Shimo-Kitazawa
- Don Quijote
1. Shibuya (For the latest trends in fashion)
Shibuya, Tokyo is a one-stop destination for attractions, food, and an unimaginable amount of shopping! Before you step out of Shibuya Station (located right in front of the famous Hachiko Statue), passengers are already welcomed with a plethora of underground shopping options.
Move past the chaos of Shibuya Crossing and discover cheap, trendy finds at the underground mall of Shibuya 109 and homeware goods, gadgets and stationery at the 8-storey tall building of Tokyu Hands.
2. Shinjuku (For home goods, electronics, and interior accessories)
Shinjuku is basically Disneyland for shopaholics. With a new store luring you into its racks street after street, plus the occasional H&M or Uniqlo in every corner, you may need to retire your credit card after this visit.
We recommend spending an entire day in Shinjuku in order to get the full experience. We have to admit, the number of shops and stalls can get overwhelming, but give it a couple of hours and we can guarantee you’ll find some of your best buys in this neighborhood! Don’t forget to drop by Isetan, Tokyo’s biggest shopping department, while you’re in the area.
3. Ginza
Make your way to Ginza for all kinds of luxury finds! You can count on Japan to offer some of the cheapest deals for that Gucci bag you’ve been eyeing for a while, or those Dior sandals you saw your favorite influencer wearing. Whatever designer item you’ve been saving up for – you’ll find it here in Ginza.
This posh shopping district is also home to the biggest Uniqlo and GU stores in the country, so feel free to drop by for a peek if you’ve already maxed out those credit cards!
4. Daikanyama
Daikanyama, a quaint neighborhood in the heart of Tokyo, echoes Brooklyn, New York’s hipster and millennial vibe with a mix of high-end Western and Japanese brands, local art galleries and curated souvenir shops. There’s no wonder why locals frequently gather here during the weekends. With a great lineup of shops like Tsutaya Books, Journey, and Okura, and cafes like the Ivy Place, and Le Cordon Bleu’s La Boutique Cafe, we would totally do the same!
5. Harajuku (For fashion of different styles and aesthetics)
Known for being the epicenter for all things “kawaii,” Harajuku offers guests an eccentric adventure through the entire stretch of Takeshita street. It’s become one of the most famous shopping streets in Tokyo partly because of the people that frequent the area who typically have incredible fashion sense. Locals and tourists alike enjoy exploring racks and racks of local and underground shops, specialty boutiques and thrift stores. Try on unique accessories that no one else will have back home.
Harajuku is not only worth visiting for its quirks, but for a glimpse of Tokyo’s cosplay culture. And if the fashion isn’t extraordinary enough for you, they’ve a selection of interesting cafes and themed food choices that are also awe-worthy. For all things kawaii, cosplay, and anime—Harajuku is definitely the place to be!
Need a little break from all of the shopping? Mix in some unique experiences and visits to Tokyo’s incredible attractions. Exploring Harajuku is just one of the many must-try activities in Tokyo. For more ideas, you can check out this all-in-one guide
6. Aoyama (For the best of local Japanese fashion)
Looking to cop an outfit you recently saw a local wearing? Head over to Aoyama and refresh your wardrobe with some authentic Japanese street style brands at these local Japan stores.
If you’re one to wear the latest trends in the fashion scene, you’ll definitely start a statement in your hometown with pieces from Yohiji Yamomoto, Issey Miyake, Undercover, and so much more!
7. Asakusa (For truly Japanese souvenirs)
After a visit to the beautiful Asakusa Temple, be sure to spend some time at Nakamise Street for some serious souvenir shopping! The shopping street begins and ends with a temple gate and in between these gates are 89 shops. Get your fix of traditional snacks, accessories, and more at these Japan stores.
If you’re looking for something uniquely Japanese, there’s no better place to visit than Asakusa. Here you’ll find many handmade goods, local crafts, and even hand-painted kimonos. Afterwards, locate one of the many bakeries in Nakamise for a delicious serving of Melon Pan
8. Akihabara (For tech, gadgets, and otaku merchandise)
Anime, manga, cosplay and all things otaku are the mainstays of Akihabara. There are countless stores catering to everyone’s favorite characters with different merchandise, such as figurines, clothing, and accessories. You can also pick up the latest copies and special editions of your favorite manga series!
For all your tech and gadget finds, the neon-lit streets of Akihabara are good places to start. This seemingly futuristic neighborhood is where you’ll find the newest cameras, the most inventive gadgets, and BIC Camera – an entire department store stocked with gadgets you never even knew you needed. The best part? BIC Camera offers tax-free shopping in addition to its discounts for foreigners just with the presentation of a passport!
For even more discounts, book yourself this BIC Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon for absolutely no cost and get up to 7% off your purchase.
9. Shimo-Kitazawa (For rare and vintage pieces)
In case you didn’t know, Japan is a treasure trove of vintage goods! So if you’re interested in antiques, second-hand luxury goods, and scoring one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, Shimo-Kitazawa offers the best collection! You’re sure to find the best pieces and you won’t have to worry about wearing the same outfit as someone else!
There’s no need to worry about the authenticity of these designer goods as Japan has a strict policy regarding selling fake and inauthentic goods. However, you can feel free to confirm with the vendors to verify your purchases.
10. Don Quijote (For a large selection of discounted finds)
Before you conclude your Tokyo trip, a visit to Don Quijote is 100% a must. It is the largest discount store among Japan stores and is famous among locals and tourists alike. It’s a real-life treasure trove of amazing finds that you might not think you need, but you’ll definitely want.
It is the best department store for affordable and unique items. Believe it or not, you can find everything from Green Tea Kitkats to pristine-condition Louis Vuitton handbags in this iconic shopping centre. The best part? It’s open 24-hrs so there’s no need to rush your shopping spree!
If you find yourself unable to walk the streets of these shopping districts because of weather conditions, we’ve got a comprehensive guide of enjoying your Tokyo trip even in the rain.