As the capital and largest city of Japan, Tokyo is know worldwide for its unique fusion of cultures, stunning modern sights and colorful shopping paradise. In Tokyo, visitors can enjoy the perfect fusion of modernity and tradition, where towering skyscrapers coexist with ancient temples and shrines. As an international city, Tokyo’s food culture is also impressive, from traditional Japanese cuisine to international cuisine, visitors can conveniently get what they want whey they go shopping. In addition, with its convenient transportation system, tourists can easily travel through all shopping areas in Tokyo.
What are the best places to go shopping in Tokyo?
From cutting edge electronics to traditional crafts, from colorful anime goods to trendy fashion and branded goods, Tokyo always has something for you. Many shopping districts have their own character and specialties. The following is a general shopping guide of each district so you can familiarize and prepare yourself for a shopping spree in the big city.
1. Fashion shopping areas
Harajuku
You can find all the latest avant-garde trends and styles here. It is featured two adjacent shopping streets that cater to very different shoppers.Omotesando, often referred to as Tokyo's equivalent of Champs-Elysees, is a tree-lined avenue with high-end boutiques, cafes, and leading designer brand shops. In contrast, Takeshita Dori represents youthful fashion and counterculture, situated along a narrow lane.
Shibuya
Famous for its dizzyingly busy scramble crossing and its shopping centers, Shibuya is the center and the birthplace of youth fashion. Within its borders, people can find renowned and pioneering apparel retailers like Shibuya 109.
Shinjuku
As one of Tokyo's largest shopping and entertainment districts, Shinjuku is home to half a dozen major department stores. Located in the heart of Tokyo, Shinjuku offers a dynamic blend of modernity and traditional charm. With a range of shopping complexes and department stores, it becomes one of the major commercial and administrative centers in Tokyo.
Odaiba
It is a modern and futuristic artificial island offering a unique blend of entertainment, shopping, and attractions. Odaiba is known for its expansive shopping malls, including Aqua City, DECKS Tokyo Beach, and DiverCity Tokyo Plaza.
2. High-end department store
Ginza is the representative of luxury high-end shopping, with world-class boutiques, fashion brands and department stores such as Ginza Six, Matsuzakaya and Isetan. It's a vibrant neighborhood where modernity meets elegance, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences.
3. Electronics
Ikebukuro
With its numerous electronics stores and shopping complexes, Ikebukuro is a haven for tech enthusiasts and gadget lovers. From the newest smartphone, gaming console to home appliances, Ikebukuro offers comprehensive shopping experience that reflects Tokyo's tech-forward culture.
Akihabara
It 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. It is also a vibrant district that has gained global fame as a hub for anime and manga enthusiasts.
4. Antiques, art and souvenirs
Roppongi
It is home to art galleries, luxury shopping centers, and international embassies.While at night, it becomes an international nightlife hotspot, with numerous bars, night clubs and entertainment venues.
Asakusa
It is a hopping district in Tokyo where you will find a treasure trove of Japanese goodies that make the perfect souvenirs. Nakamise Street is a historic street leading up to Senso-ji Temple. There are a lot of shops selling traditional Japanese souvenirs, crafts, and snacks.
Ueno
Ameya-Yokocho Market in Ueno district is a traditional open-air market, which offers affordable clothing, shoes, accessories, and some unique souvenir items. There are various cookware shops on the connects of Ueno and Asakusa.
Skytree
The flea markets around Sky Tree are great places to shop for second-hand goods, handicrafts and antiques. There are Tokyo Solamachi Flea Market, Sumida Aquarium Flea Market, Skytree Town Flea Market, Sumida Triphony Hall Flea Market, etc. It's a great opportunity to experience a lively market atmosphere while taking in the impressive view of Tokyo Skytree.
Nihonbashi
As a historic and culturally rich district, Nihonbashi is often considered the "center of Japan" and has been a vital hub for trade and commerce since the Edo period. It is known for preserving traditional Japanese crafts and arts. It hosts various art galleries, theaters, and cultural events.
From the booking to payment of our tour Ms Linda was very accomodating. She assisted us all the way and was very prompt to answer all queries. And when we had the tour, our tour guide and driver was very punctual and helpful to our group of 13 pax. We will definitely recommend it to others that need the same service that we have.
Josette Ariel Hermenegildo January 6 ★★★★★
We had a great 10 day vacation in Japan( from Osaka to Tokyo). With Celine and Diper tour’s assistance, everything went well. From Universal & Disneyland tickets to tourist spots & attraction, we really had no hassle and enjoy every place that we visited. Thank you very much Celine, very prompt to reply our emails and suggested what’s best for our tour. Special mention to Ian our tour guide driver in Tokyo who really speaks english well that also gave us some tips and backgrounds on places. All in all we had fun and had a great time. Again, thank you Celine so much and thanks to Diper tour that made our trip to Japan a memorable one.
CS Siew December 16 ★★★★★
DT offers a flexible and a convenient way for us to only go to places we want to go. Being a private tour, it allows us to customise and as such, see more places than conventional tours. We had a fuss free and enjoyable time in Japan, thanks to Abby and her ground crew.
Our driver, Cavin was excellent throughout, very considerate and careful. He even went to the extent to make sure my wife only bought local Japanese biscuits n delicacies from local (cheaper n more variety) shops rather than from touristy shops. We travelled in comfortable and clean Toyota Alphard throughout our journey. They can get closer to certain sites which are surrounded by narrow roads or alleys.
Abby was very patient and accommodating with our requests and changes. She ensures our entire journey went like clockwork.
No hesitation in recommending Diper Tours. Thanks Abby
