Tokyo Shopping Guide

There are plenty of options for shopping in the world’s largest metropolis. From department stores that span multiple levels to itty bitty independently run shops, Tokyo has it all. Whether you’re in the market for clothes, accessories, electronics, or home goods, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for in Tokyo. If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, it’ll be hard to contain yourself from buying everything. Trust us, you’ll understand once you’re there! 

From high-end boutiques to 100 yen shops, there are options that fit all budgets. We’ve summarized the types of stores you’ll find in Tokyo as well as specific ones you shouldn’t miss out on in this Tokyo shopping guide. Happy shopping!

>> Related: Useful Japanese Phrases for Travelers <<

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Shopping Tips

• GINZA, HARAJUKU, AND SHIBUYA. Best neighborhoods for shopping.

• TAX IS 8% IN TOKYO. Which means your purchases at the 100 yen shops are really 108 yen, see tip below on how to save on tax!

• BRING YOUR PASSPORT WITH YOU. If you spend over 10,000 yen (~$90 USD) then your purchase is tax exempt at select stores. The store will usually have a “TAX FREE” sign visible, if you’re unsure then ask a sales associate. For most stores, proceed with your purchase as normal, then head to the duty free counter along with your receipt, purchases, and foreign passport to be reimbursed.

• CLOTHES IN JAPAN RUN SMALL. Keep this in mind when shopping. When possible use the fitting rooms to make sure clothes fit before buying!

• SOME STORES OFFER FREE GIFT WRAPPING. And it’s pretty amazing. These services are typically available at the more high end stores, but it doesn’t hurt to ask wherever you are. Be careful though, some places may charge for gift wrapping, so always be sure to ask first!

• WARRANTIES MAY ONLY BE VALID IN JAPAN. Japan is a great place to buy electronics, but chances are the warranty is only valid in Japan. This is something to consider before purchasing your camera, etc in a foreign country. Always double check before purchasing!

• BRING AN EMPTY SUITCASE OR DUFFLE BAG. You’ll need something to bring home all of your purchases from Tokyo!

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Types of Stores

Department Stores

Think Neiman Marcus, but magical. Historically, departments stores in Japan or depaato (デパート) were kimono shops that elegantly displayed kimonos. They’ve since evolved into high end one stop shopping experiences that offer a wide range of high quality items and often span multiple levels. The most interesting part about department stores in Japan is that the food department located on the basement level offers all sorts of Japanese delicacies from packaged bentos to confectionary gift boxes. Definitely worth checking out even if it seems out of your budget.

100 Yen Shops

We’re obsessed with 100 yen shops, which are the Japanese equivalent to western dollar stores. At the time of this post (July ’17), 100 yen is equal to $0.90 USD. Which means you can walk into a 100 yen shop, which offers a vast range of items from kitchen gadgets and ceramics to desk organizers and power adapters, and walk out with something for less than a dollar! 

>> Related: Best 100 Yen Shops in Tokyo (with Hauls!) <<

Thrift Stores

If you’re into thrifting back home, you’ll really enjoy thrifting in Tokyo! Japanese people tend to take great care of their personal belongings, which means items that end up at second hand stores tend to be in like-new condition. Harajuku and Shimokitazawa are popular neighborhoods for thrifting, offering plenty of thrifting options.

Specialty Stores

Specialty stores for the sake of this guide fall into a broad category of everything else that didn’t fit into the previous three categories. These stores typically specialize in one thing or another, and can range from a popular name brand company (ex: Uniqlo) or a single independently owned shop.

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Stores to Visit

For clothes:

Shibuya 109 & 109 Men’s

Shibuya 109 and 109 Men’s are shopping complexes that have numerous boutiques, restaurants, and cafes located inside. A great place to go for a wide range of women’s and men’s fashion options respectively. 

SHIBUYA 109
Address: 2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya 150-0043, Tokyo, Japan
Hours: Open Daily 10AM – 9PM

109 MEN’S
Address: 1-23-10 Jinnan, Shibuya 150-0041, Tokyo, Japan
Hours: Open Daily 10AM – 9PM

>> Related: 10 Things to Do in Shibuya <<

Uniqlo

Think H&M, but better quality. Uniqlo has expanded to locations outside of Japan, but it’s always cheaper when buying directly from the source. It’s a great place to go for high quality basics at a reasonable price. We recommend going to the largest flagship store in Tokyo and the world located in Ginza, it’s 12 stories! 

UNIQLO
Address: 6-9-5 Ginza, Chuo 104-0061, Tokyo, Japan
Hours: Open Daily 11AM – 9PM
*multiple locations, but we suggest the Ginza location.

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For stationary:

Itoya

Itoya is quite possibly the world’s greatest stationary store. The flagship store in Ginza offers 12 levels of DIY supplies and is also a great place to buy home goods, travel accessories, and unique gifts. 

ITOYA
Address: 2-7-15 Ginza, Chuo 104-0061, Tokyo
Hours: Open Daily 10AM – 8PM (7PM on Sundays)
*multiple locations, but we suggest the Ginza location.

MUJI

We’re absolutely addicted to MUJI’s pens. If you aren’t familiar with MUJI’s pens, we highly suggest stopping by a MUJI store and trying them out yourself! Besides great stationary, MUJI also offers high quality home goods and apparel as well. 

MUJI
Address: 21-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya 150-0042, Tokyo, Japan
Hours: Open Daily 10AM – 9PM
*multiple locations, but we suggest the Shibuya location. 

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For toys:

Kiddy Land

Kiddy Land is the home of Japanese characters and all things kawaii~. It’s a great place to buy character goods, offering a wide variety of items for a number of popular Japanese characters. 

KIDDY LAND
Address: 6-1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya 150-0001, Tokyo, Japan
Hours: Open Daily 11AM – 9PM (10:30AM on weekends)
*multiple locations, but we suggest the Harajuku location.

>> Related: 11 Things to Do in Harajuku <<

LINE Friends Store

LINE is a popular messaging app in Japan with a few popular mascots that have become household characters. At the LINE Friends Store you can find unique character goods of the mascots or pose with one of the many character sculptures. 

Address: 4-32-13 Jingumae, Shibuya 150-0001, Tokyo, Japan
Hours: Open Daily 11AM – 9PM (10AM on weekends)

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For anything and everything:

Don Quixote

Don Quixote is one of Japan’s most popular and largest discount chains. Often abbreviated “Donki”, Donki offers a wide variety of items and is built on the idea that shoppers go in for one thing and walk out purchasing more than what they originally went in for. We recommend going to Donki for souvenirs and beauty products!

DON QUIXOTE
*multiple locations, typically one in every major neighborhood in Tokyo

Tokyu Hands

Tokyu Hands is a department store, offering multiple levels of hobby related items. The flagship store in Shibuya is a must visit, offering 8 floors that are staggered into three making it really 24 mini floors! 

TOKYU HANDS
Address: 12-18 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya 150-0002, Tokyo, Japan
Hours: Open Daily 10AM – 9PM
*multiple locations, but we suggest the Shibuya location.

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Do you need a place to stay in Tokyo?

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Do you feel ready to shop in Tokyo? Which of these places would you check out?

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