If you’re a sneaker enthusiast visiting Tokyo, exploring its sneaker shops is a must. The city boasts a wide variety of stores offering everything from the latest releases to vintage finds. Tokyo is also home to the flagship store of Japan’s own Onitsuka Tiger, where you can find exclusive models and high-quality Japanese-made sneakers that are hard to get abroad.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected 11 recommended sneaker shops in Tokyo, especially for international visitors. We’ll detail the unique features and attractions of each store, making it easier for you to plan your shopping trip.
1.Where to Find Cool Sneakers in Tokyo
引用:atmos
Tokyo is one of the world’s leading fashion capitals, and sneakers are a staple for people of all ages. The city is home to countless stores where you can hunt for the perfect pair. Below, we highlight key areas where you’re likely to find your next favorite sneakers:
Shibuya
Known as a trendsetting hub for youth, Shibuya is packed with sneaker shops.
Harajuku
Popular among teens and those who enjoy unique fashion, Harajuku offers a mix of vintage stores and select shops where you can find stylish sneakers.
Omotesando
A luxury shopping district with high-end brands and designer sneakers.
Shinjuku
From large department stores to curated select shops and discount outlets, Shinjuku offers something for every budget.
Shimokitazawa
A haven for vintage enthusiasts, Shimokitazawa is the place to find rare and retro sneakers.
2.Tokyo’s 11 Best Sneaker Shops
As you explore Tokyo’s vibrant shopping districts, make sure to visit the shops featured in this article. Each store offers a unique selection and shopping experience, making it worthwhile to check out multiple locations.
2-1.Jordan World of Flight Tokyo Shibuya
Jordan World of Flight Tokyo Shibuya is the flagship store of the Jordan brand, located in Shibuya. The store offers an extensive lineup, from the latest Jordan sneakers to reissued classics and Japan-exclusive items. One of the highlights is the selection of meticulously designed sneakers that showcase the history and legacy of Michael Jordan.
In addition to sneakers, the store features a wide range of apparel, including basketball wear and casual items suitable for everyday use.
Another unique aspect of the store is its workshops, where visitors can create custom, one-of-a-kind items, adding a personal touch to their Jordan experience.
2-2.A+S
A+S (Architecture and Sneakers) is a boutique that curates high-quality sneakers with a stylish and fashionable edge.
The store’s interior is inspired by modernist architecture from the 1930s to the 1960s, blending sophisticated design with warm, tactile materials. The result is a museum-like atmosphere, providing a relaxing and refined shopping experience for men and women who appreciate premium sneakers.
While Nike is the primary brand on offer, the shop also carries a diverse selection, including Salomon, On, Maison Margiela, Hender Scheme, and ALIVEFORM, among others.
2-3.WORM TOKYO
WORM TOKYO is a specialized shop for used sneakers, fueled by a deep passion for sneaker culture. Located in Harajuku, the store has over 30 years of expertise in buying and selling sneakers, making it a haven for collectors and enthusiasts.
The store’s lineup ranges from the latest releases to deadstock items, covering everything from classic staples like Air Jordans and Air Max to rare models, limited editions, and sneakers unavailable outside of Japan.
2-4.atmos Shibuya
atmos is one of Japan’s leading sneaker and apparel select shops, offering a wide array of products from brands such as Nike, adidas, and New Balance. Their lineup includes everything from the latest releases to exclusive and limited-edition models.
The charm of atmos Shibuya lies not only in its extensive selection but also in its unique store design. The interior resembles a sneaker museum, with a carefully curated display of sneakers from various brands and models, creating an inspiring shopping experience.
2-5. Styles DAIKANYAMA
Styles DAIKANYAMA is a shop that redefines sports fashion, offering a wide range of items from international sportswear giants to domestic brands.
The store’s concept, “AUTHENTIC SPORTS FASHION,” reflects a commitment to blending style and functionality, catering to adults who value a sophisticated yet sporty lifestyle. Their curated selection features refined designs paired with practicality, making it easy to embrace a polished sports-mix style for everyday wear.
Styles DAIKANYAMA carries a variety of brands, including Nike, Puma, KEEN, Reebok, and Columbia, offering something for every fashion-savvy sports enthusiast.
2-6. Kith Tokyo
Kith Tokyo is the first standalone international flagship store of the lifestyle brand Kith, founded in 2011. Located in Tokyo, this two-story store offers not only sneakers but also apparel, accessories, and even kids’ items.
On high-demand days, such as new product launches, entry is limited to customers who win a lottery-style reservation. Known for its luxurious appeal, Kith is a favorite among celebrities and trendsetters.
2-7. Onitsuka Tiger Omotesando
Onitsuka Tiger is a renowned Japanese sports fashion brand founded in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka, and now operated under ASICS.
The Onitsuka Tiger Omotesando Store offers a comprehensive experience of the brand’s world. Nearby, the Onitsuka Tiger Omotesando NIPPON MADE store showcases the NIPPON MADE series, which features high-quality sneakers crafted with meticulous Japanese craftsmanship. These premium sneakers are especially popular among fans seeking unique, artisanal designs.
2-8. mita sneakers
mita sneakers, based in Ueno, is one of Japan’s most iconic sneaker shops.
Its roots trace back to the production and sale of traditional Japanese footwear like geta and zōri in the Nezu district of Tokyo. In the 1980s, the shop began focusing on sneakers and quickly gained popularity. During the sneaker boom of the 1990s, mita sneakers cemented its reputation as a pioneer by launching exclusive collaborations and special-edition models.
Despite numerous invitations to open stores elsewhere, mita sneakers has remained steadfast in maintaining Ueno as its sole location, a testament to its identity and community ties.
2-9. Adidas Brand Core Store Shinjuku
Located near Shinjuku Station, the Adidas Brand Core Store Shinjuku is a massive flagship store operated by adidas. It is one of the largest adidas stores in Japan, offering a wide range of products, from sportswear to streetwear.
The store underwent a major renovation and reopened in April 2024, providing an enhanced shopping experience for adidas enthusiasts. If you’re a fan of the brand, this is a must-visit destination.
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2-10. ABC-MART Shinjuku Honten
ABC-MART is a popular footwear retail chain with stores across Japan and Asia. Among them, ABC-MART Shinjuku Honten is one of the largest shoe stores near Shinjuku Station.
The store offers a wide variety of footwear, including sneakers from major sports brands, casual shoes, and business footwear. With regular sales and discount campaigns, shoppers can enjoy great deals on their purchases.
2-11. SOMA SHIMOKITAZAWA
SOMA SHIMOKITAZAWA is a vintage sneaker specialty store located in the trendy Shimokitazawa district. It’s a treasure trove for collectors, offering rare and limited-edition sneakers that are hard to find in typical stores.
The shop reflects the owner’s deep passion for vintage sneakers, which is evident in the carefully curated selection and the unique atmosphere of the store. For true sneaker enthusiasts, SOMA SHIMOKITAZAWA is a must-visit destination.
Conclusion
For sneaker enthusiasts, Tokyo is nothing short of a paradise.
Areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku are home to flagship stores of world-famous brands, select shops offering exclusive models, and secondhand stores with hidden gems. Additionally, stores like ABC-MART provide a more budget-friendly option for sneaker shopping.
If you’re visiting Japan, be sure to check out the sneaker shops featured in this guide.
*This article is based on information available as of December 2024.