12 Best Souvenir Shops in Tokyo

Tokyo boasts numerous souvenir shops that captivate tourists. From the traditional shopping streets of Asakusa to the large commercial facilities in Shinjuku and Shibuya, each area offers its own unique charm. However, with so many options, many may feel overwhelmed and wonder, “Where should I go?”

We’ve carefully selected and introduced 12 recommended stores, ranging from classic to the latest souvenir spots. Whether you’re looking for traditional Japanese souvenirs or the latest trendy goods and merchandise, please use this as a reference.

この投稿をInstagramで見る

Tokyo Tokyo(@tokyotokyooldmeetsnew)がシェアした投稿

Tokyo, Japan’s capital, is home to countless shopping complexes. Many of these shops contain Japan-exclusive unique items only purchasable in the country, making them ideal gifts for family and friends.

For those feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of souvenir shops or unsure where to go for authentic Japanese souvenirs, we’ve compiled a list of recommended stores.

5-Day Tokyo Itinerary for Beginners

この投稿をInstagramで見る

渋谷ロフト SHIBUYA LOFT(@loft_shibuya)がシェアした投稿

When searching for the best souvenirs in Tokyo, don’t limit yourself to conventional souvenir shops. Visiting commercial facilities frequented by locals can also reveal a treasure trove of authentic and charming Japanese products.

Here, we introduce 12 recommended stores.

Tokyo Travel Guide | From Classic Tourist Spots to the Latest Attractions

Don Quijote is a massive discount store that offers a wide variety of products, including beauty items, clothing, electronics, groceries, and Japanese-themed sweets.

When visiting Don Quijote, it’s important to note that there are different types of stores, each with its own product selection. For example:

If you’re looking for luxury items, head to Platinum Donki.

If you want an extensive product range, visit MEGA Donki.

One location we especially recommend is the Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho Store, which is known for its vast selection of products that cater to foreign tourists.

Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho

Yodobashi Camera is a major electronics retailer primarily offering home appliances. It also sells cameras, daily necessities, cosmetics, and character-themed goods. With its extensive selection of electronics and cameras, it’s ideal for shoppers who want to compare multiple items carefully.

Some Yodobashi stores feature additional attractions such as restaurants, batting centers, and capsule toy corners. For example, Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Akiba has a batting center on the 9th floor and restaurants on the 8th floor, making it a place where you can spend an entire day.

LOFT is a specialty store for lifestyle goods. It carries a wide range of products, including clothing, outdoor equipment, cosmetics, kitchenware, and accessories. Souvenirs featuring sumo wrestler and daruma designs are especially popular with foreign tourists, as well as chopsticks and Japanese tableware.

What makes LOFT stand out is its ability to quickly incorporate the latest Japanese trends.If you want to experience Japan’s cutting-edge trends, LOFT is the place to shop.

For a diverse selection of souvenirs, head to Shibuya LOFT, which spans from the basement floor to the 6th floor.

Tokyu Hands is a specialty store for lifestyle goods that lets you explore unique and creative items not typically found in other souvenir shops.

The store’s mission is to provide customers with products that help them create a lifestyle true to themselves. For example, when shopping for cosmetics, Tokyu Hands offers a wide range of brands and items, allowing you to find what suits you best.

We recommend visiting the HANDS Shinjuku Store, which is known for its spacious layout and convenient location, with access to multiple train lines.

Natural Kitchen specializes in kitchenware and interior goods.It also focuses on seasonal items, making it a delightful place to visit year-round. For example, in December and January, you’ll find traditional Japanese New Year-themed tableware and interior decorations.

The highlight of Natural Kitchen is that most of its products are priced at just 100 yen. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to purchase cute Japanese items at affordable prices.

At Natural Kitchen and Shinjuku Mylord Store, you’ll find it conveniently located near the station gates, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost.

Village Vanguard is a unique bookstore that also sells miscellaneous goods, food, and CDs. The store’s colorful displays make it feel like a playground or a secret hideout.

Village Vanguard is a great place to check out if you’re looking for quirky and fun souvenirs.Popular Japanese snacks are sometimes sold in giant packages here. Even snacks typically found in convenience stores may appear in oversized packaging at Village Vanguard.

We recommend the Shibuya Main Store, which is directly connected to Shibuya Station, for its ease of access.

Kiddy Land is a specialty store for character goods.If you love cute Japanese characters, Kiddy Land is a must-visit. Here, you can find a wide variety of character merchandise all in one place.

The store also carries goods featuring popular American and European characters. With Japan-exclusive designs and Tokyo-limited items, it’s the perfect spot for fans of international and Japanese characters alike.

MUJI is a store specializing in clothing, household goods, and food items. MUJI is known for its focus on quality and places great importance on not only materials, but also its manufacturing processes. The simplified packaging, paired with the brand’s stylish designs and high quality, has earned it worldwide acclaim. The food section also offers individually wrapped Japanese sweets.

For a more immersive MUJI experience, visit MUJI GINZA. This flagship store includes a hotel, restaurant, fresh produce market, and bakery, allowing you to enjoy MUJI’s offerings for clothing, food, and lifestyle essentials all in one place.

DAISO is a store specializing in ultra-affordable everyday goods.Most products in the store, including cosmetics, stationery, and tableware, are sold for just 100 yen. Even fashion items like socks and ties are available at extremely low prices, making DAISO a convenient option if you find yourself needing something during your trip.

DAISO also offers gardening supplies and toys for children at budget-friendly prices. It’s an excellent place to find souvenirs for parents or young relatives.

Standard Products is a new brand launched by DAISO. Unlike DAISO, this store focuses on items priced between 300 and 1,000 yen.

Its combination of affordability, quality, and functionality gives Standard Products its appeal. For example, their cutlery is manufactured in Tsubame City, Niigata, renowned for its advanced metal processing industry. In addition, you can also find clothing, bags, and outdoor goods here.

Seria is another ultra-affordable store for everyday goods, rivaling DAISO in both variety and popularity.

If you’re looking for low-cost items without compromising on design, Seria is the place to go. The store offers an array of cute tableware, kitchen tools, interior decorations, chopsticks, and character goods, many of which make for great souvenirs with their high-quality, elegant designs.

Nakamise Shopping Street stretches along the approach to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. After passing under the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), you’ll find Nakamise Shopping Street lined with shops on both sides of the path. While visiting Senso-ji, you can pick up unique souvenirs to commemorate your Tokyo trip. Freshly baked, limited-quantity Japanese rice crackers are particularly popular at the traditional sweet shops here.

The souvenirs available on Nakamise Shopping Street include Japanese sweets, traditional crafts, and fashion items. For those seeking authentic Japanese gifts, this street is a must visit for its shops which sell kimonos and chopsticks, staples in Japanese souvenir rankings.

Tokyo offers a wide variety of souvenir shops, each with its unique charm depending on the area you visit. If you want to enjoy a traditional atmosphere, Asakusa’s Nakamise Shopping Street is the perfect destination. For trendy and stylish items, head to LOFT or Tokyu Hands. If you’re looking for affordable and diverse options, Don Quijote or DAISO will not disappoint.

Additionally, stores like MUJI and Standard Products are gaining popularity for their simple, high-quality, and sophisticated products. Whether you stop by during your sightseeing or visit specific stores with a purpose, Tokyo’s diverse shops offer memorable souvenirs for family and friends.

Find your favorite item and bring home a special memento to treasure the memories of your Tokyo trip!

*This article is based on information available as of December 2024.