Tokyo Shopping Guide: Anime Traditional Crafts Tokyo
Tokyo Shopping Guide: Anime Traditional Crafts Tokyo
Tokyo Shopping Guide: Anime Traditional Crafts Tokyo
Shinjuku
From cutting edge electronics to colorful anime goods, traditional crafts, trendy fashion and branded
goods, Tokyo has a shop for practically anything one could ever want to buy - although not necessarily in
your desired price range.
Tokyo's varied sightseeing districts double as shopping districts, many of them with their own character and
specialties. The following is a general rundown of what to expect on the shopping scene of each district so
you can familiarize and prepare yourself for a shopping spree in the big city.
Shibuya
Ginza
Nihonbashi - historic merchant district featuring traditional goods and local foods
The Nihonbashi district served the capital as one of the leading centers of trade and commerce during
the Edo Period. It is the site of the flagship branch of Mitsukoshi, Japan's first department store and many
smaller shops with centuries-long histories. Thanks to tasteful, recent redevelopment that built on the
district's history, Nihonbashi will delight shoppers with an interest in traditional products and regional foods.
Nihonbashi
Akihabara
In addition to the major shopping districts that carry a little of everything, Tokyo has several specialized
shopping districts that focus on just one type of good such as electronics, books or Buddhist altars:
Other specialized shopping districts found around Tokyo include Jimbocho, located north of theImperial
Palace, which is known for a high concentration of book publishers and book stores; and Ochanomizu (one
stop from Akihabara Station on the JR Sobu Line) which is a haven for shoppers looking for musical
instruments and sports equipment.
Kappabashi
Popular souvenir items such as yukata, kokeshi dolls and woodblock prints may be difficult to find in
shopping areas geared toward Japanese shoppers, although large department stores usually carry a variety of
traditional Japanese goods, typically at high quality and price levels.
More variety and lower prices are offered by souvenir shops found in districts popular among foreign
tourists, such as Asakusa, Akihabara and the Tokyo Skytree. Nakamise Dori, the shopping street along the
approach to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa offers a particularly wide selection of souvenirs. Another favorite
among tourists is the Oriental Bazaar along Omotesando in Harajuku.
Finally, 100 yen shops sell lots of everyday items that make popular souvenirs such as chopsticks,sake cups,
stationery, home decorations and other items, at an affordable 108 yen per item (100 yen plus 8
yen tax). 100 yen shops can be found all over Tokyo with one of the largest located onTakeshita
Dori in Harajuku.
Those interested in food markets should head to the Tsukiji Fish Market, which is also one of Tokyo's
highest rated tourist attractions. The pre-dawn tuna auctions are extremely popular, however those who
prefer to arrive later in the morning can check out lively stalls that pack the narrow lanes of Tsukiji's outer
market or the fishmongers in the wholesale market instead.
Flea markets specializing in second hand goods are also held throughout Tokyo at
some temples,shrines and other public venues. They are usually held on Sundays, either every week or every
other week, and usually have vendors selling second hand goods such as clothes, tools and antiques.