It doesn't matter whether you're a shopaholic or not because when you visit Tokyo, there's bound to be something that you'll want to bring home! From beauty products to novelty items (yes, Tokyo is the place for novelty souvenirs), trust us when we say that this shopping guide has something for everyone!
*featured image credit to Tokyo Fashion
P.S. Don't forget to download the HHWT Travel Planner app, available on Google Play for Android and iTunes Store for iOS, to make your trip to Tokyo even easier! You can find attractions as well as halal food and prayer spaces near these attractions, so no worries on not being able to find halal food anymore!
Novelty Items
Japan has always managed to leave us flabbergasted and in awe with their creative innovations and when you're in nippon land, you'll definitely have to check out some of them for yourself!
1. Don Quijote
What to expect: Ah, Don Quijote, commonly known to locals and frequent travellers to Japan as Donki. All those quirky Japanese inventions you’ve seen on your newsfeed probably came from Don Quijote. We’re talking cat ears that waggle when you’re happy, Michael Jackson masks that come in both black and white and marijuana-scented air fresheners. But of course, if you're looking for discounted household products, electronics, makeup, etc, Donki is your go-to place as well. It is a discount store after all! Plus it's an awesome place to get cheap yet unique gifts for friends. Even if you're not exactly looking to buy anything, Donki can pretty much be considered as an attraction on it's own.
Credit: dannychoo
Opening hours: 1000 - 0500
Address: 4-3-3 Sotokanda Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Akihabara outlet). Other outlets can be found here.
How to get there: From the Electric Town Exit at Akihabara, go straight then turn left at the traffic light and keep going. Turn right at the next traffic light you encounter and go straight. You’ll see Don Quijote to your left.
Website: http://www.donki.com/en (English)
2. Tokyu Hands
What to expect: When we say you can get close to everything in Tokyu Hands, we're really not exaggerating. It's a huge lifestyle mega-store selling all sorts of merchandise including leather goods, packaged food, cookware and cutlery, bento boxes, stationery (see arts and crafts below), polaroid cameras, bicycles and MORE.
#HHWT Tip: There are a number of Tokyu Hands around Tokyo, but we recommend visiting either the Shinjuku outlet or the Shibuya (their very first outlet) store as these two outlets seem to have the largest variety. The outlet at Ikebukuro is also listed as a 'large store'.
Opening hours: 1000 - 2100
Address: Times Square Building 2-8F, 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Other stores here.
How to get there:: Alight at JR Shinjuku Station and take the New South Exit. Walk towards Takashimaya, Tokyu Hands is in the building.
3. Loft
Credit: rjch
What to expect: Loft is another lifestyle mega-store selling everything under the sun. If you don't have much time in Tokyo, we recommend just heading to either Tokyu Hands or Loft as their offerings are pretty similar. Loft's branding however, is definitely targeted more at the younger crowd but if you ask us? We always make time to visit both Tokyu Hands and Loft ?
Credit: iemo.jp
#HHWT Tip: If you're already visiting Tokyu Hands in Shibuya, then head over to Loft as there's an outlet in the same area! Alternatively, you can head to the outlet in Ginza as the Muji flagship store is nearby as well.
Opening hours: 1000 - 2100
Address: 21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0042. Other stores here.
How to get there: Take the Hachiko Exit from JR Shibuya station and cross at the main crossing (Starbucks is ahead). Turn left and Loft is in the lane between the Seibu stores A and B.
Japanese Souvenirs
Because what's a trip to Japan without some quintessential Japanese souvenirs right? (Or maybe some photos of said souvenirs)
1. Oriental Bazaar
Credit: flickr - wallyg
What to expect: 3 floors of very reasonably priced traditional Japanese souvenirs! The Oriental Bazaar first opened in 1934 so you can be sure that it's as authentic as you can get. You'll find kimonos, yukatas, t-shirts and books on the basement, Japanese chinaware, stationery and misc goods on the first floor and decorative items on the second floor. While you in the area, don't forget to explore Harajuku and Omotesando!
