What to Buy in Tokyo

Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from high-end luxury to quirky youth fashion and nostalgic markets. The city offers every style and budget, including trendsetting apparel, electronics, anime merchandise, or unique souvenirs.

Here’s your ultimate guide on what to buy in Tokyo, with tips for different personalities and travel styles, carefully curated by our Japan-based team of travel writers. Make sure to save some space in your suitcase for your souvenirs while travelling Tokyo!

Top Things to Buy in Tokyo by Interest

Check out Tokyo shopping guide organized by interest to find what suits your style, including fashion, tradition, tech and foodie fun.

1. Traditional Crafts (For Traditional Culture Seekers)

If you’re drawn to Japan’s rich history and craftsmanship, Tokyo’s traditional goods are a must-buy. Tokyo has its own rich craft heritage, especially centered around the Edo period (1603–1868).

What to Buy:

• Edo Kiriko (Cut Glassware) — A traditional form of glass-cutting, featuring intricate patterns engraved into coloured glass, often red or blue. The craftsmanship is stunning and the pieces range from sake glasses to vases.
• Edo Furin (Hand-Blown Glass Wind Chimes) — Glass wind chimes produce a soft, clear sound, making it a symbolic summer decoration.
• Kimono and Yukata– Kimonos are the more formal, silk garments, while yukatas are lighter cotton robes perfect for summer. You can find both new and vintage options.

Where to Shop:

• Edo Kiriko Gallery (Sumida) for Edo Kiriko Glassware
• Traditional craft shops in Asakusa
• Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square
• Department stores like Isetan and Matsuya for high-quality kimono or yukata

2. Snacks & Food Items (For Foodies)

Tokyo is a food lover’s dream, and its snack scene is no exception. Beyond the beautifully packaged sweets perfect for gifting, you’ll find a vast world of flavors.

What to Buy:

• Tokyo Banana — Iconic, banana-shaped sponge cakes filled with custard cream. You can often find special editions with different flavors and designs, including collaborations with popular characters.
• Tokyo-Limited Kit-Kat — Japan is famous for its incredible variety of KitKat flavors, from matcha and sake to wasabi and purple sweet potato.
• Traditional Japanese Sweets and Snacks — Traditional sweets like dorayaki (red bean pancakes) or yokan (sweet bean jelly), as well as senbei (crispy Japanese rice crackers).
• Seasonal and Limited Sweets — Sakura-flavored treats in spring, chestnut and sweet potato snacks in autumn.

Where to Shop:

• Don Quijote and Convenience stores (Lawson, FamilyMart, 7-Eleven)— Best place to stock up on snacks and sweets.
• Tokyo Station’s Okashi Land or Tokyo Gift Palette — Dedicated shops to sweets and snacks from Tokyo and Japan.
• Depachika (basement food halls of Mitsukoshi, Isetan, Takashimaya) for beautifully crafted, high-end sweets.

Shopping Tip: Look for special editions labeled “地域限定” (region-exclusive).

3. Fashion & Streetwear (For Trendsetters)

Tokyo is a global fashion capital, especially for those looking to stand out. Harajuku, Shibuya and Daikanyama are home to Japan-only fashion brands, high-end denim, and limited sneaker drops.

What to Buy:

• Sneakers and Streetwear — Limited-edition kicks and streetwear from Japanese and global labels like Supreme Tokyo, A Bathing Ape (BAPE), atmos and Kicks Lab.
• Japanese Brand Apparel — Discover local brands that offer a unique take on modern fashion.
• Uniqlo & GU — Affordable, minimalist Japanese fashion.

Where to Shop:

• Takeshita Street (Harajuku) — Cute and playful clothing and accessories that embody Japan’s kawaii culture.
• Daikanyama and Omotesando — Boutiques with high-end Japanese designers.
• Uniqlo Ginza — 12 floors of fashion, including limited-edition pieces.

Shopping Tip: Look for Japan exclusive edition or special collabs only available locally.

4. Japanese Beauty Products (For Self-Care Lovers)

Tokyo is a beauty lover’s dream. From cult-favourites like Hada Labo and DHC to high-end brands like SK-II and Shiseido, you can find a range of great beauty products here.

