There are so many shopping options in Japan, so where should you start? We cover the various types of shopping facilities found in Japan, where to go for specific items, online options, and finish up with the best shopping districts in Tokyo.
Table of Contents
Where to Go Shopping in Japan
Before we start, this article is about going shopping for clothes, furniture, gifts, etc. If you’re looking for information about supermarkets, convenience stores and other daily shopping necessities, please check out Grocery Shopping in Japan, Visiting the Different Stores in Japan for Daily Necessities Shopping.
Department Stores, Fashion Buildings, Shopping Malls
Department Stores
There are many successful department stores, called 「デパート depaato」or 「百貨店 hyakkaten」 across Japan, especially in the major cities. Not only do they sell clothes, household goods, cosmetics and such, they often have what’s called a 「デパ地下 depachika」which literally translates to basement of department stores. Here, they sell all sorts of foods - fresh deli with a wide variety, bakeries, desserts, groceries, packaged sweets - so it’s perfect for taking home or gifting.
Famous department stores found across Japan include
- Mitsukoshi
- Isetan
- Takashimaya
- Daimaru
- Sogo
- Matsuzakaya (mainly Nagoya area)
Fashion Buildings
There are also some famous department store-like businesses that are called 「ファッションビル fashion biru」or “fashion buildings”. These are also sometimes known as shopping malls or shopping centers.
These include franchises such as:
- Marui
- Parco
- Lumine
- Alta
- OPA
Particularly famous fashion buildings include Shibuya 109, La Foret in Harajuku, Landmark Plaza in Yokohama, HEP FIVE in Osaka, etc.
Shopping Centers
Shopping Centers, also called shopping malls, are also a little different from fashion buildings and department stores. These often include not only shops but other recreational options, such as movie theaters.
Famous ones include
- The Aeon Mall chain
- The Lalaport chain
- Aquacity Odaiba (Tokyo)
- Namba City (Osaka)
- Kobe Harborland Umie (Hyogo)
Station Buildings
This can be a little confusing, but there are also department-store-like buildings attached to stations, but these are specifically called 「駅ビル eki biru」or station buildings, also known as 「ターミナルビル taaminaru biru」or terminal buildings. They have things you might need for your trip, as well as gift options like sweets and flowers, things to occupy your time while traveling such as books and games, as well as what you would normally find in a department store like clothes, etc.
As each prefecture / region has different train lines, the names of station buildings widely vary, but here are some of the more famous ones for stations along the JR lines, some of which double as “fashion buildings” mentioned above:
- Lumine
- Keio
- Atre
- Asty
- Amu Plaza
Others station building chains along regional train lines include Tokyu, Hankyu, Keikyu, Seibu, etc.
Of course, many station buildings start with the name of the station itself. Famous ones include Osaka Station City, Grand Tokyo, Sannomiya Terminal Building, JR Hakata City, etc.
Outlet Malls
「アウトレットモール outlet mall」or factory outlet malls are found across Japan. They are known for their discounted prices and wide range of brands, including foreign ones. The outlet malls are usually located just outside of major cities, so it’s often a half-day or day trip to go shopping at an outlet mall in Japan.
The two major chains of outlet malls are:
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Mitsui Outlet Parks owned by Mitsui Fudousan
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Premium Outlets owned by Mitsubishi Jijo Simon (Mitsubishi Estate・Simon Co., Ltd.)
with a few others owned by other companies.
Famous outlets include
- Gotemba Premium Outlets (Shizuoka)
- Aeon Laketown Outlet (Saitama)
- Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza (Nagano)
- Rinku Premium Outlets (Osaka)
- Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu (Chiba)
Here’s an article featuring Outlet Malls in Osaka.
Airports (Tax-free)
Airports are also amazing places to go shopping! And of course, you can get things tax-free! This is great if you’re buying souvenirs or gifts to take to wherever you’re going, or you need to get some last minute shopping done. Not only do airports have the regional and local specialities all in one place, but they sometimes have exclusive shops that aren’t available in many locations in the country.
