Tokyo Shopping – Shops, Stores, Best Buys & Inside Tips

Tokyo is not just the capital of Japan. It’s also one of the capitals of shopping in the entire region with hundreds of stores selling uniquely Japanese items.

Tokyo Shopping 

Anyone stopping in Tokyo will be instantly awed by the sheer number of stores all over the city. Shopping in Tokyo districts such as the Ginza district can be one of the world’s great shopping experiences.

The Ginza District and Roppongi Hills

The luxury shopping capital of Japan, Ginza is also some of the priciest real estate in the entire world. Even if you don’t buy anything, Ginza is well worth it for the window shopping and people watching. Pop in a local cafe for a cup of coffee and a chance to gawk at the latest fashions. Roppongi Hills is another upscale shopping area in Tokyo. It has more of  an Asian flavor with lots of Asian stores that may be unknown to the western traveler.

The Ameyoko Market Area and Shibuya Mall 

For less expensive shopping check out the Ameyoko market. Right under the Yamanote Line tracks, this is where many locals go to buy traditional Japanese goods. Look for shops that offering clothing, an incredible array of Japanese fish, and even jewelry. This is a great place to get feel for the area culture. You can have lunch in a ramen shop and have a look at the capsule hotels where you can stay in a single bed right in the heart of the city. Western style malls are also here for those on a budget. Try the Shibuya Mall area for a Japanese take on the standard western mall.

Things to Buy 

Japanese culture has borrowed from many places including America. If you love anime, Hello Kitty and Pokemon, this is the place to indulge. The city is dotted with shops that pay homage to these popular aspects of world culture. The Pokemon Center is an entire area devoted to Pokemon. While some items can be found in other places, this is a great place to look for rare Pokemon related items. For kid-oriented items like Hello Kitty and popular anime characters, try the local area chain called Kitty Land. You can find several branches all over the city.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about shopping in Tokyo.