The Best Shops and Souvenirs in Tokyo
Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise! With more shops, boutiques, shopping malls and department stores than you could wish for, you could simply spend time shopping during your Tokyo trip. With the added bonus of Japan offering tax-free shopping as well, you may find yourself bringing an extra suitcase home for all the amazing souvenirs you buy! We have created this page to give you an overview of some of the best stores and souvenirs that you can buy across Tokyo, which we hope will help provide inspiration to find the perfect souvenirs either for yourself or somebody else. The stores listed can be found across all of Tokyo and even Japan, but we highly recommend heading to the areas of Shibuya and Shinjuku for some of the larger stores. For the souvenirs listed, you can find many of these in the stores mentioned but we also suggest heading to department stores and independent shops as well. On this page you will find the following information :
— 30 Day-trips & Getaways Near Tokyo
THE BEST SHOPS IN TOKYO
Whether your budget is low end or high end, Tokyo has a large number of shops suited to all budgets and tastes. You are truly spoilt for choice and it can be difficult knowing where to shop for the best items. For purpose of this page we have compiled a list of the most popular stores that offer good value, selection and convenience in the Tokyo area. We recommend using these are a starting base, and then taking the time to explore more shops and independent shops on your trip!
1 / Don Quijote
Don Quijote, named after the popular novel and figure Don Quixote, is a national chain of popular discount stores across Japan. You will find them in almost every major city, and Tokyo has many. These stores are multi level with each floor conveniently categorised according to the items sold. Don Quijote has a reputation for its very eclectic and random stock, from cosmetics to sweets, character goods to electrical items, plastic food to socks, it has everything you are looking for and more! We must warn you, shopping here can be sensory overload, but it is well worth it to find affordable and unique souvenirs. You can even buy Don Quijote themed goods. The store even has its own jingle which is often played in store. In 2024, the global star Bruno Mars released an advert and song dedicated to the company! You will find some of the best Don Quijote in Shinjuku, Shibuya and Asakusa.
2 / Loft
Loft is a one stop shop for all things stationary, home decor and cosmetics. It is a popular chain known for its stylish and often quirky selection of items. It is a great place to shop for both practical goods but also fun and aesthetic goods. Loft is most famous for its stationary, and many tourists love to buy the cute and stylish pens and notepads they stock. For the beauty lovers, Loft carries an impressive selection of both Japanese, Korean and global brands. If you’re looking for viral skincare or makeup, chances are that Loft will be selling it! Loft is also great at catering for the seasons, and we highly recommend buying some of the beautiful and elaborate limited edition celebration cards they stock all year round. The cards released for Cherry Blossom season, Autumn and Christmas are truly spectacular and you can even buy 3D pop-up cards which make for wonderful gifts and souvenirs for yourself. Loft has several stores, with the flagship based in Shibuya.
3 / Tokyu Hands
Like Loft, Tokyu Hands have an impressive selection of stationary and cosmetics. However, Tokyu Hands also stocks are incredible selection of character goods, lunch boxes and chopsticks, games, pet items, plants, stickers, DIY craft items and more! The store is seen as an iconic department store, and we highly recommend a visit to pick up some great souvenirs. The stores are multi level with each floor being dedicated to certain products. If you’re looking for Studio Ghibli goods, they sell an impressive range. If you’re into puzzles, you can buy great designs that are small enough to fit into luggage. If you want to try your hand at the traditional Japanese craft of ’Kintsugi’ (repairing broken pottery and ceramics with gold) then you can pick yourself up a kit to try at home! Take the time to browse, you will be surprised with what you find! The flagship store is located in Shibuya, but there is also a fantastic store in Shinjuku.
