Ultimate Guide To Shopping In Japan!

Tripoto

Shopping is perhaps one of the most exciting things to do in Japan. Nevertheless, it can be a bit intimidating to shop here. The country has so much to offer! That’s why we carefully curated a list of the best places to shop.

Most of them are located in the heart of Japan – Tokyo. This vibrant city is dotted with high-end fashion boutiques, the best electronic stores, and mouthwatering sweet shops. Ready to shop ’til you drop?

1. Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan

Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan

Photo of Akihabara, Taito City by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

Known for having a unique underground culture, the area around Akihabara Station is a great shopping destination for everyone. This place is packed with electronic stores and shops selling manga, anime items, and games.

The buzzing Electric Town is also close to Keio and Odakyu’s large department stores. For the best offers head to Yodobashi Camera, Akihabara Gamers, Radio Center, Sega, Don Quijote, or Mandarake.

2. Ginza, Tokyo, Japan

Ginza, Tokyo, Japan

Photo of Ginza, Chuo City by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

Ginza is the ultimate place for upscale shopping. Chuo Dori is about 1km long and it’s famous for being Ginza’s main shopping street. It’s closed to traffic on the weekends so people can stroll around freely. You’ll come across the most amazing luxury brand stores like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. There are also shops like Zara, H&M, and GAP.

Another great place to shop is a new shopping mall called Ginza Six. It’s home to flagship stores such as Vivienne Westwood, Fendi, Yves Saint Laurent, and Alexander McQueen. The 6-star shopping experience spot also has spaces for offices, restaurants, bars, Noh Theater, and a charming rooftop garden.

3. Odaiba, Tokyo Bay, Japan

Odaiba, Tokyo Bay, Japan

Photo of Odaiba, Tokyo by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

Located in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba is an artificial island filled with exciting shopping malls. For example, Aqua City Odaiba has over 100 shopping facilities and offers an incredible view of the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.

For anime attractions, souvenirs and luxury shops head to DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. It’s recognized for its massive Gundam statue in front of the main entrance. There’s also a bowling alley, karaoke bar, and arcade.

Are you a huge Hello Kitty fan? Then you must visit the iconic Hello Kitty Japan store. It’s found on the 2nd floor of DiverCity Plaza and sells adorable plush dolls and merchandise. Who can resist?

4. Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan

Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan

Photo of Shinjuku City, Tokyo by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

Shinjuku City is a special ward of Tokyo and a vibrant shopping area. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find famous brands and large shops.

We suggest you go to the Isetan Shinjuku Department Store if you’re into high fashion. It’s one of the trendiest stores in the whole country. Keio is another great department store that offers a variety of products: homeware, cosmetics, clothes, toys, and more. You could also explore the Shinjuku Subnade underground shopping mall that boasts over 100 shops: fashion boutiques, amazing restaurants, coffee shops, and services.

5. Nakamise Shopping Street, Tokyo, Japan

Nakamise Shopping Street, Tokyo, Japan

Photo of Nakamise-dori Street, Taito City by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

The busiest shopping district in Asakusa is Nakamise – full of souvenir shops, mouthwatering street food stalls, and irresistible sweet shops. The charming street is situated right by the Sensoji Temple from the 17th century. Nakamise name stands for shops that are lining a passageway on the grounds of shrines or temples. So, this isn’t Japan’s only Nakamise, but it’s one of the oldest and most recognizable ones.

6. Takeshita Street, Tokyo, Japan

Takeshita Street, Tokyo, Japan

Photo of Takeshita Street, Shibuya City by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

Harajuku’s best shopping street is definitely Takeshita. This narrow street is packed with colorful shops selling clothes, accessories, and sweets. You’ll find world-famous brands here like The Body Shop, 7-Eleven, and McDonald’s. There are also several shops that have a rock-punk or cosplay style. With such a fun and energetic atmosphere, you could easily spend an entire day here.

7. Omotesando Street, Tokyo, Japan

Omotesando Street, Tokyo, Japan

Photo of Omotesando Street, Kumamoto by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

Stretching between the Meiji Shrine entrance to Aoyama-dōr, Omotesando Street is an excellent luxury shopping destination.

For cutting-edge fashion and fantastic restaurants head to Omotesando Hills. The complex was designed by Tadao Ando and has over 130 shops. If you’re looking to bring a nice souvenir home, it’s best to visit the Oriental Bazaar. There are items like tea cups, soup bowls, kimonos, and books.

Additionally, there are several vintage clothing stores in Harajuku, including WEGO at La Foret Harajuku. Moreover, there’s a large toy store called Kiddy Land Harajuku with 4 different levels. It features Japanese and American toys: mascots, plush toys, and action figures. Kids and adults will both love it here!

8. Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping Street, Kobe, Japan

Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping Street, Kobe, Japan

Photo of Sannomiya Center South Street, Kobe by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

A stone’s throw away from the Sannomiya Station, a large Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping Street stretches from Flower Road to Koigawa-suji Street. The bustling area caters to everyone’s interests with a wide range of fashion, book, home decor, and special food stores. You can find anything you need here!

What To Buy in Japan?

Japanese Souvenirs

Photo of Ultimate Guide To Shopping In Japan! by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

• Sake

• Electronics

• Japanese cosmetics

• Matcha

• Japanese lucky charms

• Chopsticks

• Ceramics

• Japanese knives

• Maneki-Neko (a welcoming cat figure)

• Kit-Kats (unique flavor combinations)

Best Departmental Stores in Japan:

Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Japan

Photo of Ultimate Guide To Shopping In Japan! by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

• Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store

• Mitsukoshi Ginza

• Daimaru Tokyo

• Odakyu Department Store Shinjuku

• Keio Department Store Shinjuku

• Isetan Department Store

• Takashimaya

Best Flea Markets in Japan:

Mottainai market, Japan

Photo of Ultimate Guide To Shopping In Japan! by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

• Tokyo City

• Mottainai

• Shinagawa Intercity

• Aoyama Weekly Antique

• Senda Wasshoi Matsuri

• Toji Temple

• Akihabara

• Kawaguchi Daifurugi Matsuri

• Tenjin-San

• Yoyogi Park

• The Oedo Antique Markets

Good Shopping Areas in Japan:

Ginza, Japan

Photo of Ultimate Guide To Shopping In Japan! by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

Japan is an incredible place for shopping! The best areas for shopping are Ginza, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, and Harajuku.

Japan’s Biggest Electronic Store:

Yodobashi-Akiba, Japan

Photo of Ultimate Guide To Shopping In Japan! by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

Yodobashi-Akiba is a huge department store full of hi-tech equipment. Yodobashi is the country’s famous electronic chain and the Akihabara location is home to its biggest store.

Famous Products In Japan:

Lucky Cat souvenirs in Japan

Photo of Ultimate Guide To Shopping In Japan! by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

Japan is famous for kimonos, tea and sake sets, Kokeshi Doll, Lucky Cat, and Haiku poetry printed on notebooks or calendars.

Number Of Shops in Tokyo Station:

The Yaechika Shopping Mall, Tokyo, Japan

Photo of Ultimate Guide To Shopping In Japan! by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

The Yaechika Shopping Mall is directly connected to Tokyo Station and has approximately 180 shops.

Japan is a shopping paradise for many reasons, from the vast selection of goods available to the quirky shopping districts to the high quality of Japanese handmade goods.

Did we miss out on something? Let us know in comments below.

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