Discover the best shopping places in Japan for unique souvenirs, from cute and cheap items at Daiso to Japanese kitchenware at Kappabashi.
Japan, with its extraordinary uniqueness in culture and technology, also offers an equally interesting shopping experience. Every corner of this country provides various places full of unique and interesting items to make souvenirs.
From unique items that can only be found in Japan, to high-quality products that represent Japanese aesthetics, shopping in Japan offers a wide variety of options for anyone looking to bring home something memorable.
If you are planning to buy some Japanese souvenirs, here are the 10 best shopping places you must visit.
1. Daiso
Daiso is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Japan, especially for tourists looking for affordable souvenirs. With over 3,000 stores across Japan, Daiso operates as a 100 yen store, meaning almost everything sold here is priced around 100 yen (about $1).
Despite its low prices, Daiso offers a variety of unique and practical products, from household appliances to cute items that make great souvenirs.
At Daiso, you can buy various Japanese goods that are very hard to find anywhere else, such as colorful goldfish wallets, sushi-shaped erasers, and various other functional items. Daiso is the ideal place for those of you who want to buy lots of souvenirs without spending too much.
2. Matsumoto Kiyoshi
If you are looking for beauty souvenirs or personal care products from Japan, Matsumoto Kiyoshi or Matsukiyo is the right destination. Matsumoto Kiyoshi is the largest drugstore chain in Japan, easily found in almost every major city.
While known for its bright yellow storefronts, visitors can also explore nearby spots offering Typical Japan Food, adding to the local experience.
Matsumoto Kiyoshi offers a wide range of beauty and health care products, at very competitive prices. You can find products from famous brands such as Shiseido, SK-II, and other Japanese beauty products.
This is a great place to buy quality beauty souvenirs at more affordable prices than in their home countries.
3. Don Quixote
Don Quijote, or more commonly known as Donki, is a very popular department store in Japan. The store is known for its very affordable prices and wide variety of products.
From snacks, cosmetics, household goods, to electronics, you can find almost everything you need at Don Quijote.
Donki has over 150 stores across Japan, and even has overseas stores. In addition to its low prices, Donki is open 24 hours a day, providing convenience for visitors who want to shop at any time.
With typical Japanese goods available here, such as cartoon character face masks or cute T-shirts, Donki is a top choice for buying unique and different souvenirs.
4. Tokyu Hands
Tokyu Hands is a must-visit destination if you’re looking for unique and functional souvenirs. Known for its extensive DIY (do-it-yourself) collection, Tokyu Hands offers a variety of items from craft tools, household supplies, to creative and innovative accessories. This store has many branches, with the most famous one being in Shibuya, Tokyo.
At Tokyu Hands, you can find unique bathroom accessories, camping equipment, stationery with Japanese designs, and even aesthetic home furnishings.
Don’t forget to buy some unique Japanese products that are hard to find elsewhere, such as art supplies or home decorations that exude a Japanese feel.
5. LOFT
LOFT is a department store also located in the Shibuya area of Tokyo, and is known for its very complete and unique product collection.
With seven floors full of products, LOFT has around 80,000 different items covering a wide range of categories, from stationery, cosmetics, household appliances, to charming home decor.
Some of the signature items you can buy at LOFT include daruma dolls, tenugui towels (traditional Japanese towels), and design items inspired by Japanese culture. LOFT is also open until 9 p.m. daily, giving you plenty of time to shop and explore the many items on offer.
6. Uniqlo
Uniqlo, a Japanese clothing brand known for its simple yet elegant designs, is the right shopping choice for those of you who want to buy high-quality clothing as souvenirs. Uniqlo products are known for their excellent quality, as well as practical and comfortable designs for everyday use.
At Uniqlo, you can buy clothes with minimalist and modern designs that can be used as practical gifts or souvenirs.
This store also often holds big discounts, so you can get quality clothes at more affordable prices. Uniqlo has large branches in various cities, including a flagship store in Ginza, Tokyo.
7. Harajuku
Harajuku is a very popular area in Tokyo, especially for young people who are looking for unique and funky fashion styles.
Located in the heart of Tokyo, Harajuku offers many small shops along Takeshita Street, which are filled with various different and affordable fashion products.
Here, you can find a variety of clothes and accessories with more expressive and creative designs than anywhere else. If you want to buy truly unique and Japanese fashion souvenirs, Harajuku is the perfect place to visit.
8. Ameyoko
Ameyoko is a traditional market located in Ueno, Tokyo, and is known for its very affordable prices. This market offers a variety of products, from food, clothing, cosmetics, to electronic goods. The bustling market atmosphere and friendly vendors make Ameyoko a pleasant place to shop.
As well as enjoying the lively market atmosphere, you can also haggle over the prices of your purchases at Ameyoko, making it an ideal place to look for souvenirs and other bargains. This market is perfect for tourists looking for souvenirs at more affordable prices.
9. Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is an area well known for its affordable vintage and second-hand shops. This place is known for its indie culture and is often visited by those looking for unique and retro items. If you like vintage clothes and accessories, Shimokitazawa is the right place to hunt for souvenirs.
In addition to unique items, Shimokitazawa is also known for its many cafes and bars that offer a relaxed atmosphere. This place is perfect for those of you who want to find classy items but at more affordable prices.
10. Kappabashi
Kappabashi is a famous area in Tokyo that focuses on selling kitchen and restaurant equipment. Here, you can find a variety of high-quality kitchen equipment, such as sharp Japanese knives and traditional Japanese cooking utensils.
Kappabashi is also famous for its incredibly realistic food replicas, which restaurants often use to showcase their menus.
These food replicas are very unique and cute souvenirs, and are very detailed. If you love cooking or are looking for typical Japanese kitchen items, Kappabashi is a must-visit.
With a wide variety of shopping options offering unique and distinctive products, Japan provides an unforgettable shopping experience.
From the functional and practical items at Daiso, to the unique items at Kappabashi, each of these places has something unique and special, including a wide range of Typical Japan Souvenirs to take home.
So, be sure to visit these places during your trip to Japan and find souvenirs that will always remind you of the beauty and culture of Japan.
