What to Buy in Tokyo – Japan Web Magazine

Tokyo is a consumer’s paradise, providing every part from high-end luxurious to quirky youth vogue and nostalgic markets. The metropolis affords each type and price range, together with trendsetting attire, electronics, anime merchandise, or distinctive souvenirs.

Here’s your final information on what to purchase in Tokyo, with ideas for various personalities and journey types, rigorously curated by our Japan-based workforce of journey writers. Make positive to avoid wasting area in your suitcase to your souvenirs whereas travelling Tokyo!

Top Things to Buy in Tokyo by Interest

Check out Tokyo procuring information organized by curiosity to seek out what fits your type, together with vogue, custom, tech and foodie enjoyable.

1. Traditional Crafts (For Traditional Culture Seekers)

If you’re drawn to Japan’s wealthy historical past and craftsmanship, Tokyo’s conventional items are a must-buy. Tokyo has its personal wealthy craft heritage, particularly centered across the Edo interval (1603–1868).

What to Buy:

• Edo Kiriko (Cut Glassware) — A standard type of glass-cutting, that includes intricate patterns engraved into colored glass, usually crimson or blue. The craftsmanship is beautiful and the items vary from sake glasses to vases.
• Edo Furin (Hand-Blown Glass Wind Chimes) — Glass wind chimes produce a comfortable, clear sound, making it a symbolic summer time ornament.
• Kimono and Yukata– Kimonos are the extra formal, silk clothes, whereas yukatas are lighter cotton robes excellent for summer time. You can discover each new and classic choices.

Where to Shop:

• Edo Kiriko Gallery (Sumida) for Edo Kiriko Glassware
• Traditional craft retailers in Asakusa
• Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square
• Department shops like Isetan and Matsuya for high-quality kimono or yukata

2. Snacks & Food Items (For Foodies)

Tokyo is a meals lover’s dream, and its snack scene is not any exception. Beyond the fantastically packaged sweets excellent for gifting, you’ll discover a huge world of flavors.

What to Buy:

• Tokyo Banana — Iconic, banana-shaped sponge truffles full of custard cream. You can usually discover particular editions with completely different flavors and designs, together with collaborations with widespread characters.
• Tokyo-Limited Kit-Kat — Japan is known for its unbelievable number of KitKat flavors, from matcha and sake to wasabi and purple candy potato.
• Traditional Japanese Sweets and Snacks — Traditional sweets like dorayaki (crimson bean pancakes) or yokan (candy bean jelly), in addition to senbei (crispy Japanese rice crackers).
• Seasonal and Limited Sweets — Sakura-flavored treats in spring, chestnut and candy potato snacks in autumn.

Where to Shop:

• Don Quijote and Convenience shops (Lawson, HouseholdMart, 7-Eleven)— Best place to refill on snacks and sweets.
• Tokyo Station’s Okashi Land or Tokyo Gift Palette — Dedicated retailers to sweets and snacks from Tokyo and Japan.
• Depachika (basement meals halls of Mitsukoshi, Isetan, Takashimaya) for fantastically crafted, high-end sweets.

Shopping Tip: Look for particular editions labeled “地域限定” (region-exclusive).

3. Fashion & Streetwear (For Trendsetters)

Tokyo is a world vogue capital, particularly for these trying to stand out. Harajuku, Shibuya and Daikanyama are house to Japan-only vogue manufacturers, high-end denim, and restricted sneaker drops.

What to Buy:

• Sneakers and Streetwear — Limited-edition kicks and streetwear from Japanese and world labels like Supreme Tokyo, A Bathing Ape (BAPE), atmos and Kicks Lab.
• Japanese Brand Apparel — Discover native manufacturers that supply a novel tackle fashionable vogue.
• Uniqlo & GU — Affordable, minimalist Japanese vogue.

Where to Shop:

• Takeshita Street (Harajuku) — Cute and playful clothes and niknaks that embody Japan’s kawaii tradition.
• Daikanyama and Omotesando — Boutiques with high-end Japanese designers.
• Uniqlo Ginza — 12 flooring of vogue, together with limited-edition items.

Shopping Tip: Look for Japan unique version or particular collabs solely obtainable regionally.

4. Japanese Beauty Products (For Self-Care Lovers)

Tokyo is a magnificence lover’s dream. From cult-favourites like Hada Labo and DHC to high-end manufacturers like SK-II and Shiseido, you could find a spread of nice magnificence merchandise right here.

