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Tokyo is one of the world’s best destinations for shoppers with its wide diversity of shops selling everything from outrageous fashions you can’t find at home to basic clothing and quirky subculture goods to kitchenware, crafts that will last you a lifetime. life. But Tokyo is huge, and the neighborhoods can be quite “specialized,” so how do you know where to start navigating? Let us help you on your way with this list of the 10 best shopping districts in Tokyo!
1.Shibuya
Shibuya is best known for its Scramble Crossing, which is one of the busiest crosswalks in the world. But that’s not the only reason tourists flock to this youthful area of Tokyo, as it’s also one of the biggest shopping districts in the city. With hundreds in smaller and larger stores offering the latest fashions. Looking around as you walk around Shibuya and seeing what the young fashionistas around you are wearing will give you a good idea of the current fashion trends in Japan, so you can be inspired as you visit places like Shibuya 109, Magnet and Parco, all aimed at teenagers and twenty-somethings. Of course, fashion giants like Zara, Uniqlo and H&M are also represented in Shibuya.
2. harajuku
While Shibuya attracts trendy youngsters looking to keep up with current trends and fit in with their cool peers, Harajuku appeals more to young women and men with a quirky fashion sense. This colorful neighborhood is known for its appeal to artists who like to dress differently than most and fans of the Lolita (Gothic) style featuring frilly vintage dresses reminiscent of English Victorian style. There are many small boutiques that cater to those looking for something different and you can find slightly more traditional fashion that has been influenced by artistic trends at Laforet Harajuku. Are you coming with teenagers? Take a look at our Harajuku Tour specially created for teenagers.
3.Ginza
If you like big names in fashion like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada and others, Ginza should be high on your list of things to do when you come to Tokyo. This exclusive shopping district is home to all of the world’s most famous luxury brands and department stores where you can shop ’til you drop and blow tons of cash in minutes. Even if you don’t have a lot of cash to put down, it’s still fun to explore department store basements for delicacies, or just wander around Ginza window-shopping and checking out some of its architectural gems.
4.Akihabara
Get your geek in Akihabara, Tokyo’s largest otaku neighborhood, where you can find all sorts of shops that cater to “nerdy” hobbies, including anime, manga, and gaming. This area north of Tokyo Station used to be a neighborhood where electronics were sold, and while you can still come here to buy PC components, LED lights, and many other types of electronics, anime, manga, and related subcultures with games they have also found a home. in Akihabara. Come here for all the action figures, nostalgic video games, comics, Pokemon cards, and related items you’ve been looking for your whole life.
5. Kapabashi
Whether you’re a hobby cook or a serious chef, Kappabashi (also known as “Kitchen Street”) is the place to find all the cookware you could possibly need. Whether you’re looking for that kitchen knife that will last you for decades, fun gadgets only found in Japan, Japanese dinnerware, or decorations for your restaurant, Kappabashi has it. And have you fallen for those beautifully crafted plastic food samples you often see outside restaurants to indicate the type of food they serve? In Kappabashi, you can buy or even make your own to take away as a unique souvenir!
6.Shinjuku
While Shinjuku is best known for its colorful nightlife and for being home to one of the best homages to Godzilla, this eclectic neighborhood just west of central Tokyo is also a great destination for shoppers. There are department stores like Isetan, Takashimaya, and the recent addition of NEWoMan, mega-chain stores like Don Quijote, Yodobashi Camera, and Muji, and commercial brands like H&M and Zara. When you go shopping in Shinjuku, it is better to reserve a full day because there are many shops to visit. Want to experience Shinjuku’s illustrious nightlife after shopping? Then you should join this fun food tour of Shinjuku after dark!
7. Shimokitazawa
One of Tokyo’s trendiest neighborhoods is Shimokitazawa, where people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s flock to listen to live music in tiny houses, craft beer, third-wave coffee, and vintage shopping. If you’re looking for that one-of-a-kind secondhand item that no one else has, Shimokitazawa is your destination. Shops like New York Joe Shimokitazawa for clothing that runs the gamut of fashion from the 1950s to today for men and women and Haight & Ashbury has rare US items for true treasure hunters.
Conveniently located near Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi has many branches throughout Japan’s prefectures. These satellite stores sell food, drinks and crafts from the region they represent. Visiting these shops is therefore a great opportunity to try various delicacies from all over Japan. The western branches of Honshu Toyama, Kyushu Nagasaki, and the one in Shikoku Cochin are here, so it’s really like a (culinary) trip across Japan to visit Nihonbashi!
9. Marunouchi (Tokyo station neighborhood)
The area around Tokyo Station is Tokyo’s financial district, but the large offices and restaurants that cater to the thousands of people who work there aren’t all there is to Marunouchi. Hidden in the underground maze of Tokyo Station, you’ll find Tokyo Character Street, where dozens of popular characters have their dedicated shops represented. Look out for Pokémon, Donguri Republic (Studio Ghibli), Rilakkuma, Domo-kun, Gudetama, Hello Kitty, and many other adorable characters fans will love.
10.Asakusa
One of the most popular areas of Tokyo to visit among international tourists is Asakusa, and for good reason; Asakusa has the beautiful Sensoji Temple at its heart, the area around the temple has retained a traditional atmosphere, and there are many typical Japanese restaurants on Hopped Street that are lively at night. If you are looking for typical Japanese souvenirs to buy such as uchiwa fans, summer yukata kimono, Kokeshi dolls, lucky cats, daruma dolls or delicious snacks such as ningyo-yaki and mochi that have been enjoyed here since the Edo period, Asakusa is the perfect place to buy them. Nakamise Street and the surrounding streets are the focal point of the area for souvenir hunting, so set aside half a day and spend your money shopping for souvenirs here.
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