4 / Beams
Beams is a popular fashion and lifestyle brand across Japan. Each of its stores sells a unique range of product, with some focusing heavily on fashion and clothing, while other focus more on lifestyle and souvenir goods. For this reason, they have stores with different names such as ‘BEAMS MEN’ and ’BEAMS WOMEN’. Founded in 1976, it has a long and trusted history of sourcing and selling high quality products. The company carefully curate items made by their in-house teams of Japanese craftsmen and designers. They sell what is traditional Japanese crafts and items, but with a modern and stylish flare. You can buy stylish Sake cups, tea bowls, Tanuki statues (Racoon Dog), hand towels, incense, jewellery and more. If you want to buy something traditional yet unique, Beams has a great selection. Beams will also often run limited designer collaborations, so keep an eye out for special items and stock. The stores are modern and very trendy, and make for a pleasant shopping experience. Beams has flagship stores in Shibuya and Shinjuku.
5 / Daiso
For all the savvy shoppers out there and for those who love a bargain, Daiso is one of the best places to go! It is one of Japan’s largest and most popular discount stores. With a huge variety of products on sale, most are priced at just 100¥ (approximately 1 USD). However some products will have a slightly higher price point between 200¥ to 500¥. The company has over 3,000 stores across the Country, and has built a great reputation for high quality product at low prices. Many people come to Daiso to buy the snacks and sweets, the character goods, skincare and cosmetics, as well as stylish home ware such as tea cups, bowls and chopsticks. They also sell a great range of stationary and fun seasonal items! The stores are well organised snd make for a pleasant shopping experience. They have self service check outs that offer English. Daiso have stores both in Shibuya and Shinjuku.
THE BEST SOUVENIRS IN TOKYO
When it comes to buying souvenirs when travelling to a new Country, it can be hard to know what items are authentic or of good quality. From the fun souvenirs to more serious souvenirs, Tokyo can cater to all your shopping needs. To help you understand what are traditional or the best options for souvenirs, we have compiled a list of our favourite items ranging from foods, tea, traditional crafts and fun items!
1 / Food and Snacks
It’s no secret that Japan and Tokyo have some of the best food and snack items in the world! It is hard to know what items to try, but we highly recommend buying some of the most popular products. Hi-Chews are a soft and chewy fruit sweet that come in all the flavours you can imagine, whilst Kit Kats in Japan are sold in a wide variety of flavours rarely seen in other Countries. We have found Choco-mint, Sake, and caramel pudding flavours. Tokyo even has its own Kit Kat flavour, Banana. Japan has many of its own native Chocolate brands with Ghana being one of the most popular. Aside from the standard flavours, you can buy limited edition flavours such as black tea or even lemon! For more traditional snacks, we highly recommend traditional Japanese sweets called ’Wagashi’, Senbei (rice crackers), and Rakugan (pictured in the middle), a sweet made from glutinious rice flour and sugar. They come in pretty colours and shapes, and are traditional enjoyed with some Matcha.
2 / Drinks and Tea
Japan is world famous for its Matcha, Green Tea and Sake, so of course we couldn’t write this page without recommending these items for souvenirs! Matcha and Green Tea is extremely high quality in Japan. Even cheaper products are still of good quality, but like wine, you can spend a lot of money on high grade Matcha and Green Teas. If you have a Matcha lover in your life, then it makes for a perfect gift. ‘Ippodo Tea’ is one of the best companies that sell high quality product. You can buy whisks and tea bowls from many stores to go with the matcha powder you buy. You can replicate a Japanese tea ceremony at home which is a lot of fun! It isn’t as cheap as popping to the supermarket, but it is worth every yen! If you’re not into Matcha, but like Sencha/ green tea bags, then we also recommend these for souvenirs as they are light weight but a very traditional item. For those who like to drink,Sake (traditional rice wine) is always a great option. We don’t recommend buying full size bottles which are heavy and fragile. Instead, we recommend buying small bottles or mini barrels to take home with you. If you’re not a Sake lover, how about Gin? Gin is up and coming in Japan, with many craft breweries not opening. We highly recommend trying any if these, but ’Kin no Bi’ is a fantastic craft gin originating in Kyoto. You can buy this at various department store’s food halls in Tokyo, and they even sell mini bottles/ sets for souvenirs!
