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From cutting edge electronics to colorful anime goods, traditional crafts, trendy fashion and branded goods, Tokyo has a shop for practically anything one could ever want to buy - although not necessarily in your desired price range.

Tokyo's varied sightseeing districts double as shopping districts, many of them with their own character and specialties. The following is a general rundown of what to expect on the shopping scene of each district so you can familiarize and prepare yourself for a shopping spree in the big city.

Shinjuku - One of Tokyo's largest shopping and entertainment districts

Centered around Shinjuku Station, a major transportation hub and the busiest train station in the world, this district is home to half a dozen major department stores, including several flagship stores; as well as outlets of Japan's largest electronics retailers combined with a host of other shops and boutiques along its streets and underground shopping arcades.

Shibuya - Center of youth fashion

Shibuya is another large shopping district that is the birthplace of many of Japan's youth fashion trends. It is home to some well known, trend setting clothing stores such as Shibuya 109, as well as dozens of small fashion stores along its streets. Small boutiques, including high fashion and designer brands, continue to be found through to Aoyama and Daikanyama where the atmosphere is more subdued compared to the electric brightness of Shibuya.

Harajuku - High fashion vs youth trends and counter culture

Harajuku has a split personality with two parallel shopping streets that cater to very different shoppers. Omotesando, known as Tokyo's Champs-Elysees, is a tree-lined avenue with upscale boutiques, cafes and several leading designer brand shops. Takeshita Dori, on the other hand, is a center of youth fashion and counter culture found along a narrow street crammed with shops and cafes targeting the younger, teenage crowd.

Ginza - Tokyo's premier upmarket shopping district

Ginza features high-end department stores, boutiques and designer brand stores. Nearly every leading Japanese and international fashion brand has a presence here, as well as major electronics brands such as Sony and Apple. The shopping extends into the nearby Yurakucho area with more department stores, boutiques and electronic retailers.

Nihonbashi - Historic merchant district featuring traditional goods and local foods

The Nihonbashi district served the capital as one of the leading centers of trade and commerce during the Edo Period. It is the site of the flagship branch of Mitsukoshi, Japan's first department store and many smaller shops with centuries-long histories. Thanks to tasteful, recent redevelopment that built on the district's history, Nihonbashi will delight shoppers with an interest in traditional products and regional foods.

Marunouchi - Upscale shopping next to Tokyo Station

The Marunouchi district on the west side of Tokyo Station is a business district where many of largest companies have their headquarters. The lower floors of many of the office buildings along the central Nakadori avenue contain cafes, restaurants and an abundance of shops. Additional department stores and an underground mall can be found at nearby Tokyo Station.

Ikebukuro - Large department stores and electronics chains

Ikebukuro is another large shopping district centered around Ikebukuro Station, one of Japan's busiest train stations. Ikebukuro is a battleground between large department store groups including Sunshine City, Tokyo's first city within a city. Ikebukuro also competes with Akihabara as an electronics center with the presence of big electronics retailers.

Odaiba - Shopping malls on a man-made island

Odaiba is a popular shopping and entertainment district built on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. The island is a trendy date spot, and its Aquacity, Decks and Diver City shopping malls cater to this crowd by mixing shopping with entertainment.

Tokyo Solamachi - Shopping at the base of the Tokyo Skytree

Opened in 2012 at the base of the Tokyo Skytree, the Tokyo Solamachi is an exciting shopping and entertainment complex with over 300 shops and restaurants, including shops related to local Tokyo specialties and many unique souvenir shops.

Roppongi - Upscale shopping in the middle of the city

The Roppongi district had a facelift with the opening of the Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown complexes which brought in hundreds of new upscale shopping and dining choices. Most shops specialize in fashion, accessories, household goods and interior design.

Sugamo - The Old Ladies' Harajuku

The shops along Sugamo's popular 800 meter long Jizo Dori shopping street cater to an elderly clientele. The street is named after a beloved statue of the Jizo Bodhisattva that stands on the grounds of the local temple and is believed to have healing powers. The district is particularly lively on the 4th, 14th and 24th of every month when the temple holds a small festival.

In addition to the major shopping districts that carry a little of everything, Tokyo has several specialized shopping districts that focus on just one type of product such as electronics, books or Buddhist altars:

Akihabara - Electronics mecca and center of Otaku culture

Akihabara is home to many electronics retailers such as Yodobashi Camera, Yamada Denki, Laox and Sofmap as well as hundreds of small discount electronics shops that are jammed along the district's streets and back alleys. Akihabara is also the center of Japan's burgeoning otaku culture with dozens of shops devoted to anime, manga, collectibles and games.

