I hope this article has given you some inspiration for your future Japan trip planning, but if youre hungry for more be sure to check my full Japan travel blog with dozens of articles to help you plan the perfect trip. Whisky Kingdom is the place to go for high quality labels at reasonable prices. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Full of charm, heart and tasty street food, discover the individual character of each of these Tokyo shopping streets; revisit them like old books and youre sure to find even more to love. The great thing about Yanaka Ginza is its not just for show plenty of residents come to this old-school street every week to shop at their local greengrocers and butchers. Nakamise-dori Street - Japan National Tourism Organization var _protocol =((https: == document.location.protocol) ? For food, check out the basement floor of Nakano Sun Mall where the YouTube famous Daily Chico offers a tower of ice cream thats eight scoops high, including flavors like ramune (Japanese soda), black sesame and sweet potato. Less a traditional market and more a shopping street in the vein of Nakamise, Harajuku's Takeshita-dori is nonetheless one of the best places to shop in Tokyo that's not a mall or department store. When you think of shopping in Tokyo, you probably think of huge department stores and glitzy, glamorous shopping malls. as well as the lesser-known locations to gain a greater understanding of the local history and culture. Looking for a special bottle of Japanese whisky? Shibuya is known as a trendy and youthful shopping area and it is easily one of the most recognizable and vibrant places in Tokyo as it's filled with tall buildings, big screens and neon lights. Its even closed off to cars on weekends so pedestrians can easily wander through. 5 of Tokyo's Best Shopping Streets - Shopping - Japan Travel Shopping Photo: Kakidai / CC BY-SA 3.0 Dec 5, 2021 - 3 min read 5 of Tokyo's Best Shopping Streets From ultra-luxe to laid back local favorites By Kim Japan Travel Staff Japan is a fantastic destination to visit for a myriad of reasons. If youre over 30 you might feel way too old here, but just cruise and amuse yourself in the madness. Most of what is being sold in Sunamachi Ginza Shotengai is very reasonably priced to begin with. TIP: Zojo-ji is one of my favourite hidden spots in Tokyo! Even if youre only there to window shop, its lovely to stroll along and dream! Halloween has also become a very lively event at Pearl Center. Music shops and cheap, outrageous apparel are everywhere, as are the hip kids who come to primp and pose. You can meet the cute cat character at the shotengais information centre. See also enjoy.taxfree.jp. Right at the entrance from Nakano Station, youll find Oyakidokororefutei Nakano which sells warm-from-the-pan imagawayaki, a type of stuffed pancake thats often filled with red bean or custard. This 800m-long shopping arcade located just outside of Musashi-koyama Station is famous for hostingnumerous festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Ryuhyo Matsuri (Glacier Festival), Noryo-ichi(Summer Market), Samba Carnival, ShinshunWadaiko (New Year Japanese Drums Performance), and the Ryoujya-sai (festival of 2 shrines held together)to name a few. is the place to go for high quality labels at reasonable prices. atag.async = true; Said to dateback to the late 1500s, shotengaibegan as a spontaneous gathering of retailers who later formed their own associations to regulateoperations. Also, keep an eye out for shops selling lucky red underwearthough were pretty sure you wont miss these scarlet beacons! Her first book details strategies for more enriching travel experiences without contributing to overtourism, and became a #1 Amazon New Release in two categories including Japan Travel. Excellent roads, incredible scenery, towering mountains and vibrant cities Japan is ideal for exploring on four wheels. Shopping in Tokyo Top Markets to Visit Your Trip to Tokyo: The Complete Guide close Overview Asia Japan The Top 9 Markets to Visit in Tokyo By Robert Schrader Updated on 08/22/19 When you think of shopping in Tokyo, you probably think of huge department stores and glitzy, glamorous shopping malls. alleyways and still not see everything the city has to offer. Next time, slow down. Akabanebashi is one of the most underrated roads in Tokyo to see this red and white icon of the city with little obstructing the view from ground level. And Cat Street (between Harajuku and Shibuya) is good for you stylish young people. Thank you for your information, I am adding these to my Japan list! Tokyo's shopping streets: Go to the best shotengai | CNN Survey ranks the 10 best shotengai shopping streets in Tokyo - Time Out It still boasts the local old town, or shitamachi, atmosphere created by the family-run businesses selling all kinds of food, household goods, and souvenir-worthyitems from under the brightly-colored awnings and shop signs. The overall mood of the shotengai is peaceful and friendly, and its size is perfect for a casual stroll to enjoy the old Japanese markets while stopping for some tasty food and drinks along the way. (Note that if you do wish to view the tuna auction, Toyosu is now the only place to do this!). Ive been told I have the taste buds of an obaachan (granny)maybe its my affinity for the sweet red bean paste ankoso its no wonder that Sugamo, the cheekily named