Credit: orientalbazaar
Opening hours: 1000 – 1900 (closed on Thurs)
Address: 9-13 5-chome Jingumae Shibuya-ku Tokyo 150-0001
How to get there: Alight at Omotesando Station and take the Omotesando Exit. Walk straight for around 5 minutes and you’ll find Oriental Bazaar to your left. From Meiji-jingumae Station, take Exit 4. U-turn when you come out of the station and walk straight. about 3 mins walk.Oriental Bazaar will be to your right.
Website: http://www.orientalbazaar.co.jp/en/index.html (English)
2. Nakamise Shopping Arcade
What to expect: With around 90 shops spanning a 250m lane, selling all sorts of souvenirs, trinkets and even snacks, it's pretty hard to miss Nakamise Dori or Nakamise Shopping Street. Even though it's always bustling, the crowded atmosphere just adds to the fun of souvenir hunting. Expect to find traditional items such as Japanese chopsticks (you can even engrave your name on them), yukata, geta, wooden combs, fabrics and more. End your souvenir shopping trip by visiting the famous and oldest temple in Tokyo - Senso-ji at the end of the street! Still not convinced? Did we mention that there're not one, but TWO eateries selling halal ramen in the are?
What to expect: A paradise for stationery lovers – if you love your washi paper (traditional Japanese paper), pens and all things related to crafts, we have found the place to be. Think Willy Wonka but a pen factory instead. The only downside is that it's a little on the pricey end, so you may want to do your browsing here and perhaps purchase it at Tokyu Hands instead.
Credit: tabroom
Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 1000 - 2100
Address: Yubinbango104-0061, 2-7-15 Ginza, Chuo 104-0061, Tokyo
How to get there: Take the Hibiya, Marunouchi or Ginza Subway Lines to Ginza Station. Take exit A13 and walk straight. Turn right at the traffic light then left at the first street. Walk down the street and Ito-ya will be at the right side.
More info: Check out the full floor guide
2. Tokyu Hands and Loft
What to expect: Yes, Tokyu Hands and Loft make another appearance in the arts and crafts section even though we've covered it earlier under novelty items, because we just can't talk about stationery and crafts without mentioning these two stores!
While Ito-ya is like the luxury store for stationery, Tokyu Hands and Loft are where you can get your daily supply of craft materials and stationery. The prices are definitely lower in these two outlets so we'll definitely recommend purchasing your stationery here.
Luxury
Ah, luxury goods. We hear our wallets crying for mercy.
1. Chuo Dori, Ginza
What to expect: Ginza is synonymous with luxury shopping and Chuo Dori is the main upmarket shopping district in Tokyo. The streets are lined with high-end stores such Chanel, Burberry, Prada and even the famous French departmental store - Printemps, alongside well-established Japanese labels! If you're shopping for jewelry, Mikimoto is a must visit. Don't forget to check out Maison Hermes (departmental store) as there are merchandise exclusive to Japan only!
Credit: japan-guide
#HHWT Tip: We recommend heading there during the weekends to experience Hokosha Tengoku (or Pedestrian's Paradise) when roads are closed off from vehicles (1200 to 1700) to make it more comfortable for shoppers to move about!
Opening hours: Dependant on the various shops and malls
Address: Chuo Dori, Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo
How to get there: Take the Hibiya, Marunouchi or Ginza Subway Lines to Ginza Station (Exit A13 to Chuo Dori & Mikimoto, Exit B6 to Maison Hermes).
2. Omotesando, Harajuku
What to expect: As if there're not enough reasons for you to visit Omotesando already! This tree lined street is sometimes referred to as ‘Tokyo’s Champs-Elysees, for a very good reason. Filled with a multitude of fashion flagship stores and luxury boutiques, if you're hunting down that exclusive branded product, you have to visit Omotesando. Check out our guide to Harajuku to find out more on this trendy, upscale area and what to do/eat in the area!
Opening hours: Various
Address: 4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
How to get there: Take the Chiyoda, Ginza or Hanzomon Subway Lines to Omotesando Station (Exit A1/ A2).
If you think that's all to our ultimate shopping guide, then you're definitely wrong. There's just so much more to Japan that we simply can't cover in an article!