NGL, it seems like the absolute top holiday destination for Singaporeans is Japan — especially Tokyo. Considering the country’s unique culture, beautiful scenery, and proximity to our Little Red Dot, it’s not surprising.
If you’re planning to visit Japan’s beloved capital in the near future, here’s some good news — we’ve curated a guide to shopping in Tokyo. Since the city is filled with shotengai (shopping streets), malls, and department stores, this guide will help you find the best places to shop to your heart’s content.
Contents
There are many places to shop in Tokyo. Most large metro stations have multiple shopping malls situated above them.
Some of the popular shopping districts in Tokyo include Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Ginza, and Akihabara.
Generally, most Singaporeans consider Tokyo as an affordable place to shop. While electronics, shoes, and branded goods may be more expensive in Japan, anime merchandise and traditional Japanese goods are cheaper.
What’s more, there are also many stores in Japan that sell goods from homeware, to snacks for only 100 yen (~S$0.86), like Daiso. In recent times, the exchange rate between the Singapore dollar and Japan yen has become more advantageous for Singaporeans.
Harajuku is a neighbourhood in Tokyo that’s known for its colourful streets and fun atmosphere. Here, you can find quirky vintage clothing stores and cosplay shops littered along the walkway.
Take the time to check out Takeshita Dori, a popular street in Harajuku lined by trendy boutiques and countless roadside food stalls selling mouth-watering snacks like corn dogs, crepes, and ice cream.
You may have also heard of “Harajuku style”. FYI, the term is used to describe the unique fashion trends that are spotted in Harajuku.
One of the more well-known Harajuku styles is Lolita — a way of dressing that is heavily influenced by the Victorian era. Along the streets of Harajuku, you can spot numerous girls dressed in poofy, lace dresses, knee socks, and chunky high heels, with big colourful bows on their heads or uniquely shaped handbags.
Other popular Harajuku styles include Visual Kei, Decora, Gyaru, and Mori Kei.
Nearest metro station: Harajuku Station, JY Yamanote Line
You’ve probably heard of the Shibuya Crossing – the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. ICYMI, the Shibuya Crossing has been featured in countless Japanese films, including Alice In Borderland.
Surrounding the crossing are numerous malls and department stores catering to all sorts of shoppers.
Shibuya 109
Take Shibuya 109 for example. It is a shopping mall that is frequented by many young women in Tokyo.
The 10-storey mall has over 100 shops, each offering the trendiest fashion products like clothes and accessories. According to locals, the mall is catered towards teenagers and gyarus – a term used to describe girls who dress in an over-the-top, westernised manner.
Nearest metro station: Shibuya Station, JY Yamanote Line, JA Saikyō Line, JS Shōnan-Shinjuku Line
Fun fact — Shinjuku is actually home to the busiest train station in the world. Shockingly, it serves over 3.6 million passengers a day.
Besides its metro station, Shinjuku is also well-known for having some of the biggest department stores in the city. Don’t miss out on shopping at Isetan, Keio Department Store, Odakyu Department Store and Don Quijote — aka Don Don Donki. If you’re a sucker for minimalistic decor and homeware, drop by Muji Shinjuku, which has four floors for you to explore.
Nearest metro station: Shinjuku Station, JY Yamanote Line, JA Saikyō Line, JS Shōnan-Shinjuku Line, JC Chūō Line, JB Chūō-Sōbu Line
If you’re a fan of anime, video games, manga, or electronics in general, add exploring Akihabara to your itinerary. The district is typically considered an otaku’s dream destination with its merchandise and electronics stores.
However, those planning to purchase electronics from Japan should take note that many of the products on sale may only work in Japan, due to voltage or other technical differences.
For some dessert or a quick meal, consider heading to one of the many maid cafes at Akihabara. Mononopu is a Sengoku-period-themed maid cafe, where you will be served by waitresses dressed in frilly kimono-style dresses and At-Home Cafe is a Barbie mansion-themed restaurant where you can enjoy dance performances alongside your meal.
Nearest station: Akihabara Station, JK Keihin-Tohoku Line, JY Yamanote Line, JB Chūō-Sōbu Line, Hibiya Line
For traditional souvenirs and clothing, head over to Ameyoko Shotengai. Located in the town of Asakusa, the street is the perfect place to experience and learn more about the history and culture of Edo —aka “old” Tokyo.
The Ameyoko Market has over 400 shops selling a variety of goods from Japanese snacks, to shoes and even branded goods. Those who love discounts will be pleased to know that most stores on this street allow bargaining. Instead of providing change, storekeepers here also prefer giving customers an extra item or two.
Nearest metro station: Ueno Station, JY Yamanote Line, JU Takasaki Line, JU Utsunomiya Line, JK Keihin–Tōhoku Line, JJ Jōban Line, Hibiya Line, Ginza Line
Nakamise-Dori Street is a 250-metre-long street that leads to the Hōzōmon Gate of Tokyo’s oldest temple — Sensō-ji. Lining this street are about 90 stalls offering souvenirs and traditional goods like Japanese clogs, hair accessories and even Samurai swords. For some light bites, there are also stalls selling street snacks, like takoyaki and matcha ice cream.
