As the capital of a country as aesthetically inclined as Japan, Tokyo is loaded with great shopping, from vintage designer streetwear to specialty boutiques selling rare santoku knives. So where to begin?
LessAs one of Tokyo’s top upmarket shopping districts, Ginza has its fair share of historic department stores, but for something more modern, head to Ginza 6, recognizable by its sleek glass facade. Each brand here has its own boutique, from Saint Laurent to Undercover, Jun Takashi’s avant-garde streetwear label. The real highlight, though, is the massive Tsutaya bookstore on the 6th floor, where visitors can grab a fresh matcha latte and browse their enormous collection.
Shibuya Scramble Square, a newly constructed building that opened in late 2019, might look familiar to you if you’re on Instagram or TikTok; the multilevel mall is home to Shibuya Sky, a soaring rooftop observation deck with panoramic views of the city and Mount Fuji. Named after the ubiquitous Shibuya Scramble Crossing located across the street— the busiest intersection in the city— the shopping complex stocks a mix of designer names as well as inexpensive local labels.
Among all Japan’s mega-stores, this shopping destination offers what might be the most fun selection. Whether you’re looking for a classic pair of jeans, limited-edition Nike sneakers, or an impeccably tailored suit, Beams has it. Known for their preppy take on streetwear for both men and women, the brand riffs on classic Americana through a Japanese lens. While the store has multiple locations across Tokyo, the six-floor space in Shinjuku has the widest selection.
Blink and you might miss Arts & Sciences, a string of tiny boutiques in Aoyama. But you’d be remiss to overlook it; each of these shops is specially curated with high-end goods of immaculate quality. One carries minimalist womenswear like classic trench coats, neutral silk blouses, and cashmere sweaters in soothing hues, while another carries modern menswear (think neon balaclavas and Vibram-inspired dress shoes). Then there’s the home goods store, which includes ceramics that cost 4 figures.
The creme de la creme of Tokyo’s designer vintage shopping scene is Amore, which has several stores in Omotesando. For lovers of Chanel, there’s an entire outpost devoted to the brand’s handbags and ready-to-wear. Around the corner, another shop sells Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes. On a recent trip, a Galliano-era logo-covered Dior pochette was selling for under $1,000 USD while an Hermes Kelly bag was priced at $17,000 USD, so make sure to check your currency conversions.
For the hypebeast crowd, RINKAN offers an array of hard-to-find pieces from Supreme, Off-White, BAPE, Balenciaga, and the like. Expect rare Nike sneakers, special-edition Carhartt jackets, Louis Vuitton luggage, and Celine knit sweaters. Prices vary depending on the item’s rarity, condition, and age. A recent visit to the Shibuya location yielded Hedi Slimane-era Dior Homme as well as an impressive selection of Saint Laurent leather jackets priced below $2,000.
Known as “Kitchen Town,” this street located near Senso-Ji temple is filled with dozens of shops serving restaurant operators that carry everything from ceramics to plastic food models to donabes, or Japanese clay cooking pots. Find specialized stores for dishes, pots, pans, chairs, and even signage. Get a proper santoku chef’s knife at Tsubaya, one of the more famous shops on Kappabashi-dori, which sells over a thousand varieties from basic to rare and extravagant.
For the traditionalist who would rather send a handwritten note than dash off an email, Itoya is a writerly wonderland. Founded in 1904, the two Ginza locations are across the street from one another; one, marked with a giant paperclip above the logo, offers 13 floors of markers, stationery, crafting supplies, and even a cafe. The other shop, which features a fountain pen above the store name, has a comparable selection of writing implements and leather-bound journals.
So you have a niece or nephew who’s obsessed with Pokemon? Or maybe they’re Studio Ghibli fans? Make them feel like the coolest kid in their class by getting them a gift from Kiddy Land. With 5 floors of stuffed toys, figurines, and trading cards devoted to every cartoon character from Miffy to Hello Kitty to Gundam, you’ll satisfy every fandom, both Japanese and international. For last-minute gifts, gachapons are little plastic capsules filled with quirky toys like cats in sushi hats.