3 / Traditional Crafts and Items
One of the top things to buy in Japan is traditional crafts and items. We could write a list as long as Japan itself with all the amazing things you should buy, but we will recommend our top few. Traditional figures such as Daruma and Maneki Neko (Lucky Cats) are extremely popular and make for wonderful souvenirs. Not just because they are beautiful, but because of the belief that they grant you good fortune and wishes. Furin (Wind Chimes) in Japan are most popular during the Summer seasons where you will see them outside people’s homes, businesses and at shrines. They are usually made of glass or metal, and hand painted with gorgeous motifs of nature such as flowers, birds and fish. They are always packed well by shop staff, but if you buy one make sure to pad it a little more as they are fragile. Tea cups are also a wonderful souvenir. You can find new or even antique cups for sale at surprisingly low prices. If you’re buying some Matcha or Green Tea to take home as well, this makes for a perfectly paired gift for yourself or a loved one. Kokeshi Dolls are a tradtional wooden doll dating back as far as the Edo period (1603 – 1868). Picture above, they are painted with floral, geometric or other elaborate designs. Finally, items such as chopsticks or incense are also staples of Japanese culture, and make for affordable yet lightweight souvenirs to take back home.
4 / Character Goods and Fun Items
From plushies to figures, pins to stationary, you will find many a cute item to buy in Tokyo! For fans of Sanrio and characters such as Hello Kitty, Mofusand, Studio Ghibli and many more, ’Kiddy Land’ in Omotesando is a fantastic place to purchase a number of character themed goods. Sanrio has a number of its own stores dotted across Tokyo, with some great stores in Shinjuku, Shibuya and Asakusa. Studio Ghibli has its own store located at the base of the Tokyo Skytree which offers the best selection of Ghibli goods. For those wanting a little more excitement when buying character goods, you can visit the many games centres across Tokyo to play for prizes! Taito and Sega are two of the most popular centres, and stock is always changed every week! Ranging from 100 yen – 300 yen a play, it can become dangerous when trying to win your favourite figure! These games centres will often also have the famous ’Gachapon’ machines (capsule toys) which are very fun! Why not play for a few Gacha as they make for random yet funny souvenirs! Nakano in Tokyo is home to ’Nakano Broadway’. A multi story retro complex packed with stores that specialise in both new and vintage goods for anime, manga, figures and toys, and even luxury watches! For those wanting something a little different, how about buying a fridge magnet that looks like food! Plastic food is everywhere in Japan, used to entice hungry customers outside of restaurants and cafes, and this culture is so beloved that you can buy your own piece of plastic food! Don Quijote sells a fun variety of these, from sushi to soba noodles, you can buy a very fun and unique souvenir!
5 / Skincare and Cosmetics
Finally, Skincare and cosmetics! The skincare and cosmetics market in Japan is one of the highest quality, offering exceptional products and ingredients for reasonable prices. As we mentioned above, Loft, Daiso, Tokyu Hands and Don Quijote all stock Japan’s most popular and high quality products. Sheet masks are a staple in many Japanese people’s routines, and brands like ’Lululun’ and ’Derma Laser 100’ make the top spots for some of the best. At just 500¥ – 700¥ a pack for 7 masks, they are significantly cheaper than Western products and flat making for a perfectly packed gift. We highly recommend looking out for the gold or silver award stickers on packets to see which products are currently top ranking in the beauty industry across Japan! You can see a good example of this in the left side photo. Hair care also reigns supreme here, with the viral hair mask ’Fino’ being sold here for approximately 400¥. You are also spoilt for choice with SPF and sun protection, so we highly recommend picking some up to try out especially if you’re here in the Summer! ‘Matsumoto Kiyoshi’ is a highly popular pharmacy and drugstore here, so head there as well to explore the beauty options!