What to Buy:

• Sunscreen and Sheet Mask — Top-tier formulas like Biore and Anessa, and drugstore finds like Lululun and Saborino. Available with a vast array of formulations for different skin concerns.
• Face Wash and Cleansing Oils — A staple of the Japanese skincare routine for effectively removing makeup and impurities.
• Makeup Tools — Japanese brushes (Hakuhodo, Chikuhodo) are world-class.
• Haircare Products — Salon-quality shampoos and treatments made with ingredients like camellia oil and honey.

Check best-selling Japanese beauty products ▶ Best Japanese Beauty Products

Where to Shop:

• Drugstore (Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sundrug, Tsuruha Drug, etc) — Packed with a wide range of affordable options.
• Don Quijote — For bulk deals and quirky finds.
• @cosme Tokyo in Harajuku — Flagship store for Japan’s most-loved beauty brands.
• Department stores (Isetan, Daimaru, Mitsukoshi, etc) — For luxury J-Beauty products.

Shopping Tip: Look for the “@cosme awards” stickers as they indicate top-rated and trusted products by Japanese beauty fans.

5. Anime, Manga and Character Merchandise (For Anime & Pop Culture Enthusiasts)

Japan is the heart of anime and manga culture, and Tokyo is its epicenter. You’ll find an incredible variety of merchandise featuring your favourite characters, from vintage anime figurines to the latest game accessories.

What to Buy:

• Gachapon (capsule toys) — Miniature toys or accessories that come out of vending machines, perfect for collectors.
• Anime and Manga Merchandise — Plush toys, keychains, stationery, and home decor featuring Pokemon, Sanrio and Studio Ghibli.
• Anime Figures — High-quality figurines, limited editions, and model kits of popular anime and manga characters

Where to Shop:

• Akihabara — Mandarake, Animate, and Radio Kaikan are fan-favourite hotspots.
• Ikebukuro —Home to the largest Animate store and Sunshine City for Pokemon Center and anime cafes.
• Shibuya PARCO — Head to CYBERSPACE SHIBUYA on the 6th floor of Shibuya Parco.
• Nakano Broadway — A hidden gem for second-hand collectibles, such as video games, trading cards and comics.

Related article ▶ Best Stores to Shop Character Merchandise in Tokyo

6. Tech & Gadgets (For Gadget Geeks)

If you’re hunting for cutting-edge electronics in Tokyo, you’re in for a treat as the city is full of massive electronics stores, niche gadget shops, and retro tech treasure troves.

What to Buy:

• Cameras and Accessories — Find the newest models from top Japanese brands, often before they are released internationally.
• Unique Home Appliances — Discover innovative Japanese appliances that can add a touch of futuristic convenience to your home including rice cookers, toilet seats and beauty tools.
• Audio Equipment — From high-end headphones to specialized audio components, Tokyo caters to all levels of audiophiles.
• Gaming Consoles and Accessories — From Nintendo Switch and PlayStation to vintage Game Boys and Famicoms.

Where to Shop:

• Akihabara Electric Town — The go-to destination for the latest gadgets and unique tech finds.
• Major Retailers (Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, Yamada Denki, Sofmap, etc) — Offering a huge selection and tax-free shopping for tourists.

Shopping Tip: Check voltage and compatibility before buying electronics. Ask for English-language warranties, and don’t forget tax-free counters.

7. High-Quality Japanese Stationery (For Artists & Creatives)

Japanese stationery is renowned for its exceptional quality, thoughtful design, and innovative features, blending functionality with beauty. Tokyo is a paradise among artists, writers, students, and collectors worldwide.

What to Buy:

• Notebooks and Journals — From Midori’s Traveler’s Notebook to Kokuyo Campus notebooks, famous for their smooth paper and elegant design.
• Pens and Writing Instruments — Pilot, Uni-ball, and Pentel offer high-quality gel pens, fountain pens, and mechanical pencils.
• Washi Tape — Decorative paper tapes come in an endless variety of colours and patterns and is perfect for crafting and decorating.
• Calligraphy & Art Supplies — Brush pens, watercolor markers, and sumi ink sets.

Where to Shop:

• Itoya (Ginza) — Premier stationery destination offering everything including premium stationery, gift sets, and custom notebooks.
• Sekaido (Shinjuku) — Primarily an art store has a robust stationery section, especially for calligraphy and illustration.
• Hands & Loft —Variety shops offering a large selection of stationery, lifestyle gadgets and creative tools.
• MUJI — Minimalist notebooks, pens, and planners that are sleek, functional, and affordable.

