Must-see shopping in Japan

Tokiwa Department Store

Beppu

This popular shopping centre at the crossroads of downtown Beppu offers a Muji branch, a decent basement food floor and, should you need it, a Starbucks.

Condomania

Harajuku & Aoyama

Tucked away on a Harajuku backstreet, with a much larger selection of condoms than you'll find in the drugstore – plus cheeky gifts.

Ekimachi I-chōme

Beppu

For last-minute purchases before you catch your train, the shopping arcade inside Beppu Station offers souvenirs, crafts and snacks.

Daimaru Department Store

Kōbe

Large department store at the western edge of Kyū-Kyoryuchi‎ (the former foreigners' settlement).

Kinokuniya

Osaka

Inside Hankyū Umeda Station, this shop stocks a decent selection of foreign books and magazines.

Parco Department Store

Kumamoto

A popular department store near the intersection of the Kamitōri and Shimotōri Arcades.

Pokemon Centre

Osaka

Pokemon-branded goods inside Daimaru Umeda.

Hanshin Department Store

Osaka

The most down-to-earth department store in the Osaka Station area.

Otsu Furniture

Ebisu, Meguro & Around

Early-20th-century Japanese antiques, refinished in-house.