Osaka
Flake is Osaka's most in-the-know music shop, selling new and used, Japanese and imported, CDs and vinyl. The owner speaks some English; ask him for his…
Must-see shopping in Japan
Ueno & Yanesen
On the campus of Tokyo's top arts university this gallery-like space sells works in a range of media by the institute's staff, graduates and current…
Ginza & Tsukiji
At this subterranean market of antique and retro goods, you can pick up anything from old lacquerware and pottery to beautifully embroidered obi (the…
Asakusa & Sumida River
Even in a neighbourhood where old is not out of place, Yonoya Kushiho stands out: this little shop has been selling handmade boxwood combs since 1717…
Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa
Yes, Tower lives – in Japan at least! This eight-storey temple of music has a deep collection of Japanese and world music. Even if you're not into buying,…
Northwest Kyoto
This sprawling flea market marks the birthday (and the death) of the Heian-era statesman Sugawara Michizane (845–903). It’s pleasant to explore the shrine…
Asakusa & Sumida River
Soi offers a well-edited selection of ceramics and glassware, new and vintage, plus some really cute tenugui (hand-dyed thin cotton towels) to wrap them…
Harajuku & Aoyama
Tucked away on an Ura-Hara backstreet, this bubblegum-pink store sells acid-bright accessories that are part raver, part schoolgirl and, according to the…
Tokyo
Kōenji's Kita-Colle Building is a dilapidated shack of a structure housing a handful of seriously outré boutiques (Lady Gaga was an early fan), of which…
Kyoto Station & South Kyoto
Stop by this tiny tucked-away store to covet the beautiful tin, copper and brass chazutsu (tea canisters) handcrafted by a family of artisans for over 130…
Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo
Fluorescent-lit bargain castle 'Donki' is filled to the brink with weird loot. Chaotic piles of electronics and designer goods sit alongside sex toys,…
Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa
This tiny shop is a convincing example of less is more, featuring minimalist, handcrafted homewares, clothing and accessories, pop-up displays from local…
Ginza & Tsukiji
Tokyo Gallery, opened in 1950 and the city's first commercial space to focus on contemporary works, has collaborated with the Beijing–Tokyo Art Project …
Osaka
Graf is a sleek furniture and design studio close to the National Museum of Art. Pick up some lovely homewares by Japanese and international designers; it…
Kamakura
Specialises in sembei (rice crackers). Watch staff grilling them in the window or buy some 50 packaged varieties, including curry, wasabi, garlic,…
Kyūshū
Across from a park, this place sells local wood crafts, clay haniwa (earthenware totems), lacquer and glassware, a small collection of traditional masks…
Asakusa & Sumida River
Fujiya specialises in tenugui: dyed cloths of thin cotton that can be used as tea towels, handkerchiefs, gift wrapping (the list goes on – they're…
Kanazawa & the Hokuriku Coast
In the former Suzu train station (and attached to the current Suzu bus station), this shop sells well-priced crafts and products from around the Noto…
Aomori Prefecture
Find beautiful examples of boldly coloured tsugaru-nuri (lacquerware from the Tsugaru region) at this elegant store. Even if you're not looking to buy …
Tokyo
This high-end department store on the eastern Yaesu side of Tokyo Station is a good place to look for gifts or a fancy bentō (boxed meal) before hopping…
Western Honshū
Okayama's ultra-modern mall has seven floors to keep shoppers happy, with local fashion brands and international chain favourites such as Zara and H&M…
Kyoto Station & South Kyoto
Isetan is an elegant department store located inside the Kyoto Station building, making it perfect for a last-minute spot of shopping before hopping on…
Kyoto Station & South Kyoto
A haven for the olfactory sense, this shop has sold incense and aromatic woods (for burning, similar to incense) for four centuries. This is a great place…
Kōrakuen & Akihabara
In business since 1939, this shop stocks an incredible selection of art and photography books, posters and prints with some very famous Japanese and…
Ginza & Tsukiji
Shelf after shelf of ohashi (chopsticks) in wood, lacquer and even gold leaf line the walls of this intimate shop, alongside plenty of hashi-oki …
Harajuku & Aoyama
Once a month Tokyo's hipster flea market comes to the Farmer's Market @UNU, bringing with it a DJ booth, live painting, young designers hoping for a break…
Asakusa & Sumida River
Since 1856, Kurodaya has been specialising in washi (traditional Japanese paper) and products made from paper, such as cards, kites and papier-mâché folk…
Kyoto Station & South Kyoto
This monthly market is held at Tō-ji to commemorate the death of Kōbō Daishi, who in 823 was appointed abbot of the temple. If you’re after used kimonos,…
Ginza & Tsukiji
This layer cake of a ‘toy park’ is crammed with character toys, the hottest squawking video games, seas of colourful plastic, the softest plush toys ever…
Nagasaki
Among the new restaurants sits this stalwart, in business since 1624, and a must for history buffs and those with a taste for Japanese sweets…
Fukuoka
This elegant shop offers obi, kimonos and accessories from business-card holders to handbags in the distinctive Hakata-ori style. None of it is cheap …
Ginza & Tsukiji
Exhibits at this long-established commercial gallery include works from serious heavy hitters from Japan and abroad, such as Sugimoto Hiroshi and Marlene…
Good Design Store Tokyo by Nohara
Tokyo
A selection of highly covetable products (both domestic and international) that have won Japan's prestigious Good Design Award. Could be anything: the…
Asakusa & Sumida River
Stationery lovers flock from far and wide to this shop that allows you to custom build your own notebooks (from around ¥1000), choosing the paper, covers,…
Iwate Prefecture
Morioka is known for its nanbu tekki (cast ironware), notably tea kettles. There are some beautiful examples at this venerable shop, along with more…
Asakusa & Sumida River
This eccentric curio shop, with a turn of the last century atmosphere, is full of vintage dresses and kimonos, antique lamps and decorative objets. It's…
Osaka
This cult-fave Osaka bookstore prides itself on not stocking any bestsellers. Instead, it's stocked with small-press finds, art books, indie comics and…
Downtown Kyoto
Mina has branches of two of Japan’s most popular chains: Uniqlo, a budget clothing brand that has spread overseas, and Loft, a fashionable department…
Downtown Kyoto
Named after an album by Frank Zappa, Joe's Garage has a music selection as genre-spanning as the musician himself, with jazz and rock to obscure Japanese…
Harajuku & Aoyama
Laforet has been a beacon of Harajuku fashion for decades, where young brands cut their teeth and established ones hold court. Check out the avant-garde…