Harajuku for old ladies holds such charm for me. [CDATA[ When it comes to shopping in Tokyo, it's not always about the upscale and high-rise shopping complexes that sell the latest fashion and food trends. The grand prize of the costume contest is a gift card worth 50,000 yen (as of 2017)! Tourists love this place because it's right in the middle of . There's some debate as to the exact timeframe that Asakusa's Nakamise Shopping Street was founded, with most estimates dated around the late 1600s to early 1700s. This area is nearby the trendy Shimokitazawa area, with both neighbourhoods perfect for exploring quirky stores, boutiques and cafs. 1. Photo: Natthapon Ngamnithiporn/Dreamstime. Are you in Osaka itching to go shopping? From the top of a series of steps overlooking the small shops lining the shotengai, you'll be able to see the sun setting in thebackground in the late afternoon. But tucked in between some of the more imposing facades are simpler pleasures, like the fine crafts at Takumi,the gourmet food items at Akoymeya,and the nine floors of stationery and art supplies atItya. 7 coolest streets to explore in Tokyo - Time Out 10 Best Tokyo Street Food Spots | byFood We recommend the mont blancs and the chestnut soft serve. Of course, this list would not be complete without including the must-see photography spots to commemorate your trip! This helps with the costs of running my blog so I can keep my content free for you. Nakameguro 1| Ginza makes flavourful, eco-friendly spirits from food waste, and you can sample them all in creative cocktails at the distillerys dedicated restaurant-bar Stage. ;). You can also snag high-end luxury brands like Chanel and Givenchy all under the same roof. Also, dont confuse it with Yanaka Ginza near Nippori Station this is where youll find a 1950s era shotengai with a stone staircase popular with locals for watching the sunset. If you need a little help knowing where to start, this is the list for you. As is the case with Kappabashi and cooking, you're not likely to be doing any crafts on your next trip to Tokyo. var s = document.getElementsByTagName(script)[0]; There are so many more people in Tokyo than in New York, but its pristine. Mitsukoshi Department Store Ginza Six Matsuya Department Store Wako Department Store Tokyu Plaza Ginza Apple Store Ginza Try the best things to do in Daikanyama, Tokyos coolest neighbourhood. Start by heading north along the street from the station to see everything in one go. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the warmlocal hospitality as you explore the selection of stores ranging from unique mom-and-pop stores to yummy delicatessen shopsand everything in between. 5-17-4 Jingumae Shibuya-Ku Tokyo 150-0001 Japan +81-50-3506-8000 Get Directions View Details . Naka-Meguro, a stroll away, is Daikanyama's more bohemian neighbour and is home to secondhand stores and hidden lounge bars. And yes, you can use the Japan Rail Pass to journey on this line for free! var atag = document.createElement(script); Ginza 2. Great Tokyo Shotengais Worth a Visit 1. Just a hop, skip, and jump away from Omotesando Street you'll find Harajuku's Takeshita Dori, which is famous for its trendy youth culture. Dozens of crab varieties, giant squid, uni from all over the world, and mussels the size of serving dishes. I think they are some of the city's best known shopping spots! Ju-jo Ginza is ranked in Tokyo's Top Three Ginza Shotengai alongside the aforementioned Togoshi Ginza and Sunamachi Ginza, and is the largest shopping arcade in the Kita Ward (Kita-ku) area, as it is made up of roughly 200 stores. Let us introduce you to the best of Japan through our free newsletter: sightseeing spots, delicious food, deep culture, best places to stay, and more! And the nearby Yanaka Cemetery, famous for its wide, cherry blossom-lined pathways and sprawling grounds, is a peaceful place for a bike ride or stroll to help digest all the shotengai street foods that you no doubt indulged in. To escape the crowds, we recommend picking up some items to go for a picnic spread at the neighboring Ueno Park. You're sure to find a variety of food, daily essentials, clothing, and cute souvenirsthat are easy on your wallet. RECOMMENDED: Prefer to stay in one suburb? To counterbalance the grungy vibe, delicate decorations that change with each season appear to float above the length of the alleyway pink cherry blossoms in spring; green bamboo leaves in summer; red and orange maple leaves in autumn and rounded white leaves in winter. You could spend a lifetime exploring Tokyos winding streets and yokocho alleyways and still not see everything the city has to offer. In summer, the shotengai celebrates its annual Togoshi Ginza Matsuri festival with a number of events ranging from street performances and stamp rallies to sports such as soccer and volleyball. is perhaps one of the most famous streets in Tokyo for foreign visitors. The top Tokyo Shotengais are listed below in alphabetical order. Our ultimate checklist of the best things to do and see in Tokyo, from museums and art galleries to restaurants and bars, // Tokyo Shopping Guide - japan-guide.com 10 Best Tokyo Shopping Districts - For Two, Please Ginza Shopping | Japan Experience towels with different motifs, tableware and more. -Though bargaining is the norm in most of Asia, in Japan its not done, except at flea markets and the occasional