What to Buy:

• Sunscreen and Sheet Mask — Top-tier formulation like Biore and Anessa, and drugstore finds like Lululun and Saborino. Available with an enormous array of formulations for various pores and skin issues.
• Face Wash and Cleansing Oils — A staple of the Japanese skincare routine for successfully eradicating make-up and impurities.
• Makeup Tools — Japanese brushes (Hakuhodo, Chikuhodo) are world-class.
• Haircare Products — Salon-quality shampoos and coverings made with elements like camellia oil and honey.

Check best-selling Japanese magnificence merchandise ▶ Best Japanese Beauty Products

Where to Shop:

• Drugstore (Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sundrug, Tsuruha Drug, and many others) — Packed with a variety of reasonably priced choices.
• Don Quijote — For bulk offers and quirky finds.
• @cosme Tokyo in Harajuku — Flagship retailer for Japan’s most-loved magnificence manufacturers.
• Department shops (Isetan, Daimaru, Mitsukoshi, and many others) — For luxurious J-Beauty merchandise.

Shopping Tip: Look for the “@cosme awards” stickers as they point out top-rated and trusted merchandise by Japanese magnificence followers.

5. Anime, Manga and Character Merchandise (For Anime & Pop Culture Enthusiasts)

Japan is the guts of anime and manga tradition, and Tokyo is its epicenter. You’ll discover an unbelievable number of merchandise that includes your favorite characters, from classic anime collectible figurines to the newest recreation equipment.

What to Buy:

• Gachapon (capsule toys) — Miniature toys or equipment that come out of merchandising machines, excellent for collectors.
• Anime and Manga Merchandise — Plush toys, keychains, stationery, and residential decor that includes Pokemon, Sanrio and Studio Ghibli.
• Anime Figures — High-quality collectible figurines, restricted editions, and mannequin kits of widespread anime and manga characters

Where to Shop:

• Akihabara — Mandarake, Animate, and Radio Kaikan are fan-favourite hotspots.
• Ikebukuro —Home to the most important Animate retailer and Sunshine City for Pokemon Center and anime cafes.
• Shibuya PARCO — Head to CYBERSPACE SHIBUYA on the sixth flooring of Shibuya Parco.
• Nakano Broadway — A hidden gem for second-hand collectibles, comparable to video video games, buying and selling playing cards and comics.

Related article ▶ Best Stores to Shop Character Merchandise in Tokyo

6. Tech & Gadgets (For Gadget Geeks)

If you’re trying to find cutting-edge electronics in Tokyo, you’re in for a deal with as town is stuffed with large electronics shops, area of interest gadget retailers, and retro tech treasure troves.

What to Buy:

• Cameras and Accessories — Find the most recent fashions from high Japanese manufacturers, usually earlier than they’re launched internationally.
• Unique Home Appliances — Discover progressive Japanese home equipment that may add a contact of futuristic comfort to your own home together with rice cookers, bathroom seats and sweetness instruments.
• Audio Equipment — From high-end headphones to specialised audio parts, Tokyo caters to all ranges of audiophiles.
• Gaming Consoles and Accessories — From Nintendo Switch and PlayStation to classic Game Boys and Famicoms.

Where to Shop:

• Akihabara Electric Town — The go-to vacation spot for the newest devices and distinctive tech finds.
• Major Retailers (Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, Yamada Denki, Sofmap, and many others) — Offering an enormous choice and tax-free purchasing for vacationers.

Shopping Tip: Check voltage and compatibility earlier than shopping for electronics. Ask for English-language warranties, and don’t overlook tax-free counters.

7. High-Quality Japanese Stationery (For Artists & Creatives)

Japanese stationery is famend for its distinctive high quality, considerate design, and progressive options, mixing performance with magnificence. Tokyo is a paradise amongst artists, writers, college students, and collectors worldwide.

What to Buy:

• Notebooks and Journals — From Midori’s Traveler’s Notebook to Kokuyo Campus notebooks, well-known for his or her clean paper and stylish design.
• Pens and Writing Instruments — Pilot, Uni-ball, and Pentel provide high-quality gel pens, fountain pens, and mechanical pencils.
• Washi Tape — Decorative paper tapes are available in an limitless number of colors and patterns and is ideal for crafting and adorning.
• Calligraphy & Art Supplies — Brush pens, watercolor markers, and sumi ink units.

