47 Stop to shop

shopStop TO Tokyu Plaza, Omotesando Photo by Ryoji Iwata

Whether you’re devoted to department stores, salivating over the latest in high-tech gear, or hunting for vintage treasures, Tokyo has it all.

One of the world’s best shopping cities, Tokyo’s tendency to compartmentalise means you’ll find dozens of specialised districts and streets. Here we delve into the best shopping hot spots for lovers of fine fashion, state-of-the-art gadgets, homewares and vintage gems.

LabelsLuxury

Designer shopping, Ginza Photo by Ryoji Iwata

Dover Street Market Ginza Photo by Korie Cull

Omotesando is a broad tree-lined street, often referred to as the Champs-Élysées of Tokyo. Running from upmarket Aoyama to trendy Harajuku, it lures lovers of luxury fashion, cosmetics and high-end accessories. Boasting one of the world’s highest concentrations of designer stores, in the area you’ll find cuttingedge labels and ultra-luxurious international brands such as Chanel, Dior, Cartier and Prada, alongside high-end Japanese designers including Issey Miyake, each bursting from masterpieces of architectural design. Glamorous Ginza is another haven for lovers of luxury. Tokyo’s answer to Park Avenue, it’s home to the flagship boutiques of some of the world’s most coveted luxury brands such as Prada, Ferragamo, Cartier, Bulgari, Hermès & Tiffany & Co, along with popular high street brands.

GINZA SIX, Ginza Photo by Mos Design

Department delightsstore

If you’re eager to splash some cash, head to one of Ginza’s many gargantuan department stores such as the iconic Ginza Mitsukoshi, the oldest department store in Japan, for 12-storeys of high-end brands and reverential customer service; Matsuya for premium fashion, beauty, and homeware brands; or GINZA SIX, where you’ll find more than 200 of Japan’s most fashionable outlets.

Department delightsstore

View from Shibuya Scramble Square Photo by Hiroyuki Sen Shinjuku Takashimaya Times Square Photo by Hiroyuki Sen

Shibuya’s enormous department stores radiate out of and upwards from its famous scramble crossing. The newest shopping complex is Shibuya Scramble Square which boasts fine food, fashion and unique souvenirs that are available nowhere else in Tokyo. Best of all it offers the best views of the iconic crossing from its rooftop SHIBUYA SKY. Head to Tokyu Honten for clothes, high-end homewares and an impressive basement gourmet food hall. The recently renovated Shibuya Parco is also worth a deeper dive, with a multitude of luxury stores, restaurants, art galleries and entertainment offerings. In neighbouring Shinjuku, eager shoppers will find a number of slick department stores including Odakyu. Directly connected to Shinjuku Station for easy access, shoppers will find popular cosmetics, brand name fashion, appliances, food and more. Takashimaya Times Square is a landmark department store near Shinjuku Station’s South Exit that’s bursting with luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Chanel, as well as Japanese cosmetics. And trendy Isetan offers the finest in clothing, homewares and food, and is renowned for its arty and extravagant window displays.

gems VINTAGE

Shimokitazawa Vintage Shopping Photo by Berto Macario

Tokyo loves a vintage clothing store, and most are concentrated in specific areas. You’ll find hidden vintage gems in the stores of Harajuku and Shibuya, but the best spots for vintage shopping are in artfully eccentric Shimokitazawa and cool Koenji. Just a few stops from Shibuya on the Keio Inokashira Line, the pedestrian-friendly alleys of Shimokitazawa hide a treasure trove of stores heaving with vinyl and vintage gems from pre-loved couture to 70’s throwbacks. Haight & Ashbury is popular for its 19th and 20th-century international vintage gear and one of a kind luxury items. Also located in Shimokitazawa, Harajuku, Chicago carries used name brands along with vintage kimono and yukata, while Harajuku Flamingo focuses on American vintage and stocks a good range of men’s gear as well antique furniture. Two stops west of Shinjuku on the JR Chuo Line, Koenji has been dubbed Tokyo’s coolest neighbourhood. Here you’ll find an entire street devoted to pre-loved and vintage and unique upcycled fashion, along with an excess of bookstores, small bars, live music venues, and a diversity of international cuisine.

Vintage Kimonos Photo by Getty Images

avenuesELECTRIC

Akihabara Photo by Jezael Melgoza

If its technology that tickles your fancy, there’s nowhere like Tokyo. Take a stroll down Chuo Dori, the main street of the electronics mecca of Akihabara, before spearing down its offshoot alleys where everything from one-man stalls specialising in electronic components, to colossal department stores heaving with the latest in high end technology awaits. You’ll also find plenty of little gems devoted to anime and manga, the biggest being Mandarake. If you fear being swallowed whole by the crowds at Akihabara, head to Nakano, adjacent to Shinjuku, where you’ll find local favourite Nakano Broadway, a multi-level mall packed with gadgets and gizmos and gaming goodies as well as Japanese pop culture collectables.