Read more about Japan’s airports here: A Look at Japan’s Local and International Airports
Shopping Streets & Markets
Last but not least, make sure to check out 「商店街 shoutengai」or shopping streets and various types of markets. Local shopping streets have more groceries. However, there are some famous ones that offer a large variety of fashion and lifestyle products. Food of course is a large part of 「市場 ichiba」markets, as some of them are specifically fish and seafood markets, while others sell a wide variety of fresh ingredients. However, these types of places also sell souvenirs, trinkets and other goods. You never know what you might find! Other markets include flea markets and handmade markets, where you can pick up gifts, jewelry, decorations, etc.
Bigger cities tend to have more markets, such as in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, but you never know where you may find a local market!
Writer's Pick
Where to Buy Specific Items in Japan
While we can’t possibly cover all the shops that you could find these particular items - ranging from clothes to electronics to gifts - here are some of the most popular choices that will give you a wide range of options, perfect if you’re looking to find everything in one spot!
Clothes
It of course depends on your style, but here are some shops that many people check out for a range of clothing options, or if you’re in need of something quickly.
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Uniqlo - most people know this shop as it’s expanded overseas! Great for picking up basics in a wide range of colors. Keep an eye out for special collaborations with various artists and popular works!
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GU - the more young and trendy version of Uniqlo
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Shimamura - a slightly cheaper version of Uniqlo, found more in local areas rather than the city centers
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Mujirushi Ryohin (Muji) - While their clothing might seem quite plain, as they tend to only sell clothing in solid neutral-toned colors, it is actually quite popular. You can get staples in your closet in high quality.
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Zozotown - An online retail shop that lists many brands, guaranteeing you a huge list of items to choose from. Keep an eye out for their huge sales!
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ABC Mart - Your one-stop shop for shoes!
Makeup & Cosmetics
Where to get cosmetics, makeup, etc.? Here are both in-store and online options!
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Department Stores - If you have a brand you like or want to browse famous makeup brands, the cosmetics floor of various department stores is the place to go.
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Drugstores - For more affordable cosmetics and skincare products, as well as the usual supplements, etc., check out your local drugstore! Here’s a list of drugstores to get you started.
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Cosme Kitchen - A cosmetics retail shop with a variety of luxury skincare, hair and self-care products.
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@Cosme - A cosmetics retailer that can be found both in person and online. They have a huge flagship store in Harajuku in front of JR Harajuku Station.
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Qoo10 - An online shop affiliated with ebay. You can buy things other than cosmetics, but it’s particularly popular for makeup. They have a mega sale every year where many people get their makeup hauls.
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iHerb - An online retailer that carries lots of imported products, including skincare, supplements, etc. that can’t be found in-store in Japan.
Electronics, Home Appliances and Related Products
The best places to pick up electronics, both necessary for your home and for hobbies, are「家電量販店 kaden ryohanten」or home appliance stores.
You can get everything from washing machines, laptops, cameras, beauty related electronic products to game software. They are also summed up in a broad category as 「家電 kaden」 or home appliances.
Here are some of the popular chain home appliance stores.
- BIC CAMERA
- Yodobashi Camera
- Yamada Denki
- EDION
- Nojima
And of course online shops like Amazon and Rakuten offer a huge variety of both domestic and international brands, so many opt for easy shopping from those instead!
They have massive sales around March and April called 「新生活応援 shin-seikatsu ouen」sales to support people who are entering new chapters of their lives (new university, new jobs) and requiring new home appliances and such, especially since many people move around this time.
Learn more about buying electronics in Japan!
Furniture
There are 3 major shops that people think of first when it comes to buying furniture in Japan. People usually get their bigger furniture, like beds, desks and tables, bookshelves, closet or hanging space, etc. from one of these 3 shops.
