What district will you see first when you visit Tokyo?
Tokyo is known as one of the best cities in the world for shopping. It has a huge selection of shopping malls where you can find different designer brands, clothing lines, souvenirs, gadgets, and more.
So, if you love shopping, then this place feels like you are floating in the clouds because you can literally see everything here.
However, shopping in Tokyo can be challenging; there are language barriers, cash-only stores, and a variety of shopping centers to choose from. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming because you don’t know what store you should visit first.
So, here are the 10 shopping streets that you should visit when you go to Tokyo:
1. Kappabashi
Are you looking for a place with less crowd? Then, you should go to Kappabashi.
Kappabashi, also known as Kitchen Town, is Tokyo’s best shopping district for buying cooking supplies. The main street, which connects Ueno and Asakusa, is lined with a variety of cookware stores. Kappabashi, which is over 100 years old and has over 170 shops, sells everything from bowls and baskets to tables and chairs.
This shopping street sells unique pieces so you should consider visiting this place.
2. Ginza
If you are looking for nice bags, flashy cars, and gleaming arm candy, then you should add Ginza to your list when you visit Tokyo. It is Tokyo’s upscale luxury shopping district. The best in international and domestic luxury goods can be found here. It is a popular luxury shopping destination, and many tour groups have buses that take visitors to the major department stores for the day.
3. Shibuya
When you hear Tokyo, you will automatically think of Shibuya after.
Shibuya is considered the center of pop culture in Tokyo. There are many shops and department stores in this district that focus on the latest fashion and accessory trends. Also, it is a good choice to visit for entertainment and recreation, as it has cinemas, live stage theaters, and a variety of shopping malls.
4. Harajuku (Takeshita-dori)
It is the center of Japan’s most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles, but it also has adult shopping and historic sites.
Takeshita-dori is a popular fashion shopping street within Harajuku, where a lot of less-known and independent brands are sold. If you are on a budget, you should visit this shopping street to buy clothes, and other stress because they are less expensive compared to Shibuya but you still ensure the quality of the product.
5. Omotesando
Omotesando is now one of Tokyo’s busiest fashion districts. Hundreds of trendy and fashionable shops from Japan and abroad line the streets, which are always crowded with shoppers.
It is considered second to Ginza in terms of the upscale shopping market because of the luxury brand outlets and cafes that are located in this street. When you visit Omotesando, you should also visit the Meiji Jingu shrine, one of Tokyo’s most famous shrines and tourist attractions.
6. Akihabara
If you are looking for electronics, manga, and game-related shops? Surely, you will enjoy visiting this shopping street.
Akihabara is world-famous for being the center of anime culture because you will see a lot of stores that sell anime, manga, and game-related shops in every corner of it.
Aside from that, you can browse the numerous electronics stores in the area while you’re there. This shopping street has many stores that sell many types and kinds of electronics products. That’s why it is also called “Electric Town”.
7. Asakusa
If you are looking for souvenirs that you can give to your loved ones, you should visit Asakusa.
Asakusa is a Tokyo shopping district where you can find a wonderful collection of Japanese goodies that make excellent souvenirs. You should visit this if you want to experience the traditional feels of the city.
Also, shopping in Asakusa is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced in the busier and more crowded districts. The products that are sold here are more authentic and high quality.
8. Roppongi
Roppongi is a district in Tokyo that is known as the city’s most popular nightlife district, especially for foreigners. This is where you will find bars, restaurants, and clubs where you can grab your drinks to chill and enjoy the music. If you are a night person who loves music and partying, you should consider visiting this lovely place.
9. Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro station is Tokyo’s second busiest station, after Shinjuku. You can also find anime and manga subcultures, with anime and manga stores such as Animate and Mandarake located in the area.
10. Odaiba
Odaiba is well-known for its man-made island which has easy access to Tokyo Bay. The atmosphere in this place is more calming and relaxing than when you are in a crowded city. Also, Odaiba has a variety of shopping destinations that are only a few meters away from the bay and have a good view of the waterfront. This is a great place for those people who want to witness a breath-taking view.
Disclaimer:
Please note that this article is written for inspiration and a better future travel experience only. This does not mean we encourage our readers to travel during the pandemic. To someone who wishes to travel this time, we would recommend to our audience to please check and follow the Travel Advisories for your intended destination and choose the method that works best for you. Also, the details above may vary to change at any time.