electronics store. Togoshi Ginza is home to some incredible international cuisine, including authentic Irish dishes served at, For a break from the hustle and bustle, drop by the quiet, leafy, . What are the best places for flea & street markets in Tokyo? Akihabara is the manga hub of Tokyo, so it's not shocking that the district's flea market (which takes place on weekends and national holidays) is also heavy on anime paraphernalia. Selling a range of items as diverse and fresh fish and luxury cosmetics, Ameyoko is located just a short walk from the exit of Ueno Station, near the park of the same name. Most shops in this arcade have been run by the same families for several generations, serving souvenirs, top-class street food and irresistible snacks. I've never seen so many varieties in my life, but it was all business. Mentioned in my Tokyo neighbourhood guide is Super Potato, a retro gaming store bursting with all kinds of second-hand gaming consoles, video games and other collectables in immaculate condition. Plus, weve given you three suggestions of must-visit venues on each street, so you wont miss the highlights. He lovescroquettes and is a seasoned shopper. The major shotengai shopping street in this Setagaya hood, Chazawa-dori is chock full of friendly restaurants, hipster cafs, local veggie stands and bakeries galore. The street will turn 100 years old in 2023. Make sure to check out these unique spots in Ueno while you're in the area! Tsukishima Monja Street. EAT Hidden just off Cat Street, Menchirashi is a hip udon restaurant known for its housemade noodles, fried-to-order tempura and onigiri rice balls. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. However, markets in Tokyo are easy to visit for travelers willing to look beneath surface. How many of these Tokyo streets had you heard of? Another popular event is the annual Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival) which takes place in early August. Do you love Japanese sweets, snacks and candies? Along this paved street youll have the options of enjoying drinks at an Irish pub or craft beer bar, sampling conveyer-belt sushi, singing your heart out at karaoke, grabbing a snack at a convenience store, savouring sushi at a stand-up bar and much more. On a global scale, it's comparable with Oxford Street in London or Fifth Avenue in New York. Chazawa-dori is home to the inexplicable giant gorilla above a FamilyMart one of Tokyos most visited. There is no specific selling theme in the flea market, and as long as you are willing to spend your time, you can find something worth buying. I first came here nursing a massive hangover in search of an authentic sukajan jacket and Japanese souvenirsto bring home Ameyoko has a massive selection of goods to choose from! However, as a group of toy professional collectors participate in Tokyo City Flea Market regularly, so a lot of toys booth and new commercial inventory items are found there also. The Top 15 Things to Do With Kids in Tokyo, The 10 Best Places to Buy Luggage of 2023, 48 Hours in Osaka: The Ultimate Itinerary, Kyoto's Nishiki Market: The Complete Guide, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. In addition to a variety of souvenirs and sundries, including lucky charms you can take inside the temple with you, many shops along Nakamise sell Ningyo Yaki, a decadent cake filled with sweet adzuki (red bean) paste. If you want a more Japanese feel for your shopping adventures, check out Oriental Bazaar for traditional souvenirs like kokeshi dolls and kimono. Its even closed off to cars on weekends so pedestrians can easily wander through. DO Beginning to see the light? 8 of the best things to do in Fukuoka, one of Japan's most laid-back cities. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. dishes up some of the best tsukune (chicken meatballs) in town. Known as Ameyoko for short, this open-air market running alongside train tracks between Okachimachi and Ueno Stations began as a black market selling American goods after WWII. Get a feel for old-school Tokyo at one of Japan's oldest shopping streets, Nakamise-dori, which dates back to the 17th century. Check out the youth-focused fashion at Shibuya 109, underground designers at Candy, and don't miss browsing the floors of homewares, gadgets and accessories at Tokyu Hands. After several visits to this incredible destination, Ive hand-picked what I believe are the most iconic Tokyo streets you need to see to believe, as well as Tokyo roads for a spot of shopping. Thanks for reading! Nakamise Dori, Asakusa. The 10 best neighbourhoods to shop in Tokyo - Lonely Planet How to Get There Dont miss the balloon-like sculptures on the Takeshita Streets entrance sign, these decorations change several times a year! The modern Tokyo Tower as a backdrop against the centuries-old wooden Zojo-ji Temple is one such place that shouldnt be missed. If your idea of a great getaway involves shopping 'til you drop, you won't miss out either there are plenty of places to get your retail therapy fix. Just a short five-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station, on the Ginza Line, Kappabashi is also only a 15-minute walk from popular sights in Asakusa . Keinakadori Shopping Street. The whole shopping experience is as entertaining as the amazing goods and produce being sold at the stalls, which are crammed along the main streets as well as