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Published: June 26th 2018
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If you are heading to Tokyo then you are in for the ‘shopping time of your life.’ Tokyo is a real mecca for shoppers and you can find the most astonishing array of goods. Tokyo is right up there for fashion, luxury items, jewellery and designer clothing, are way ahead of other big cities when it comes to technology, and are big on special interest items.
There are many different areas in Tokyo and you should try and take a little time to explore each one. They are all unique in their own way and you will find fabulous shopping, great bargains, great restaurants and hotels in each area.
Let’s look at some of the top shoppings spots for tourists in Tokyo Ginza Ginza is a very upmarket shopping district. You can wander the streets and find many contemporary and fabulous boutiques, huge department stores and the Ginza Six high fashion mall. In Ginza Six you will find close to 240 big brand shops. There are also craft and art stores, galleries and gourmet food markets. Prices here are pretty high and you may just choose to window shop. Don’t forget to step into Itōya
, with 9 floors devoted to stationary!
Asakusa Asakusa is a much more affordable friendly shopping neighbourhood. If you are looking for funky or quirky gifts, spend time wandering around here. The small lanes and alleyways are really interesting and you’ll find a few surprisingly good vintage, arts and craft stores.
Shinjuku The shopping here can be insane and a little overwhelming but it is amazing. Travel to Shinjuku by train and then hold on to your hat! As you get out of the train station, the amount of shops, noise, markets, lights, hustle and bustle is pretty extraordinary. You will find great stores, great presents and also Isetan, a fabulous Japanese department store. There’s also great music here!
Nakano There isn’t a single tourist who misses Nakano, and if they do, we’re sorry! Nakano Broadway is a 13 level commercial complex with over 350 shops under one roof. You’ll find locals and tourists at Nakano. You can purchase anything imaginable - luxury goods, electronics, clothing, and very impressively, the most beautiful luxury watches or timepieces.
The Watch Company in Nakano Sun Mall Shopping Street is a sightseeing attraction in itself. Nakano Mall stretches along several blocks of Nakano, under a glass canopy, and you can shop, eat and amuse yourself for hours. There are gorgeous cherry blossoms in Nakano too.
Harajuku and Aoyama You will find the stylish shopping strip ofOmote-sandō where high contemporary fashion and sophistication rule. Try out the local restaurants which are also high-end and enjoy a stroll where the beautiful people stroll too!
Kuramae If you are into art, you need to go here. Kuramae is a fashionable district for young artisans and you will see them at work and at play. Clothing, leather goods, one of a kid boutiques, upmarket galleries and more. There are some fabulous places to eat here as well and Kuramae is filled with the young, hip and trendy.
Kōenji and Kichijōji You’ve probably read a lot about Japanese counterculture and seen photographs of incredible counter culture fashion. The Kōenji and Kichijōji area is filled with vintage and second hand store, and also specialist and antique shops. Definitely worth a wander. Take your phones for pics.
Daikanyama and Naka-Meguro These are two of Tokyo’s residential areas that are filled with upmarket boutiques and cafes. You will find books, clothing, shoes, great coffee, divine food, hidden specialist stores and more. Vintage is big. The areas are a little pricey but well worth visiting.
Shimo-Kitazawa This is a small neighbourhood and a definite favourite area for students and the more creative types. You’ll find lots of quirky shops and restaurants, fabulous bars and cafes and great vintage markets too.
Shibuya Again, take your camera. This is an area filled with the hip, the young and the outrageous. It’s all about teen trendiness and you may find some wonderful gifts, gadgets and accessories for yourself - or your kids - or your grandkids!
The above guide will help you choose where to shop for specific items. Whatever you do, do not miss Nakano and
The Watch Company. A luxury watch is something really special and something that you will have for life. A good watch is an investment as well as a fashion piece. Go to Nakano and spend an hour or two browsing the mall and hundreds of shops. And when you’re ready, buy yourself something special from
The Watch Company. And remember, a watch makes a fabulous gift too.
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