Shopping

The Japanese have had a long tradition of handcrafted wares, and they boast of excellent quality and craft, which is involved in making these items. You could shop for some excellent souvenirs that include kimonos, calligraphy supplies, karate gear, good-luck charms, green tea, kites, Japan Beanie Babies and handsomely printed books. The best area in Tokyo to shop is at Ginza where you can expect to find good quality traditional Japanese wares.

You can shop for a wide selection of traditional wares in all major department stores. In nearly all the shopping malls there are two basement levels, which are completely dedicated to foods of every kind. You will also have samples to choose from pastries to liquor and from fish to other Japanese delicacies.

The basement section comprises of shoes, accessories and men's and women's fashion gear. You will also come across an exhibition floor where you can shop for everything from Japanese swords to Picassos. This exhibition is held every weekend. In some shopping malls you will also find a bargain floor. A rooftop beer garden, amusement park, shrine and pet shop are also situated in the mall.

Shopping Hours

Most stores are open daily 10am-8pm.

Department stores close around 7pm and remains closed on any one weekday each week.

Antique Stores

5 -10-13 Toranomon

(Minato-ku, near the Kamiyacho station, Hibiya rail line).

Tel 3433-6321

Art Plaza Magatani

Visit art Plaza Magatani for vintage tableware, armoires and other antiques.

Closed on Sundays.

Bookstores

Jena

5-6-1 Ginza (Chuo-ku)

Tel 3571-2980.

This shop sells English-language editions of magazines and novels.

Kinokuniya

Takashimaya Times Square,

5-24-2 Sendagaya (Shibuya-ku).

Tel 5361-3301.

For English-language editions.

Kitazawa

2-5-3 Kanda Jimbocho (Chiyoda-ku).

Tel 3263-0011.

This stores sells books on Japanese culture and other English-language editions.

Maruzen

2-3-10 Nihonbashi (Chuo-ku).

Tel 3272-7211

English-language books

Camera Shops

Japan is known for its technological advancements. For the latest, sleek, multi-functional and higher resolution cameras, Tokyo has abundant shops to choose from. The camera models available her are often exported versions.

Canon

Mitsui Building, 2-1-1 Nishi-Shinjuku.

Tel 3348-4725.

Nikon

L Tower 28F, 1-6-1 Nishi-Shinjuku.

Tel 3344-1830.

Olympus

Mitsui Building,

1-3-1 Kanda Ogawamachi (Chiyoda-ku).

Tel 3292-1931.

Pentax

2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku.

Tel 3348-2941.

Yodobashi Camera West Main Store

1-11-1 Nishishinjuku (Shinjuku-ku, near Shinjuku station)

Tel 3346-1010.

Department Stores

Isetan

3-14-1 Shinjuku (Shinjuku-ku, Shinjuku Sanchome station, Marunouchi line). Tel 3352-1111

Closed some Wednesdays.

This store has got an amazing selection of the latest trendiest fashion brands.

Mitsukoshi

1-4-1 Nihonbashi-Muromachi (Chuo-ku, near the Mitsukoshi-mae station on the Ginza and Hanzomon lines)

Tel 3241-3311.

This is one of the oldest department store in Japan and houses many European brands.

Prantan Ginza

3-2-1 Ginza (Chuo-ku, near the Ginza station on the JR Yamanote line).

Tel 3367-0077.

This store normally concentrates on French fashion. Closed on some Saturdays.

Takashimaya

2-4-1 Nihonbashi (Chuo-ku, near the Nihonbashi station on the Ginza, Tozai and Asakusa rail lines).

Tel 3211-4111.

This branch of the famous department store concentrates more on women's clothing.

Electronics Stores

Panasonic

1-3-15 Higashi-Shinagawa (Shinagawa-ku).

Tel 5460-5200.

Sharp

8 Hachiman-cho (Ichigaya, Shinjuku-ku).

Tel 3260-1161.

This is a product information center.

Sony

5-3-1 Ginza (Chuo-ku).

Tel 3573-2371.

Sony has nearly all the electronic gadgets that you could ask for.