Shopping in Tokyo
-
A
Okura
Japanese indigo is perhaps tops in the world, and this atmospheric shop of salvaged hardwood is a great place to find indigo-dyed organic T-shirts, shirts and jeans (many rather pricey). Note: there’s no sign out the front, but look for the traditional building facing the perpendicular street.
reviewed
-
B
Sunshine City
Billed as a 'city in a building', Sunshine City is another sprawling shopping centre where, for a small fee, you can get catapulted in a speeding elevator to the 60th-floor observatory to peer out across the Tokyo skyline. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji beyond the haze.
reviewed
-
C
Natural House
Natural House serves the ecoconscious trendsters around Aoyama, meeting a growing demand for wholefood and organic produce. Along with bricks of rye loaves and pricey but nutritious bentō (boxed lunch), Natural House also peddles natural beauty products and health supplements.
reviewed
-
D
Takumi
Takumi has been around for more than 60 years and has acquired an elegant selection of toys, textiles, ceramics and other traditional folk crafts from around Japan. Ever thoughtful, the shop also encloses information detailing the origin and background of the pieces if you make a purchase.
reviewed
-
E
Koromon
In the back of a shopping building, this little store both blends and tweaks Japanese and Western sensibilities. Look for jeans masterfully painted with designs that you might be more used to seeing on kimono or scroll paintings, and kimono fabric used in ways you might never have dreamed.
reviewed
-
F
Parco
Parco, divided into several stores located in the middle of Shibuya, carries contemporary designs for a very young crowd. In Parco I, you’ll find a good magazine and bookstore on the 7th floor and edgy shops on floors three to six. There’s another Parco in Ikebukuro.
reviewed
-
G
Disk Union
The stairwell at Disk Union is papered with posters of old glam and punk bands. The place is known by local audiophiles as Tokyo’s best-used CD and vinyl store. Six storeys carry a variety of musical styles. There’s a shop in the Jimbōchō area as well.
reviewed
-
H
Yohji Yamamoto
Wander down Omote-Sandō to check out Yohji Yamamoto’s bold, timeless designs. Though there’s no sign on it, his flagship store is recognisable by its distinctive bronze facade, which you’ll want to get past for a look at the experimental interior.
reviewed
-
I
Fuji-Torii
For more than half a century, this discriminating antique dealer has specialised in providing authentic lacquerware, ceramics, scrolls and ukiyo-e (wood-block prints) to interested buyers. Authenticity is guaranteed and there is also helpful English-speaking staff.
reviewed
-
J
Aoyama Book Center
The beautifully remodelled Roppongi-dōri branch of Aoyama Book Center is a prime spot for night owls, with a great international selection of reads and a carefully chosen collection of foreign art books. There's another branch nearby in the Roppongi Hills West Walk.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Odakyū
The 16-floor behemoth of a department store that sits atop Shinjuku Station, Odakyū contains several restaurant floors, high-end boutiques and low-budget accessories shops, as well as just about anything you'd need to live inside the station for the next ten years.
reviewed
-
L
Yamaya
Yamaya’s shelves are stuffed primarily with European wines, though there’s also a representative selection of American and Australian wines as well. Most branches are discount retailers and offer some imported packaged foods in addition to wine and liquor.
reviewed
-
M
Restore
This small but selective secondhand shop along Komazawa-dōri is stocked with middleweight vintage as well as last-year's look. APC and Yohji Yamamoto rub shoulders on the hangers here, and they carry both men's and women's garb. Recycle and refresh your wardrobe.
reviewed
-
N
Marui Young
You can't swing a coat hanger in Shinjuku without hitting a Marui (look for the Marui logo: OIOI), as there's a passel of its speciality branches here. Marui Young is the place to start if you want to buy Goth-Lolita garb with the local whitest-shade-of-pale girls.
reviewed
-
Maruzen Bookshop- Nihombashi
Established in 1869, this is Japan's oldest Western bookshop (recently rebuilt) and has one of the best selections of English-language books in Tokyo. Its founder is said to have invented Japanese curried rice - there's a restaurant serving the dish here.
reviewed
-
O
Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten
If it’s festival products you’re after, Miyamoto is one-stop shopping, from mikoshi (portable shrines) to drums, clappers and festival masks. It’s on the ground floor of the building and downstairs from the drum museum.
reviewed
-
P
Haibara
Even Haibara's business cards are made from exquisite paper. Find gorgeous, high-quality washi and tiny treasures such as wallets, hand mirrors and mobile phone accessories made from printed paper in this jewellery box of a paper shop.
reviewed
-
Q
Ohya Shobō
You could lose yourself for hours in this splendid, musty old bookshop specialising in ukiyo-e ('floating world' prints) and ancient maps. The friendly staff can help you find whatever particular piece of antiquated trivia your heart desires.
reviewed
-
R
Chicago Thrift Store
Stuffed to the rafters with funky hats, ties and coats, Chicago is a treasure trove of vintage clothing and used duds stacked high and priced low. Of special note is the extensive collection of used kimono and yukata in the basement.
reviewed
-
S
Sekaidō
To the east of Shinjuku Station, Sekaidō, whose entrance is marked by a banner depicting the Mona Lisa, sells a broad array of art supplies such as pens, brushes and easels, as well as fine paper and a vast selection of manga.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
T
Yodobashi Camera
Yodobashi is Tokyo's largest and most highly regarded camera emporium, but also carries loads of computers and other electronics. Its prices are very competitive and tourists are waived Japanese consumption tax if a valid passport is shown.
reviewed
-
Ōedo Antique Market
Some 250 licensed dealers populate Japan’s largest outdoor antique market, in the courtyard of the Tokyo International Forum, with goods from furniture to pottery, sword guards to figurines. Phone ahead in case of inclement weather.
reviewed
-
Iroha-Dō
If you’re on a mission to find the youth-oriented, the kawaii and the oshare (fashionable) in Shimo-Kita, this is a great place to start. Update your look with just the right hat, eyeglasses, belt or bag.
reviewed
-
U
Tsutsumu Factory
It's the wrapping-paper centre of the packaging-excess capital: Tsutsumu, which translates into 'wrapping', carries hundreds of kinds of gorgeous washi as well as other kinds of paper, numerous greeting cards, and boxes.
reviewed
-
V
Spiral Records
Located just inside the entrance of the Spiral building, Spiral Records is both a vendor and an experimental label. The listening stations feature avant-garde tunes both new and old. The staff spins records while you browse.
reviewed