To elevate your experience, consider heading to one of the kimono stores nearby. You can rent or purchase your very own kimono to take some #OOTDs.
Nearest metro station: Asakusa Station, Ginza Line, Asakusa Line, Tobu Skytree Line
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Ginza is the place to go to for luxury goods in Tokyo. Expect to find the flagship stores of high-end brands like Chanel, Rolex, Gucci, and Seiko. What’s more, the department stores in Ginza also feature a plethora of branded goods.
At Ginza, you can also shop for products from numerous Japanese brands. Browse through CDs and DVDs at Yamano Music Instruments, or check out luxurious music instruments that are made in Japan at YAMAHA.
Nearest metro station: Ginza Station, Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line
If you want to shop for luxury brands like Kate Spade, Saint Laurent, Burberry, Balenciaga and Moncler, Roppongi Hills is a must-go destination. Additionally, the mall also hosts frequent market events, where local businesses sell unique, artisanal products.
For a break from shopping, you can visit the art galleries located within the mall. Here’s the best part – most of them offer free entry.
Nearest metro station: Roppongi Station, Hibiya Line, Toei Oedo Line
When visiting Tokyo, Disneyland is probably one of the attractions that cannot be missed. But, if you’re looking to squeeze in shopping on the way there, consider stopping by Ikspiari, a shopping mall located within walking distance of the theme park. It has over 130 shops and restaurants for you to visit when taking a break from the rides and long queues.
As a cherry on top, Ikspiari offers a welcome card to all international customers. With this card, you’ll be able to enjoy exclusive deals when shopping.
P.S. Ikspiari has a large Disney store that sells limited edition Disney merchandise. If you’re not planning to spend a day at Disneyland, Ikspiari is the best alternative to get your Mickey-inspired souvenirs.
Nearest metro station: Maihama Station, JR Keiyo Line
In case you didn’t know, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest building in the world. Its observation hall at 450 metres above the ground grants you a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji.
At the base of the Skytree, is Tokyo Solamachi, a mall with over 300 shops and restaurants. Besides clothing stores, Tokyo Solamachi also has unique shops that specialise in traditional Japanese goods, like crafts and even salt.
Shopping non-stop can be exhausting. To give yourself a mental break, check out Sumida Aquarium or Tenku Planetarium – which are situated within the mall. At the aquarium, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with fluffy penguins and fur seals. Talk about getting a dose of cuteness.
Nearest metro station: Tokyo Skytree Station, Tobu Skytree Line
Before hopping on the Shinkansen to another prefecture in Japan, make sure to visit Daimaru Tokyo, a department store right outside Tokyo Station.
Each floor at the department store specialises in selling different products. For example, the second floor is filled with counters selling cosmetics and the tenth floor is all about kimonos and traditional Japanese Art.
It’s no secret that most Singaporeans are foodies. On the first floor of Daimaru Tokyo, you can find a plethora of sweets and bento boxes that you can purchase to savour on train rides.
Nearest metro station: Tokyo Station, find the full list of metro lines here
Isetan Shinjuku is known as one of the trendiest department stores in Japan, owing to its beautifully designed window displays. Ladies, get your wallets ready as this Isetan has seven floors dedicated to women’s fashion.
Check out the department store’s kimono salon on the seventh floor. There, you can choose to design your kimono; you’ll be able to decide on the type of kimono you want, as well as the fabrics used. Of course, there are also ready-made kimonos for you to purchase if you’re short on time.
Guys, fret not, there’s plenty of shopping for you to do too. Just a block away, you’ll be able to find Isetan Men’s – a whole department store that’s dedicated to you.
Nearest metro station: Shinjuku Station, JY Yamanote Line, JA Saikyō Line, JS Shōnan-Shinjuku Line, JC Chūō Line, JB Chūō-Sōbu Line
Heads up – many places in Japan do not accept cashless forms of payment. While more shops in Tokyo are beginning to accept credit cards, it’s better to have some cash on you at all times.
A common method of cashless payment in Tokyo is prepaid travel cards like Suica and PASMO.
Before trying on clothes in Tokyo, make sure to look around for face covers in the changing room. Most boutiques in Japan provide them to prevent customer’s makeup from staining the clothes.
To enjoy tax exemptions in Tokyo, make sure to have your passport with you at all times. Stores in Japan require you to present your passport to get a tax refund.
Only products that are for personal use and consumption by non-residents are eligible for tax exemption. Once you have received a tax refund, you cannot use the consumable goods purchased — like cosmetics and medicine — until you are out of the country.
You must purchase 5,000 yen worth of products at one store to receive a tax refund. Department stores and shopping malls with tax-free counters allow you to receive a tax refund if the total price of goods purchased at multiple stores is more than 5,000 yen.
Tokyo is filled with hidden gems for shopping. Besides well-known international brands, Tokyo offers a plethora of locally made traditional goods. Shops often close early in Japan, so make sure to check the opening hours of each place you’re planning to visit to avoid disappointment.
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