Tokyo shopping

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1. GinzaGinza is the affluent shopping district in Tokyo – one look around Mitsukoshi will testify to this. But tucked in between some of the more imposing façades are simpler pleasures like fine papers and shelves full of ingenious toys. Shopping options here truly reflect the breadth and depth of the city’s consumer culture, which is equal parts high fashion glitz and down-to-earth dedication to craft.

2. AsakusaNow decidedly relaxed, Asakusa was once the heart of Edo’s low city, home to artisans, merchants and prostitutes. Its small lanes and winding alleyways are still full of surprises, from venerable doll shops to virtuosic drum makers such as Taiko-kan. For straight gift shopping, Nakamise-dōri is not bad for souvenir trinkets – try the back streets for better-quality stuff. The long stretch of Kappabashi-dōri also yields uniquely Japanese curiosities in its little culinary-supply shops.

3. ShinjukuA few stops east of Shinjuku, the height of buildings descend to a more human scale. A stroll up the Kagurazaka slope from Iidabashi Station will turn up several shops selling geta (traditional wooden sandals) and drawstring purses made from lavish kimono fabric. Elsewhere in the area, wedged in unexpected places between pharmacies, groceries and pachinko (vertical pinball-game) parlours, are shops carrying goods like Czech puppets and hand-painted kites. Jimbōchō is the place to go for rare books, both Japanese and English.

This is one of the busiest towns in Japan, with its train station reportedly handling the largest number of passengers in the world. Department stores, electrical appliance megastores and huge book stores fan out around the station and are constantly filled with customers. In the underground mall, there are dozens of shops where you might find an unexpected bargain. The "Don Quixote" discount store is located along Yasukuni Dori (Ave.) at the east exit, and to the north of this store is the Kabuki-cho bright lights district, crowded with restaurants, adult entertainment spots, arcades and theaters. On the west exit side are the Tokyo Metropolitan Government buildings, super-high-rise buildings and first-class hotels. Enjoy the night view from the free observatory at the top of the Metropolitan Government building or from one of the skyscraper restaurants.

4. RoppongiThough Roppongi is best known for wild bars and pick-up joints, it’s also home to a few of the city’s most interesting and idiosyncratic shops and showrooms and its new shopping megamalls, Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown. Of special interest in Roppongi are the Axis showroom, showcasing contemporary design, and Japan Sword, which displays and sells the exquisite weaponry of the samurai.

Roppongi has both aspects as an office town and an entertainment center that never sleeps. Since there are numerous embassies in the vicinity, many of the shops, bars and restaurants have international flavors and cater to people from other countries. Roppongi Hills, one of Japan's newest commercial developments, has over 200 shops and restaurants making it a great place to spend the day exploring local Japanese culture.

5. EbisuEbisu is often overlooked, though its shops, like its restaurants, are some of the most forward-thinking and interesting in the city. Yebisu Garden Place, an open-air mall connected to the Ebisu JR Station by moving walkways, is a good place to start. If you’re more interested in one-of-a-kind wares hotfoot it up the hill toward Daikanyama and Hachiman-dōri.

6. ShibuyaShibuya is the fountain of teen trendiness in Japan. If you’re over 30 you might feel way too old, but just cruise and amuse yourself in the madness. Music shops and cheap, outrageous apparel are everywhere, as are the hip kids who come to primp and pose. At weekends, the street in front of the 109 Building closes to all but foot traffic.

One of Japan's busiest towns, Shibuya is extremely popular with young people. There are department stores, restaurants and specialty shops; casual fashion shops in particular have a high profile as typified by the "SHIBUYA 109" fashion building. Each street has its own characteristic look; for example, Koen Dori (Ave.) has the "Seibu Department Store" and "Parco", Bunkamura Dori (Ave.) has the "Tokyu Department Store", and Spain Zaka (Hill Road) has small clothing boutiques and miscellaneous goods shops. On "Center Gai or Center Street", the street extending from the station, there is a constant stream of young people strolling past the fast food shops, shoe stores, and accessory and cosmetics shops. Fashion shops recently started opening up on Meiji Dori (Ave.), so you can enjoy window shopping while walking to Harajuku or Omotesando.

7. Harajuku & AoyamaHome to the famed Harajuku girls, Takeshita-dōri and the alleys packed with small, independent designers’ shops and secondhand stores, Omote-sandō is the most eclectic, experimental neighbourhood in Tokyo. High fashion rules the Aoyama end of Omote-sandō, where ‘fashionable’ has an entirely different meaning than it has for the hipsters of Harajuku layering haute couture with second-hand finds. Creatively active but solidly established, Aoyama is grownup, refined yet innovative. It’s no wonder artistic designers and high fashion flagship stores have made this section of Tokyo their creative home.

Harajuku's high fashion boutiques and branded shops make this area a hot spot for pop culture and new, cutting edge styles. On "Omotesando Hills", you'll find about 100 famous-brand shops including "Anniversaire Omotesando" popular for its limited-edition champagne and chocolate, as well as Prada, Louis Vuitton and Dior boutiques competing to express their individuality even through their architecture.

8. ShinjukuShopping in Shinjuku can be a little overwhelming. From the moment you step out of the train station (ringed by malls and department stores), the lights and noise make the whole place seem like the interior of a bustling casino. But there are some great shops amid all the chaos, and you can find just about anything your heart desires here. Two branches of the Kinokuniya bookstore are here, as is stately Isetan, one of Tokyo’s most revered department stores, which caters to the young set. It is also a great place to come to shop for electronics if you’re not motivated to trek all the way to Akihabara.

9. IkebukuroPrices on everyday commodities like eyeglasses may be slightly cheaper in Ikebukuro – come here to buy no-frills stuff, not Prada. Ikebukuro has big department stores, but it’s never quite taken off as a shopping destination. What it is good for is bargains on wares you’ll find in other parts of the city. If you’re an anime or manga fan, check out the shops along Otome Rd by the Sunshine City complex.

10. Odaiba
Odaiba was designed as an entertainment and shopping mecca, so it should come as no surprise that two of its main attractions are malls with views over the water. You’ll find both big-name designers and small shops here. Venus Fort is worth a peek to take in its timed sunrise and sunset (artificial, of course).

Tokyo Bay
This large shopping mall in the heart of Tokyo houses hundreds of stores and entertainment facilities perfect for all types of shoppers. Visitors can spend the day roaming the grounds and discovering new shops, movies, and several gourmet restaurants and cafés. Tokyo Bay is not to be missed for anyone looking for a day of fun for the whole family. For more information, please visit: http://tokyobay.lalaport.net/lala_eng/ Department Stores

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