Where to Shop:

• Itoya (Ginza) — Premier stationery vacation spot providing every part together with premium stationery, reward units, and customized notebooks.
• Sekaido (Shinjuku) — Primarily an artwork retailer has a sturdy stationery part, particularly for calligraphy and illustration.
• Hands & Loft —Variety retailers providing a big collection of stationery, life-style devices and artistic instruments.
• MUJI — Minimalist notebooks, pens, and planners which might be modern, purposeful, and reasonably priced.

8. Matcha and Tea Sets (For Mindfulness & Wellness Seekers)

Tokyo affords a spread of matcha merchandise from premium ceremonial-grade powder to matcha-flavored snacks, candies, and drinks. For tea lovers, bringing house genuine Japanese inexperienced tea and the instruments to arrange it’s a should.

What to Buy:

• High-Quality Matcha Powder — Purchase vibrant, flavorful matcha for consuming or culinary use.
• Complete Matcha Set — Essential instruments for making ready matcha historically, together with a chawan (tea bowl), chasen (bamboo whisk), chashaku (tea scoop), and natsume (tea caddy).
• Matcha Treats — Cookies, Kit Kats, and inexperienced tea powder sourced from Kyoto and Uji.

Where to Shop:

• Specialty Tea Shops (Tsujiri, Ippodo Tea) — Matcha powder, sweets, and fantastically designed tea equipment.
• Department Stores (Isetan, Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya, and many others) — High high quality tea merchandise (matcha powder, free leaf teas, reward units) and teaware
• Kappabashi Street — For artisanal kitchenware and Japanese knives.

Shopping Tip: Look for matcha labeled “宇治 (Uji)” or “西尾 (Nishio)” for top-tier high quality.

9. Starbucks Merchandise (For Coffee Lovers & Starbucks Fans)

Tokyo is house to a few of the most original Starbucks objects on this planet, from Tokyo-exclusive tumblers from Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo to collectible mugs themed after town’s neighborhoods. If you’re a espresso lover or only a fan of trendy drinkware, these make excellent souvenirs.

What to Buy: 

• Tokyo-Themed “Been There” collection — Colorful mug and stainless bottle that includes Tokyo landmarks and cityscapes, excellent for collectors.
• Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo Exclusives — Japan’s largest Starbucks in Nakameguro, providing premium espresso experiences and unique design-focused merchandise.
• Seasonal Drinkware — Summer-themed clear bottles, Christmas vacation mugs, and cherry blossom designs.

Shopping Tip: Sakura-season merchandise (Feb–Mar) is the most well-liked and sometimes sells out on launch day.

10. Themed Merchandise from Tokyo’s Landmarks (For First-Time Visitors)

Tokyo’s well-known landmarks aren’t simply nice picture spots, however they’re additionally house to distinctive memento retailers promoting unique merchandise you possibly can’t get wherever else. Commemorate your journey with souvenirs from a few of Tokyo’s most well-known sights.

What to Buy:

• Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower Memorabilia — Find keychains, fashions, and different objects that includes these iconic towers.
• Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea Merchandise— Character plushies and keychains, Tokyo-exclusive outfits, and seasonal and limited-edition objects.
• Exclusive Museum and Gallery Items — Many of Tokyo’s wonderful museums and galleries have reward retailers with distinctive objects associated to their exhibitions.
• Asakusa Sensoji Temple Souvenirs — Lucky charms (omamori), Edo-style prints that includes the enduring Kaminarimon Gate, and road snacks comparable to senbei, ningyo yaki and kaminari okoshi

Tokyo Shopping Guide by Area

Here’s a Tokyo Shopping Guide by Area to navigate you to town’s greatest procuring districts based mostly on type, price range, and pursuits. From luxurious boutiques to bustling road markets, every neighborhood affords its personal character and specialties.

Shibuya: Trendy Youth Culture and Streetwear

The birthplace of lots of Japan’s youth vogue tendencies, Shibuya is a vibrant and energetic district. The iconic Shibuya Crossing leads you straight to procuring meccas Shibuya 109, a must-visit for these in search of the newest in Japanese “gyaru” vogue. The space can also be house to quite a few small vogue shops, in addition to bigger procuring complexes like Shibuya PARCO, Shibuya Scramble Square and Miyashita Park. For a extra refined however nonetheless stylish expertise, Cat Street, which connects Shibuya and Harajuku, is lined with widespread home and worldwide manufacturers.

