“[TOKYO TRAVEL GUIDE] Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Tokyo: Sightseeing * Food * Shopping, All in One Place“
Tokyo is a city where shopping is always fun, packed with all kinds of shopping spots that offer something for everyone — from famous brands and fashion to food, sweets, and goods rich in cultural character. Here's where to go, and you won't be disappointed.
Top 25 Attractions in Tokyo, Japan's Capital
1. Shinjuku
Photo: Kakidai [CC BY 2.0] from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kabukicho-Shinjuku-Tokyo_2015.jpg
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's best-known shopping districts. The whole area is packed with large department stores: Odakyu, which connects directly to Shinjuku Station; Keio, which focuses on women's fashion; Isetan, known for gourmet food from all over Japan; and 0101 (Marui), a long-established store carrying everything from street brands to Lolita fashion. It's a one-stop destination for shopping.
Access: Shinjuku Station
2. Harajuku
Photo: Nick Gray [CC BY-sa 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/nickgray/4534715504
Harajuku is Tokyo's hub for fashion and youth culture. Both sides of the street are lined with fashion stores of every style, and many visitors dress up boldly, sometimes even in cosplay. The area is also famous for its crepes, with plenty of stands to choose from. You won't go wrong at any of them, but two shops worth trying are Santa Monica Crepe and Marion Crepes.
Access: Harajuku Station
3. Shibuya
Photo: IQRemix [CC BY-sa 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/iqremix/17806976882/
Shibuya is another district packed with well-known department stores, including Shibuya Mark City, Tokyu Hands Flagship Store, and SHIBUYA 109. The area also has plenty of sightseeing spots to enjoy on foot. A must-see here is the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Several cafes let you sit and enjoy the view, including the Starbucks inside the Tsutaya building and L'Occitane Café.
Access: Shibuya Station
4. Ameyoko
Photo: Danny Choo [CC BY-sa 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/dannychoo/4941376519
Ameyoko sells everything from fashion to affordable souvenirs, plus plenty of food and household goods, and bargaining is part of the fun. More than 400 shops line both sides of the street. Most visitors are locals, though there are also plenty of tourists. It offers a relaxed, easygoing shopping atmosphere.
Access: Ueno Station
5. Omotesando
Photo: IQRemix [CC BY-sa 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/iqremix/18120749686
Omotesando is a famous shopping street lined mostly with luxury brands such as Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. It's also home to upscale shopping complexes like Omotesando Hills and Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, giving it a feel similar to the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Located right next to Harajuku, the area is lined with modern buildings and has long been popular. During the Christmas season, both sides of the street are decorated with countless lights, making an evening walk here especially beautiful.
Access: Meiji-jingumae Station
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6. Ginza
Photo: Francisco Diez [CC BY-sa 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/22240293@N05/5141251886
Ginza is a charming district with both shopping and entertainment. If you're after high-end shopping, this is the place to go. Its most recognizable landmark is the antique clock on the Ginza Wako building. Be prepared for higher prices here, as most items cost noticeably more than in other districts. There's also Hakuhinkan Toy Park, a paradise for toy lovers with an enormous selection, plus several cafes with a pleasant atmosphere worth stopping at.
Access: Yurakucho Station, or Ginza or Higashi-Ginza Station on the subway
7. Akihabara
Photo: ElHeineken [CC BY-sa 2.0] from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Akihabara_Night.jpg
Akihabara is a district that delights otaku and electronics fans alike. It's Tokyo's most famous shopping area for electronics and appliances, home to major stores such as Yodobashi, Labi, Sofmap, Akky Duty Free, Ishimaru, and Laox.
8. Odaiba
Photo: DocChewbacca [CC BY-sa 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/st3f4n/130915637
Odaiba is a man-made island that has become an important economic hub for Tokyo, home to large department stores, entertainment venues, and some of the city's top attractions. Notable shopping complexes here include DiverCity, Decks, and Aquacity. One highlight not to miss is the giant Gundam statue in front of DiverCity — nearly as tall as a seven-story building, it never fails to impress. Gundam fans will also enjoy The Gundam Base Tokyo, which sells a wide range of Gundam-themed merchandise.
Access: Odaiba Kaihinkoen Station
9. Roppongi
Photo: Kyle Hasegawa [CC BY-sa 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/kylehase/4199479475
Roppongi is lively by day and vibrant by night. Besides shops and restaurants serving Japanese, European, and Asian cuisine, there are also stylish stores to browse amid a modern, artistic atmosphere shaped by two of Japan's leading museums, the Mori Art Museum and the National Art Center, Tokyo. Its landmarks include Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown, and its many dining and entertainment spots make it a great area to explore after dark.
Access: Roppongi Station
10. Nihonbashi
Photo: Kakidai [CC BY-sa 2.0] from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:COREDO_Nihonbashi.JPG
Nihonbashi was once Tokyo's commercial center and remains a popular shopping area today. Several large department stores are located here, including Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi and Coredo Nihonbashi. Most visitors are locals rather than tourists, making it a good choice for those who want to experience local shopping life without the crowds found in more popular tourist districts.
Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Nihonbashi exit
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