Kappabashi - Restaurant supply and everything related to cooking (except food)

Kappabashi is a specialty district that caters to restaurants. Found around Tawaramachi Station on the Ginza Subway line, not far from Asakusa, the district's shops sell everything a restaurant needs (except for fresh food) including cookware, ceramic, earthenware, knives, furniture, and even the plastic and wax food samples found in restaurant displays.

Other specialized shopping districts found around Tokyo include Jimbocho, located north of the Imperial Palace, which is known for a high concentration of book publishers and book stores; and Ochanomizu (one stop from Akihabara Station on the JR Sobu Line) which is a haven for shoppers looking for musical instruments and sports equipment.

Popular souvenir items such as yukata, kokeshi dolls and woodblock prints may be difficult to find in shopping areas geared toward Japanese shoppers, although large department stores usually carry a variety of traditional Japanese goods, typically at high quality and price levels.

More variety and lower prices are offered by souvenir shops found in districts popular among foreign tourists, such as Asakusa, Akihabara and the Tokyo Skytree. Nakamise Dori, the shopping street along the approach to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa offers a particularly wide selection of souvenirs. Another favorite among tourists is the Oriental Bazaar in Harajuku.

Finally, 100 yen shops sell lots of everyday items that make popular souvenirs such as chopsticks, sake cups, stationery, home decorations and other items, at an affordable 100 yen per item (plus consumption tax). 100 yen shops can be found all over Tokyo.

Those interested in food markets should head to the Tsukiji Outer Market which continues to sell fresh seafood and produce in the lively stalls that pack the district's narrow lanes despite the fact that the adjacent wholesale market closed in 2018.

Flea markets specializing in second hand goods are also held throughout Tokyo at some temples, shrines and other public venues. They are usually held on Sundays, either every week or every other week, and usually have vendors selling second hand goods such as clothes, tools and antiques.