8. Matcha and Tea Sets (For Mindfulness & Wellness Seekers)

Tokyo offers a range of matcha products from premium ceremonial-grade powder to matcha-flavored snacks, chocolates, and drinks. For tea lovers, bringing home authentic Japanese green tea and the tools to prepare it is a must.

What to Buy:

• High-Quality Matcha Powder — Purchase vibrant, flavorful matcha for drinking or culinary use.
• Complete Matcha Set — Essential tools for preparing matcha traditionally, including a chawan (tea bowl), chasen (bamboo whisk), chashaku (tea scoop), and natsume (tea caddy).
• Matcha Treats — Cookies, Kit Kats, and green tea powder sourced from Kyoto and Uji.

Where to Shop:

• Specialty Tea Shops (Tsujiri, Ippodo Tea) — Matcha powder, sweets, and beautifully designed tea accessories.
• Department Stores (Isetan, Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya, etc) — High quality tea products (matcha powder, loose leaf teas, gift sets) and teaware
• Kappabashi Street — For artisanal kitchenware and Japanese knives.

Shopping Tip: Look for matcha labeled “宇治 (Uji)” or “西尾 (Nishio)” for top-tier quality.

9. Starbucks Merchandise (For Coffee Lovers & Starbucks Fans)

Tokyo is home to some of the most unique Starbucks items in the world, from Tokyo-exclusive tumblers from Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo to collectible mugs themed after the city’s neighborhoods. If you’re a coffee lover or just a fan of stylish drinkware, these make perfect souvenirs.

What to Buy: 

• Tokyo-Themed “Been There” series — Colorful mug and stainless bottle featuring Tokyo landmarks and cityscapes, perfect for collectors.
• Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo Exclusives — Japan’s largest Starbucks in Nakameguro, offering premium coffee experiences and exclusive design-focused merchandise.
• Seasonal Drinkware — Summer-themed clear bottles, Christmas holiday mugs, and cherry blossom designs.

Shopping Tip: Sakura-season merchandise (Feb–Mar) is the most popular and often sells out on release day.

10. Themed Merchandise from Tokyo’s Landmarks (For First-Time Visitors)

Tokyo’s famous landmarks aren’t just great photo spots, but they’re also home to unique souvenir shops selling exclusive merchandise you can’t get anywhere else. Commemorate your trip with souvenirs from some of Tokyo’s most famous attractions.

What to Buy:

• Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower Memorabilia — Find keychains, models, and other items featuring these iconic towers.
• Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea Merchandise— Character plushies and keychains, Tokyo-exclusive outfits, and seasonal and limited-edition items.
• Exclusive Museum and Gallery Items — Many of Tokyo’s excellent museums and galleries have gift shops with unique items related to their exhibitions.
• Asakusa Sensoji Temple Souvenirs — Lucky charms (omamori), Edo-style prints featuring the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, and street snacks such as senbei, ningyo yaki and kaminari okoshi

Tokyo Shopping Guide by Area

Here’s a Tokyo Shopping Guide by Area to navigate you to the city’s best shopping districts based on style, budget, and interests. From luxury boutiques to bustling street markets, each neighborhood offers its own personality and specialties.

Shibuya: Trendy Youth Culture and Streetwear

The birthplace of many of Japan’s youth fashion trends, Shibuya is a vibrant and energetic district. The iconic Shibuya Crossing leads you straight to shopping meccas Shibuya 109, a must-visit for those seeking the latest in Japanese “gyaru” fashion. The area is also home to numerous small fashion stores, as well as larger shopping complexes like Shibuya PARCO, Shibuya Scramble Square and Miyashita Park. For a more refined but still trendy experience, Cat Street, which connects Shibuya and Harajuku, is lined with popular domestic and international brands.

Harajuku: Quirky, Kawaii and Indie Fashion

Harajuku is the kingdom of kawaii, creativity, and fearless self-expression. Takeshita Street bursts with pastel accessories, quirky cafes, and fast-changing pop-up shops, while Laforet Harajuku, the neighborhood’s iconic fashion mall, packs dozens of boutiques from avant-garde Japanese designer brands to gothic fashion. For those interested in streetwear and indie labels, the backstreets of Ura-Hara offer a treasure trove of eccentric shops. In stark contrast, Omotesando is a sophisticated, tree-lined avenue often referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysees, featuring upscale boutiques and leading designer brands.

