A lot of people think that it is easy to find places to buy souvenirs in Tokyo because there are millions of shops there. Fair enough… but it used to be very difficult for me to find the right places to buy souvenirs for my Aussie friends.
Then, one of my friends from Tokyo suggested where to go for great souvenir shopping. Her advice is perfect! So, let me share her knowledge with you about the places that will make your souvenir-finding journey easier.
Tokyu Hands
Tokyu Hands has been getting popular amongst foreign tourists because they sell unique products! There is a great range of products: such as Japanese quality stationery, kitchen goods, and DIY crafting kits.
As I visit the Tokyu Hands Shinjuku store, I spend hours wandering around the different floors. From my personal experience, when I buy DIY crafting kits for my friends, they absolutely love it.
A large range of age groups can enjoy this store, so even if you have to take along the kids, they won’t get too bored. That is a bonus for family travellers!
If you are looking for good quality and different products, this is the place for you. Recommended large stores are as below:
Shinjuku Store: Japan, 〒151-0051 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Sendagaya, 5 Chome−24−2 2~8F Times Square Building
Shibuya Store: 12-18 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Ikebukuro Store: 1 Chome-28-10 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo
Village Vanguard
Village Vanguard originally started its business as a book store but it is far from an ordinary book shop because the theme of their business is to be a “Playful Book Store”.
As the theme suggests, it is so much fun to wander around inside. I have taken my Australian friends who visited me while I was there, their eyes nearly popped out because of the product range!
There are plenty of Anime & Manga character goods, vintage items, and weird & cute treasures just waiting to be discovered! Village Vanguard covers a large part of Tokyo, so if you visit major areas, you will find one. But here is a list of locations that might be close to where you visit in Tokyo:
Shibuya Main Store: Shibuya City, Udagawacho, 23−3
Shinjuku Store: Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−38−1 Lumine Est Shinjuku 5F
Odaiba Store: 1 Chome-1-10 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
Loft
Loft is a chain store, so you may see many of them across Japan! This store is becoming a popular spot amongst foreign tourists because of their stationery range. It is truly amazing!
There are a large variety of stationery items, but also Japan-themed products too. When I look for souvenirs for my friends, I normally visit Shibuya Loft where you can find stylish Japanese gifts.
The great thing here is that Shibuya Loft knows what tourists need! They don’t offer very typical souvenirs. What you can find there are modern and stylish souvenirs.
A lot of my friends love the ones from Loft Shibuya. If you are around the Shibuya or Shinjuku area, it is worth taking your time to investigate Loft.
Loft Shibuya : 21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
Natural Kitchen
Japan is pretty famous for its cuisine. Because the food culture has been developed in its own way, kitchen items have been advanced in their way too! Natural Kitchen was one of the most loved shops by my female Aussie friends. This is simply because the shop design and items are so cute!
What caught my friend’s eye there were Japanese plates and bowls. When you travel overseas, you always find it very difficult to pack your suitcase, but Japanese plates are not too big (most of the time), so they are a good size for souvenirs. If you are looking for something for your daily life in your souvenirs, Natural Kitchen is the place for you.
Shinjuku Store: Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1 Chome−1−3 Tokyo
Shibuya Store: Shibuya City, Dogenzaka, 1 Chome−12−1 Mark City West Mall 2F
Summary
I have covered four different stores that I normally go to for souvenir shopping. If you are around Shinjuku and Shibuya areas in Tokyo, it is worth it to take your time to wander around these shops! You will find something that you or your favourite ones love.