Harajuku: Quirky, Kawaii and Indie Fashion

Harajuku is the dominion of kawaii, creativity, and fearless self-expression. Takeshita Street bursts with pastel equipment, quirky cafes, and fast-changing pop-up retailers, whereas Laforet Harajuku, the neighborhood’s iconic vogue mall, packs dozens of boutiques from avant-garde Japanese designer manufacturers to gothic vogue. For these enthusiastic about streetwear and indie labels, the backstreets of Ura-Hara provide a treasure trove of eccentric retailers. In stark distinction, Omotesando is a classy, tree-lined avenue sometimes called Tokyo’s Champs-Elysees, that includes upscale boutiques and main designer manufacturers.

Ginza: Luxury and Flagship Stores

For luxurious lovers, Ginza is Tokyo’s premier upmarket procuring district. The space is house to the flagship shops of quite a few worldwide luxurious manufacturers like Chanel, Bvlgari, and Dior, in addition to high-end malls comparable to Mitsukoshi and Ginza Six. Beyond excessive vogue, Ginza additionally affords stationery and artwork provides at Itoya and calligraphy provides and Japanese paper items at Kyukyodo.

Shinjuku: Department Stores and Electronics

Centered around the globe’s busiest practice station, Shinjuku is a large procuring and leisure hub that caters to all tastes and budgets, together with designer vogue, cosmetics, cameras and devices. The space is filled with malls like Lumine and Isetan, and main electronics retailers like Bic Camera and Yodobashi in addition to an enormous community of underground procuring arcades.

Akihabara: Electronics and Otaku Culture

Akihabara, a.okay.a. “Electric Town”, is a must-visit vacation spot for electronics of all types. Here you’ll discover every part from the newest devices to obscure digital parts. The district can also be the guts of Japan’s “otaku” (geek) tradition, with an abundance of shops devoted to anime, manga, and video video games, together with the Mandarake Complex catering to collectors, and retailers like Super Potato and Retro Game Camp specializing in classic video video games.

Asakusa: Traditional Crafts and Souvenirs

For a extra conventional procuring expertise, Asakusa affords a glimpse into previous Tokyo. The Nakamise-dori, the road resulting in the historic Sensoji Temple, is lined with retailers promoting conventional souvenirs, sweets, and crafts. Away from the primary crowds, Asakusa’s again streets are the place you’ll uncover small craft shops promoting every part from handmade sandals to native snacks. Just a brief stroll away, Kappabashi Street is famend for its many retailers promoting kitchenware, from high-quality Japanese knives to the well-known plastic meals samples.

Best All-Around Shops in Tokyo

If you’re brief on time, head to following shops that supply selection, comfort, and a real Tokyo procuring expertise.

• Don Quijote (Shibuya, Akihabara, Ginza) — The final one-stop store for magnificence, snacks, toys, and peculiar Japan-only finds with discounted costs. (associated article ▶ Large Don Quijote Stores in Tokyo)
• Loft and Hands (Shibuya, Ginza, Ikebukuro) — High-quality, design-focused life-style merchandise, stationery, and distinctive devices.
• 100-yen Shops (Daiso, Seria, Can★Do) —Budget-friendly procuring only for 100 yen. Daiso Harajuku is particularly well-known with vacationers.
• 3COINS — A range retailer providing a spread of stylish and purposeful merchandise principally at 300 yen
• UNIQLO: Japanese quick vogue retailer, providing high-quality, reasonably priced and stylish clothes. The world’s largest, 12-story retailer is situated in Ginza space. (associated article ▶ Best UNIQLO Stores to Visit in Tokyo)
• MUJI — Minimalist Japanese life-style model well-known for easy but high-quality garments, stationery, homeware, and snacks. (associated article ▶ Best Things to Buy in Muji Stores)

Tips for Shopping in Tokyo

• Look for Tax-Free Shopping — Many shops provide tax-free purchasing for vacationers. Bring your passport and examine for the “Tax-Free” sticker or counter in malls and electronics retailers.
• Look for Japan-Only Items — Brands like UNIQLO, Starbucks and Shiseido provide Japan-exclusive merchandise. Look out for limited-edition regional snacks, anime items, and high-quality stationery solely present in Tokyo.
• No Tipping or Haggling — In Japan, tipping isn’t customary, even in luxurious retailers or eating places. Prices are fastened (no bargaining ), however the service is normally impeccable.
• Bring Cash — While main malls and chain retailers settle for bank cards, small shops and native markets could also be cash-only. You may use IC playing cards like Suica or PASMO for small purchases in comfort shops and a few retailers
• Language — Most giant shops have some English signage and multilingual workers. Use translation apps or point-and-show methods if wanted as most workers are well mannered and can do their greatest to assist.

Related Tokyo Shopping Guides