Ginza: Luxury and Flagship Stores

For luxury lovers, Ginza is Tokyo’s premier upmarket shopping district. The area is home to the flagship stores of numerous international luxury brands like Chanel, Bvlgari, and Dior, as well as high-end department stores such as Mitsukoshi and Ginza Six. Beyond high fashion, Ginza also offers stationery and art supplies at Itoya and calligraphy supplies and Japanese paper goods at Kyukyodo.

Shinjuku: Department Stores and Electronics

Centered around the world’s busiest train station, Shinjuku is a massive shopping and entertainment hub that caters to all tastes and budgets, including designer fashion, cosmetics, cameras and gadgets. The area is packed with department stores like Lumine and Isetan, and major electronics retailers like Bic Camera and Yodobashi as well as a vast network of underground shopping arcades.

Akihabara: Electronics and Otaku Culture

Akihabara, a.k.a. “Electric Town”, is a must-visit destination for electronics of all kinds. Here you’ll find everything from the latest gadgets to obscure electronic components. The district is also the heart of Japan’s “otaku” (geek) culture, with an abundance of stores dedicated to anime, manga, and video games, including the Mandarake Complex catering to collectors, and shops like Super Potato and Retro Game Camp specializing in vintage video games.

Asakusa: Traditional Crafts and Souvenirs

For a more traditional shopping experience, Asakusa offers a glimpse into old Tokyo. The Nakamise-dori, the street leading to the historic Sensoji Temple, is lined with shops selling traditional souvenirs, sweets, and crafts. Away from the main crowds, Asakusa’s back streets are where you’ll discover small craft stores selling everything from handmade sandals to local snacks. Just a short walk away, Kappabashi Street is renowned for its many shops selling kitchenware, from high-quality Japanese knives to the famous plastic food samples.

Best All-Around Shops in Tokyo

If you’re short on time, head to following stores that offer variety, convenience, and a true Tokyo shopping experience.

• Don Quijote (Shibuya, Akihabara, Ginza) — The ultimate one-stop shop for beauty, snacks, toys, and weird Japan-only finds with discounted prices. (related article ▶ Large Don Quijote Stores in Tokyo)
• Loft and Hands (Shibuya, Ginza, Ikebukuro) — High-quality, design-focused lifestyle products, stationery, and unique gadgets.
• 100-yen Shops (Daiso, Seria, Can★Do) —Budget-friendly shopping just for 100 yen. Daiso Harajuku is especially famous with tourists.
• 3COINS — A variety store offering a range of trendy and functional products mostly at 300 yen
• UNIQLO: Japanese fast fashion retailer, offering high-quality, affordable and trendy clothing. The world’s largest, 12-story store is located in Ginza area. (related article ▶ Best UNIQLO Stores to Visit in Tokyo)
• MUJI — Minimalist Japanese lifestyle brand famous for simple yet high-quality clothes, stationery, homeware, and snacks. (related article ▶ Best Things to Buy in Muji Stores)

Tips for Shopping in Tokyo

• Look for Tax-Free Shopping — Many stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists. Bring your passport and check for the “Tax-Free” sticker or counter in department stores and electronics shops.
• Look for Japan-Only Items — Brands like UNIQLO, Starbucks and Shiseido offer Japan-exclusive products. Look out for limited-edition regional snacks, anime goods, and high-quality stationery only found in Tokyo.
• No Tipping or Haggling — In Japan, tipping is not customary, even in luxury shops or restaurants. Prices are fixed (no bargaining ), but the service is usually impeccable.
• Bring Cash — While major department stores and chain shops accept credit cards, small stores and local markets may be cash-only. You can also use IC cards like Suica or PASMO for small purchases in convenience stores and some shops
• Language — Most large stores have some English signage and multilingual staff. Use translation apps or point-and-show techniques if needed as most staff are polite and will do their best to help.

Related Tokyo Shopping Guides

• Best Department Stores in Tokyo
• Best Shopping Streets in Tokyo
• Best Shopping Malls in Tokyo
• What to Buy in Japan
• Trendy Japanese Fashion Brands
• Best Souvenirs from Japan