Shopping in Japan

Japan blends tradition and modernity in a way that turns even casual shopping into a cultural experience. From neon-bright youth districts to quiet family-run craft shops, every city offers something different. For families travelling with children, shopping becomes more than just buying things – it’s about discovering playful stores, creative items, kawaii characters and small surprises at every step. Whether you’re looking for unique cosmetics, local snacks, wooden toy railways or stylish clothes, Japan offers an impressive variety of “Japan-only” items you won’t find elsewhere.

How to travel around Japan for shopping?

Moving between major shopping districts in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto is extremely easy thanks to one of the world’s most precise and dependable transport systems. Trains and subways arrive within minutes, helping families with kids avoid long waits and tiring transfers. On shopping days this matters a lot: you can move quickly from Ginza to Shibuya or from Harajuku to Shinjuku without losing valuable time.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: If you see a direct JR or subway connection – take it. It saves energy, especially when children are tired.

Should you rent a car?

Yes, absolutely. For families, renting a car makes travel between cities far more comfortable, especially if you plan to combine sightseeing, outlets and nature in a single day. With children and shopping bags, flexibility is essential, and a car allows you to adapt the day as needed without depending on fixed train times or crowded platforms.

What about long distances between cities?

Japan’s Shinkansen turns intercity shopping trips into a pleasant and efficient experience. Travellers often describe how they moved from Tokyo to Kyoto on the bullet train and used the Takkyubin luggage delivery service at the same time: they sent their suitcases ahead, travelled light and received everything directly at the next hotel. This service is especially valuable if you are planning intensive shopping days and do not want to carry heavy bags through stations.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: I often send my heavy luggage ahead before a major shopping day – nothing ruins the mood faster than dragging bags through a busy station.

Can you rely on taxis?

Yes, but with some caution. Taxis in Japan are reliable, clean and safe, but they are also expensive. It is best to use them strategically – for example, when you are carrying multiple shopping bags with tired children after a long day in Shibuya or Osaka. Think of taxis as a comfortable backup option rather than your main mode of transport.

When is the best time for shopping in Japan?

Japan is a year-round shopping destination, but certain months are particularly attractive because of large sales and comfortable weather. Your ideal time depends on what you value more: discounts, pleasant temperatures or fewer crowds.

Are there months with special sales?

Yes, and they are worth planning around:

• Summer Sale: June-July
• Winter Sale: December-January

During these periods, discounts in major department stores often reach 30-60%. The atmosphere is lively, but you should be prepared for crowds – on weekends, many malls become extremely packed, and moving around with children may take more time.

What are Fuku Bukuro Lucky Bags?

Every year on 2 January, Japan celebrates one of its most famous shopping events – Lucky Bags (Fuku Bukuro). Shoppers buy sealed bags with mystery contents, often worth three to four times more than the price paid. Families sometimes manage to buy luxury beauty sets from top brands for a fraction of their original cost. For those who enjoy surprises and good value, this is one of the most exciting dates in the Japanese shopping calendar.

Which seasons are most comfortable for walking?

• Spring (sakura season): Pleasant temperatures and blossoming streets make it ideal for long shopping walks between different districts.
• Autumn: Warm, stable weather and comfortable air make it easy to explore several areas in one day.
• Winter and summer: These seasons bring the biggest sales, but temperatures can be extreme, with hot, humid summers and cold winter days.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: If you are travelling with children in summer, avoid shopping during the midday heat. Plan your main shopping sessions for the morning or evening, when walking between shops and stations is much more comfortable.

Shopping in Japan: the best cities and districts

Japan offers a wide variety of shopping experiences, from premium districts to playful, youth-focused areas. Each major city has its own atmosphere, making it easy for families to find the right mix of quality, convenience and entertainment.

Why is Tokyo the capital of shopping in Japan?

Tokyo presents exceptional diversity: premium streets in Ginza, the energy of Shibuya, the futuristic feel of Shinjuku and the colourful charm of Harajuku. Families can easily explore multiple districts in a single day and enjoy everything from snacks and kawaii toys to fashion, creative materials and souvenirs. Tokyo is dynamic, well-organised and full of “Japan-only” discoveries.

Ginza – is it worth visiting for shopping?

