A Shopper’s Guide to Tokyo: 5 Best Areas to Shop

Traveloka Accomodation
11 Apr 2023 - 6 min read

Japanese Streetwear Brands - Tokyo is often a world-class tourist destination that has many interesting things to offer, such as its many tourist destinations. When visiting, we certainly have to buy souvenirs that you need to give to family and friends at home.

Not only that, you also need to shop for yourself as a memento that will mark your time in Tokyo. Moreover, you can find many unique and sophisticated items from local products and well-known brands.

Some of these well-known brands include casual products to comfortable Japanese streetwear brands. Such as Uniqlo which is comfortable for everyday use, United Arrows, A Bathing Ape (BAPE), and the legendary Neighborhood.

Including fashion products that must always follow the latest trends in order to look good during the holidays. Therefore, you need to listen to this review to find out about the Tokyo shopping area so you can shop at the right place.

The Best Areas for Japanese Streetwear Brands in Tokyo

1. Shibuya

Shibuya is very well known as one of the best area to shop. Here's the list of places you should visit for the best Japanese streetwear brands:

Shibuya 109
Shibuya 109 - Japanese Streetwear Brands

This fashion shopping center is quite popular, especially among young women who always have new trends. You can even find funny to weird costumes that can be an option for Halloween celebrations. One of the popular brands that you can choose is Liz Lisa which will make you look feminine and cute.

Don Quijote

This shop is a favorite because it provides many electronic products, clothes, food, cosmetics, toys, medicines and so on. You can shop here any time, the store is open 24 hours with shop staff who can speak many languages. There is a tax free facility for tourists who bring passports for a minimum price of 5,000 yen.

Tokyu Hands

You can get unique and rare creative handmade products in this shop because the quantity is limited. The products are attractive, and the aesthetic arrangement of the goods makes shopping comfortable. Uniquely, you can not only shop but they provide a place if you want to sell your handmade products.

2. Shinjuku

Here's the best places to shop in Shinjuku:

Isetan

If you want high-class Japanese to international brands, this department store which occupies 13 floors is the wrong answer. Not only fashion, you can also find a wide selection of cakes and food from old shops and traditional crafts. There's even an art museum on the 7th floor that you can visit if you like this field.

Takashimaya Times Square
Takashimaya Times Square - Japanese Streetwear Brands

This 14-storey shopping center with 2 underground floors offers many well-known products such as Dior and Chanel. If you know about Japan tax refund, you also need to know here that it provides this service.

Bicqlo

This shop is a combination of selling both fashion and electronic products so you can buy these two types of goods. There are Uniqlo and Bic Camera brands, get discounts from tax free plus up to 7% off when shopping at Bicqlo.

3. Ginza

Mitsukoshi

Even though it's called the oldest department store, the place is still very aesthetic even at the entrance. You can shop for various kinds of products such as fashion, beauty, and food while enjoying works of art. Mitsukoshi also sells seasonal food such as sushi sakura which only exists in season and seasonal events.

Uniqlo Ginza
Uniqlo Ginza - Japanese Streetwear Brands

Visiting your hometown, you must buy a product with a simple design that is comfortable for everyday use. Because you will find many products that you cannot find in your home country. Even for certain moments and products you can get them at relatively cheap prices.

Muji Ginza

By visiting Muji Shop, you can meet your needs ranging from food, daily needs, to lodging facilities. Muji Ginza consists of 10 floors where floors 1-6 are shops while floors 7-10 are hotels. Each product sold is arranged by category for each floor, and the basement floor is the Muji Dinner.

4. Harajuku

Takeshita Street

This area is a shopping paradise as you can find lots of shops selling souvenirs, cosmetics, and fashion. There are also those that specifically sell idol products and are lined with food vendors such as restaurants and cafes. You can visit on weekdays to avoid crowds or on weekends to see more shops.

Kiddy Land

This toy shop is arguably the most popular compared to stores that sell similar products. You can find character items such as anime series, manga, and mini figures that are popular in Japan. Avoid visiting during holidays such as Valentine, Halloween and White Day because the visitors will surely be very crowded.

Laforet Harajuku

This 13-floor shopping center can actually be considered a boutique, it only sells fashion products from international designers. Laforet will become a favorite boutique for teenagers because its products are meant for teenagers.

5. Akihabara

Yodobashi Camera

Japan is famous for its sophisticated and unique technological products, and even has its own characteristics. This store is arguably the most complete for hunting electronics and photography needs to support your hobby. Not only new cameras, they also sell used cameras and lenses in limited quantities.

Mandarake

This place is heaven for anime and manga lovers because there are many collections that you can have. Buy merchandise in the form of books, comics, movie CDs, toys, magazines, posters, and other items that are quite rare.

Don Quijote Akihabara

Find lots of products arranged on floors 1 to 4 by category, among them are food products, fashion, electronics. On the 5th floor there is a cosplay museum which is often used as a venue for events and cafes.

If you want to play, use the 6-7th floors. You can use the Game Center facilities "Tokyo Treasure Land”. Then on the 8th floor there is the "AKB Theater" which is usually used for unforgettable performances by AKB members.

Tips for Shopping in Japan

Maybe you think that when you are in Japan, you will be able to get super sophisticated services when shopping. But don't have too much hope with it, because many traditional sellers still use the old way. Therefore, check out the things below for you to pay attention to when in Japan so that you can shop comfortably.

Bring cash: While many shops and restaurants accept credit cards, some do not. Whereas usually small shops or street vendors on the side of the road only accept cash. Therefore you need to carry enough yen, especially when you want to shop at street markets or traditional shopping malls.
Look for duty-free shopping: One of the highlights for travelers from outside Japan to take advantage of is the availability of duty-free. You can find shops that provide this service with the words "tax free shopping" on the door. Each store has its own policy requirements regarding this tax free, make sure you show your passport at the cashier.
Take advantage of seasonal sales: Some countries with 4 seasons often have seasonal sales, especially at the end of each season. They will immediately sell for the current season by labeling it as "bargain sale" or "discount" in many department stores. This product must be sold immediately because the need for clothing styles will also change when the season changes.
Know your size: Clothing sizes from overseas, including Japan, often differ or smaller than normal. Therefore, make sure you try it comfortably and check the table. when you want to buy so you don't get the wrong size. If you are confused about reading the tag on a shirt, try asking the waiter on guard.
Don't be afraid to haggle: To get a bargain when shopping, you can try to haggle, although this is not common in Tokyo. However, in some shops, especially in traditional markets, they will provide a price that is sufficient for the bargaining process to be carried out. Especially if you buy goods in large quantities, then you should take advantage of this opportunity.
Consider shipping your purchases: If you can't help feeling enough while shopping, shop to your heart's content without worry. Because some department stores will offer offers so that the items you buy can be sent. You don't need to carry lots, heavy grocery bags, and you don't need to carry it when returning home by plane.

This is a review guide that you can use for shopping when visiting Tokyo. Not only do you know which stores you should visit, but you also know shopping tips. That way, you can still shop comfortably and efficiently when using this guide method.

Which Japanese streetwear brand do you want to visit? Whatever it is, don’t forget to book your flight and hotel with Traveloka. Aside from having the good time of your Tokyo vacation, you’ll be happy from all our best deals too!

Hotels
Flights
Things to Do
Always Know the Latest Info
Subscribe to our newsletter for more travel & lifestyle recommendations and exciting promos.
Subscribe