Getting there and around

Hotels around Tokyo

    • SAKE Bar Hotel Asakusa
      A boutique hotel with free-flowing Japanese sake, two-minutes from Asakusa Station. Savor our original sake while relaxing with an open-air footbath.
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    • Mokkoan
      Budget-friendly
      Featuring free WiFi and a hot tub, Mokkoan offers accommodation in Kita Ward, Tokyo. Private parking is available on site. Every room comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Certain units have a seating area where you can relax. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. You will find a shared kitchen at the property. The guest house also offers free use of bicycles. Yokohama is 37 km from Mokkoan, while Chiba is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 24 km from Mokkoan.
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    • TOE LIBRARY Tokyo Asakusa
      Mid-range
      Located in the Taito district in Tokyo, TOE LIBRARY Tokyo Asakusa offers 3-star rooms with free WiFi. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 500 metres from Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine, 200 metres from Sanyabori Park and 300 metres from Imado Shrine. The apartment features family rooms. The apartment complex will provide guests with air-conditioned units with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Some units include a terrace and/or a balcony with garden views. At the apartment complex, all units are equipped with bed linen and towels. A bicycle rental service is available at the apartment. Popular points of interest near TOE LIBRARY Tokyo Asakusa include Honryuin Matsuchiyama Shoden, Great Tokyo Air Raid Memorial Monument and Honryuji Temple. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 23 km from the accommodation.
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    • HISAYO'S INN
      Budget-friendly
      Set in the Ota Ward district in Tokyo, 5 km from Tokyo International Airport Terminal No2 Observation Deck, HISAYO'S INN features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. Each room has air conditioning and a safety deposit box. A shared kitchen comes with a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, toaster and electric kettle. Bathrooms are shared and include free toiletries, towels, hairdryer, mouthwash and toothpaste. You will find a washing machine, tumble dryer and electrical adapter. Guests can try Japanese traditional haori jacket and have their photos taken free of charge. Rental bikes are available, and the staff can assist guests try on a yukata robe for female at a fee. Free luggage storage service is offered. Bike hire is available at this guest house and the area is popular for cycling. Oedo Onsen Monogatari is 8 km from HISAYO'S INN, while Fuji TV Odaiba is 9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 3 km from HISAYO'S INN.
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    • 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe
      Budget-friendly
      Conveniently set in the Edogawa district of Tokyo, 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe is situated 1.3 km from Furukawa Shinsui Park, 1.5 km from Gyosen Park and 1.6 km from Ukita Park. The 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 700 metres from Subway Museum. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with a fridge. Shin Nagashima River Shinsui Park is 1.7 km from 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe, while Former House of Udagawa Family is 2.6 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from the accommodation.
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    • Sato-san's Rest
      Budget-friendly
      Open from October 2015, Sato-san's Rest offers accommodation in a shopping arcade in Tokyo's traditional downtown area. It features free WiFi and bicycle rental at an additional charge. Ueno can be reached with a 5-minute train ride while Akihabara is a 10-minute train ride away The property is a 8-minute walk from Hibiya Line Minowa Station exit 3, and a 30-second walk away from Toden Arakawa Line Arakawa-itchumae Station. Minowa Station provides better access to the city centre. . Yokohama is 35 km from Sato-san's Rest, while Chiba is 33 km from the property. Haneda Airport is 20 km away. All rooms come with free tea bags. Bathroom facilities are shared. There is luggage storage space at the property. The shower booths are available 24 hours and comes with free toiletries. Guests can enjoy local Japanese dishes at the nearby restaurants or buy some groceries at the shops in the arcade.
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    • Kaminarimon Ryokan
      Luxury
      Kaminarimon Ryokan offers accommodation with free WiFi. The rooms are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen TV, fridge and Nespresso coffee machine. An electric kettle, a green tea set and free toiletries are provided. The hotel offers laundry service for an additional fee. Kaminarimon Ryokan is a 2-minute walk to the Asakusa Metro Station. From there, destinations like Akihabara, Ginza and Ueno are a 15-minute subway ride away. There are many dining options and convenience stores within a few minutes' walk from the hotel.
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    • The Okura Tokyo
      Luxury
      Composed of 2 buildings, The Okura Tokyo boasts a garden and bar. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The accommodation features a concierge, ticket service and currency exchange for guests. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, kettle and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All guest rooms have a private bathroom with a bath, hairdryer, bidet and free toiletries. Located on 28-40 floors, Prestige Tower offers rooms with cityscape views. Guests booking room type with Club Lounge Access in Heritage Wing can enjoy Club Lounge. Spacious rooms in Heritage Wing include complimentary welcome drink, steam sauna and spa bath. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near The Okura Tokyo include Iino Hall and Conference Centre, National Diet Building and Space FS Shiodome. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International, 22 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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    • ulu Tokyo
      Luxury
      Attractively located in the Koto Ward district of Tokyo, ulu Tokyo is situated 700 metres from Monument of Electric Experiment at Hiraga Gennai, 500 metres from Shibusawa Eiichi Taku Monument and 700 metres from Site of Mutsu Munemitsu Residence. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a concierge service and luggage storage space. Some rooms at the property have a balcony with a city view. Some rooms include a kitchen with a fridge and a microwave. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Shinkawa Historic Place Monument, Masago Monument and Bank of Japan Origin Place Monument. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 17 km from ulu Tokyo.
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    • Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
      Luxury
      Boasting chic decor with touches of Japanese traditional aethetics, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. 7 dining options are featured, and free parking is available on site. JR Meguro Station is 6 minutes on foot and Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a 12-minute stroll. Free WiFi is provided throughout. All spacious rooms rooms include a satellite TV with cable channels, minibar, a coffee machine and handy smartphone. An en suite bathroom is fitted with a spa bath, free toiletries and hairdryer. For your comfort, some rooms include a sauna. Guests can unwind in a Japanese-style garden or at a library on site The front desk is open for 24 hours a day, and there are a pastry shop and gift shop at the property. Massage services and room services can be arranged. Shunyuki serves signature Chinese delicacies, while Tofutei offers an authentic Japanese kaiseki multi-course meal. Teppanyaki Japanese wagyu beed, American-style grilled dishes and Italian cuisine can be sampled on site. Live piano performance can also be enjoyed at an on-site cafe lounge in the day time. JR Shibuya Station is a 5-minute train ride, while JR Shinagawa Station is 8 minutes by train from Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 10 km away.
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    • ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA
      Budget-friendly
      Ideally situated in the centre of Tokyo, ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA is within 400 metres of Origami Kaikan and 500 metres of TKP Garden City Premium Akihabara. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 500 metres from Koobu Inari Shrine, 300 metres from EDO Culture Complex and 500 metres from Ochanomizu Park. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA the rooms include bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kamezumiinari Shrine, Yushima Goryo Shrine and Yushima Seido. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA.
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Experiences around Tokyo

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