BEST TOURS IN TOKYO
Tokyo is steeped in history. The city has faced many hardships from earthquakes, fires and the air raids of WW2, and unfortunately many of its oldest buildings and structures have disappeared over time. However, Tokyo does a fantastic job at celebrating and retaining much of its character and culture, with stunning renovations of temples and shrines, museums housing some of Japan’s finest artefacts, and hidden pockets of neighbourhoods that have managed to preserve its original architecture despite the many challenges its faced. Pop culture lovers will rejoice at Japan’s modern aesthetic, with its bright lights and neon signs that make the city glow at night.
There is so much to see and do in Tokyo, especially fantastic experiences suitable for solo travellers to make your trip fun and engaging. Check out our ’Best Tours in Tokyo’ page which will give you more information on the tours mentioned in the previous section, as well as the best tours in Tokyo and the best day trips from Tokyo throughout the Kanto region.
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa : Traditional Tokyo, Culinary Delights and Nature | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30- 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | Outside the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Shibuya : The Best of Both | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Yotsuya-Sanchome Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
1 Day Tour
| Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 10.30 – 17:10 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Nippori Station WEST exit |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO
This page would not be complete without also suggesting our wider recommendations on things to do in Tokyo which includes both the golden tourist attractions and some lesser known activities you can enjoy. Why not check out Things to Do in Tokyo page which will also give you plenty of inspiration for your time spent in Tokyo. Here you will find some of the best activities and recommendations on how to spend your time in the Capital, as well as some tours that you can join to make the most out of your trip!
From watching Sumo wrestlers train to eating the freshest sushi at local markets, playing Taiko drums to exploring hidden shrines and temples, Tokyo truly has it all. Our Tokyo tours enable you to pick and choose from a wide range of areas and activities to explore during your trip. Want to explore lesser known neighbourhoods in Tokyo, or do you want to get into the hustle and bustle of the world’s most populated city, then click the link above and start exploring what you can do in Tokyo to make your trip unforgettable.
30 DAY-TRIPS & GETAWAYS NEAR TOKYO
While Tokyo has more than enough to keep you entertained for your entire visit, it is also an ideal base from where to escape the city and explore our home region of Central Japan and beyond. Boasting the majority of Japan’s tallest mountains, verdant forests, open spaces, ancient temples and a slower way of life, it is everything that Tokyo is not. Our ’30 Things To Do Near Tokyo: Best Day-Trips & Overnight Getaways’ page includes some fantastic tips and suggestions of what’s on offer. Here are some examples of the tours we offer outside of Tokyo, but click on the link above to see more . We hope it tempts you to explore beyond the city!
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Tour : Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park | |
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| Period | April – October |
| Time | 08:40 – 19:15 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Asakusa Ekimise Department Store |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥18,900 |
1 Day Tour
| Day Trip to Kawagoe : Experience the ‘Little Edo’ of Japan | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 16:45 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Ikebukuro Train Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Trip to Kamakura and Enoshima : Shrines, Seaside, Temples and Tea | |
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| Period | February – November |
| Time | 08:00 – 19:10 |
| Meeting Place | Outside of Shinjuku Station South Gate Baskin Robbins |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO
There is no shortage of accommodation in Tokyo ranging from luxury hotels, mid-range to budget, youth hostels and even capsule hotels! The areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo are among the most popular with tourists, all of which have excellent public transport links, shopping, bars and restaurants. Therefore they make excellent bases for a short stay in the city. Check out our Tokyo destination page which includes everything you need to know about the city, and our ‘Where to Stay in Tokyo’ page for what areas to book your hotels and find the right accommodation for you.
HOW TO GET TO TOKYO
As Japan’s sprawling capital, Tokyo is the start and end point of numerous train lines and express bus services making it easy to reach from all over the country. Our ‘How to Get to Tokyo’ page includes detailed information about how to get there from popular starting points including Tokyo Haneda airport and Tokyo Narita. Why not also check out our ’Comparing Tokyo Haneda Airport and Tokyo Narita Airport’ page for more useful information for planning your trip.