in every nook and cranny in the narrowest of alleys. After finishing up in Nippori, consider passing through the station to the ancient neighborhood of Yanaka, whose Yanaka Ginza shopping street is also worth a stroll, even if it's not really a market. Palm even has its own mikoshi to join in on the festivities with the other 6 portable shrines of the procession. Tokyo's Top 5 Shopping Districts - Savvy Tokyo . Interesting but as you can imagine in Tokyo, a bit sterile. })(); In contrast to the trendy youth scene at Takeshita Dori, Sugamo's Jizo Dori is often referred to as "Granny's Harajuku". Yanaka is also known for its love of cats, so youll spot plenty of cat knickknacks, signs decorated with illustrations of felines and even cat-shaped food. From our freshly baked breads to our decadent cakes and pastries, each of our products is made with the finest ingredients and the utmost care. Ginza Photo by Kim Ahlstrm Ginza is the ritziest and biggest upscale shopping district in Tokyo, home to the city's posh boutiques and glamorous department stores, such as the classic Mitsukoshi and avant-garde Dover Street Market Ginza. Under a sky devoid of power lines (having been removed in 2016), the charming Togoshi Ginza feels distant from the modern era and the swanky Ginza it borrowed its name from. Togoshi Ginza is so popular, the street even has its own mascot called Gin-chan. BUY Consignment emporium Ragtag is housed in a massive three-storey complex on Cat Street and stocks Japanese cult labels like Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garons and Sacai. Its easy to find Shibuya Crossing from a distance if you keep your eyes out for the new Shibuya Scramble Square building, directly above JR Shibuya Station. BUY Make a pitstop at Migratory, a quaint little zakka shop stocking Japanese-made kitchen tools, ceramics, clothing and home interiors.DO Renowned bike shop Tokyobike offers daily rentals, so you can pick up a bicycle and pedal your way around the surrounding streets. Ameyoko is a great place for budget travelers to buy affordable souvenirs, even more so if you buy in bulk, but there are also retailers that specialize in novelties and rarities if you're interested in finding something out of the ordinary. is a hip udon restaurant known for its housemade noodles, fried-to-order tempura and onigiri rice balls. The Meguro Ginza Shotengai is just a two-minute walk southwest of Nakameguro Station and is home to a range of local grocers, restaurants, vintage stores and cafs. Its prominent location in this neighbourhood means youll likely stumble across it without trying! // ]]>. Indeed I saw fish and seafood varieties I never knew existed, but the market lacked soul. Tokyo is littered with little alleyways known as yokocho, filled with narrow eateries and drink stalls, but none are quite as iconic as Shinjukus Omoide Yokocho. Subscribe to our free newsletter and we'll show you the best Japan has to offer! This charming coffeehouse is the quintessential Showa-era (1926-1989). While local teens seem to gravitate towards Shimokitazawa these days instead, there is still plenty of colour and fun things to be found along Takeshita Street. 10 Shopping Streets You Need to Visit in Tokyo. Keep an eye out for favourites like takoyaki, chestnut ice cream and croquettes. When Im being an invisible tourist in Japan and beyond, I love seeking out the popular spots (they are for a reason!) Also in the area is the excellent under-the-train-tracks crafts bazaar 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan;andJimbch, boasting more than 170 bookstores. It's an old shopping streets with different types of shops, cafes, and super market. Togoshi Ginza shotengai (local market street closed off to vehicles) is usually featured on foodie shows in Japan as it has some of the best street food known to locals. The local restaurants and shops cant contain the excitement and hubbub of Ameyoko, with streetside tables spilling out of izakayas, while revelers snack on portable morsels. - More and more stores (especially department stores) offer tax-free shopping to foreign tourists spending over 5000. A world of unassuming, under-visited and unimaginably charming Tokyo shopping streets await; beckoning with tasty handheld bites, pop cultural paraphenalia and many, many cats! Sunamachi Ginza Shotengai is a bit of a walk from the nearest station, butthe interesting shopsand delicious street food you can discover there make it well-worth the trip! Its the place to go for cosplay items, figurines from your favourite anime, manga and comic book stores. Points of Interest & Landmarks Flea & Street Markets. You will find specialized stores for dishes, pots, pans, cooking utensils, stoves, tables, chairs, signs, lanterns and more. There are seven lucky cat statues placed along the street; some in plain view, while others gaze over the shopping street silentlyso realistic that one might even mistake them for the real thing. You'll find stores specializing in socks, spectacles, and underwear, including Maruji their dedication to all things red in their product range has a purpose, as the color is meant to promote good luck. Although its just off the main strip, it feels completely removed from the busy, If youve ever been around Sangenjaya, youve probably spent some time along Chazawa-dori, the long main street that starts off at Sangenjaya Station.