They are:
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Nitori - a Japanese brand like Ikea, known for its relative affordability
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Ikea - the famous Swedish furniture retailer
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Muji - while a little pricey, their furniture is simple but sturdy
Other options include Costco, Otsuka Furniture and online retailers like Amazon, Rakuten, and Lowya.
Like home appliances stores, furniture stores also have massive sales around March and April considering the large number of people who move to new cities and homes around this time.
Another option is to check recycle shops in your local area to see if anyone recently sold something you may need. Secondhand options via apps include Mercari and Jimoty.
Gifts & Souvenirs
There’s a whole culture to gift-giving in Japan. Make sure you know all the etiquette beforehand!
For gifts and souvenirs, there’s no one place to get them but here are a few suggestions.
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Lifestyle shops, such as Tokyu Hands, Muji, Loft, and Francfranc, which have everything from stationery, cosmetics, seasonal gifts, etc.
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Shops specializing in handicrafts such as Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten
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Knick knack or variety shops such as Today’s Special, The Flying Tiger, Awesome Store, Village Vanguard and studio CLIP
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Stations and airports, as mentioned above, have all the local sweets and snacks, as well as some regional keepsakes to bring back with you, either for yourself or to share. If you take a roadtrip, either by car or highway bus, service areas and roadside stops called 「道の駅 michi no eki] also have local specialties.
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Specifically for traditional Japanese souvenirs, historically and culturally traditional locations such as Asakusa or Kyoto or near famous temples, shrines and castles are good places to start looking.
Tokyo’s Shopping Districts
There’s different areas all around Tokyo perfect for your shopping needs. Here are just some of the best spots.
Harajuku & Omotesando
Harajuku is known as a trendy neighborhood for young people and thrifters. After all, Harajuku fashion is known to be unique and expressive, especially when compared to a lot of Japanese fashion in everyday life which adheres to the norm (eg. school uniforms, strict work dresscodes, etc). Visit Meanwhile, Omotesando next to Harajuku has more upscale brand shops along its main street. You can easily visit both areas together! Check out Takeshita Street, Cat Street, La Foret, Tokyu Plaza, Omotesando Hills, and the neighboring alleyways for small boutiques, thrift stores, and some yummy treats while you’re there!
Shibuya
Right next to Harajuku is Shibuya. It’s often seen as the center of Tokyo life and pop culture. Shibuya 109 is the pinnacle symbol of Shibuya fashion, especially for young people, but don’t forget to check out the many fashion buildings, department stores, and unique shops all over the Shibuya area. The new Miyashita Park and Shibuya Scramble buildings are also have hip options!
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is another busy area in terms of shopping. With many branches and even main branches of the fashion buildings and department stores mentioned above, you will find countless options, especially current trends. Both Isetan and Takashimaya are famous department stores in Shinjuku for their size and vast options. And if it’s too hot or cold to be walking around outside, check out the underground passages that connect all the train lines, as there are tons of shops to be found there!
Ginza & Yurakucho
Ginza is the luxury shopping headquarters of Tokyo, with its high brand shops and department stores. Even the food and sweets there are known to be quite extravagant. Ginza Six and Matsuya Ginza are nice to walk around, even just to window shop. In the midst of the expensive shops, however, is the flagship store of Uniqlo, the biggest in the world. For more affordable shops and food options, head to Yurakucho just next to Ginza. Here, you can find fashion buildings, pubs and more. And on the other side of Yurakucho is Marunouchi, another great area for shopping on weekends!
Akihabara
And to finish off our list with something a little different, Akihabara is known for its subculture, a hub for tech nerds, gamers, idol fans, anime fans and more. You can find electronics, arcades, fan goods, anime figurines and collectables, etc. If you’re looking for a rare item from your fandom, or a specific part to build your computer, you can probably find it here!
To Close
We hope that covers all of your shopping needs in Japan! Happy shopping!
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