Yes. Ginza is polished, elegant and comfortable to explore with children. Complexes such as Tokyu Plaza Ginza and Ginza Six are frequently mentioned as essential stops, offering cosmetics, accessories and refined Japanese design. Prices are higher here, but the service quality is excellent. Families also appreciate the calmer, less crowded atmosphere compared to Shibuya, as well as the clean sidewalks and easy navigation.

Shibuya – chaotic or must-visit?

Shibuya is definitely a must-visit. It is the energetic centre of modern Tokyo, where trendy boutiques, creative goods and iconic landmarks come together. Stores such as Tokyu Hands and Loft offer extensive selections of DIY materials, stationery, lunch boxes and unique creative items that can easily keep families busy for hours. The Disney Store is a favourite stop for children, and Center-gai Street adds an extra layer of playful fashion and lively atmosphere.

At the same time, the well-known “creative fashion street” may feel inconsistent – some shops offer high prices for items that vary in quality. Crowds are another factor. Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Visit early in the day to enjoy a more comfortable, family-friendly experience before the area becomes extremely crowded.

Shinjuku – what can families find here?

Shinjuku is a mix of large department stores and major electronics chains. It is ideal for:

• Cosmetics – Isetan stands out with excellent variety.
• Japanese fashion brands – practical, well-made everyday clothing.
• Electronics – Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera are large, organised and convenient.

The district is busy throughout the day, so short, focused visits work best for families.

Harajuku – fun or chaotic?

Harajuku is colourful, playful and closely tied to Japan’s youth culture. Takeshita Street is packed with kawaii clothing, themed shops, snacks and unusual accessories, making it enjoyable for a short walk with children. However, many shops here are known for inconsistent quality and higher prices. For families, it is better seen as a fun stop for atmosphere and photos rather than a key shopping area.

Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires.

Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation.

During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp.

Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation.

Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.

More Info

Osaka – what makes shopping different here?

Osaka has a lively and approachable shopping scene, ideal for combining stores with food and entertainment. The best districts include:

• Dotonbori – vibrant streets full of snacks, casual fashion and souvenirs.
• Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street – a long covered arcade with clothing, accessories and well-known Japanese brands.
• Namba Parks – an architecturally impressive open-air shopping centre.

Osaka’s friendly atmosphere makes the city enjoyable for families, especially when shopping is mixed with its famous street food.

Kyoto – is it good for shopping or only sightseeing?

Kyoto is excellent for traditional craftsmanship and thoughtful, small-scale purchases. Families can find handmade ceramics (especially in the Kiyomizu pottery district), local sweets, stationery, stickers and small artisanal gifts. The pace here is slower and more personal than in Tokyo, which many travellers find refreshing after busy days in Shibuya or Shinjuku.

Outlets – where to go for real discounts?

Japan does not have European-style outlets inside major city centres. Travellers often expect to find large discounted malls in Tokyo itself and are disappointed. Most outlet locations are outside the city.

Recommended options include:

• Mitsui Outlet Park (several locations across Japan)
• Gotemba Premium Outlets near Mount Fuji – the most famous and the most extensive

Outlets are excellent for families: open-air layouts, wider walking areas and plenty of space allow children to move around comfortably.

What categories are worth buying in Japan?

Japan offers a wide range of high-quality products, many of which are difficult to find elsewhere. Families especially appreciate the variety, thoughtful design and reliability of Japanese goods.

Cosmetics & Skincare

Japanese skincare is known for gentle formulas, precise textures and excellent results. Travellers often purchase serums, creams and cosmetic sets – many of which are priced more competitively in Japan than abroad.

Tech & Gadgets

Cameras, headphones and small tech accessories are widely available in major department stores and electronics chains. Stores in Shinjuku and Akihabara make comparing models easy even for visitors.

Kids’ Products

Japan is particularly strong in products for children. Families often buy:

• Wooden train sets, including compatible tracks
• Puzzle toys
• Cute character bowls and accessories
• Stationery featuring popular characters
  One traveller noted that battery-powered toy trains cost around $38.

Kawaii & Anime

Fans of Japanese pop culture will find endless options:

• Pokémon Center
• Animate
• Don Quijote, known for affordable souvenirs and fun themed items

Fashion

Youth fashion, trendy sneakers such as Onitsuka Tiger, and small accessories are widely available. However, some visitors mention that prices in Tokyo’s youth districts can feel high, and quality varies from shop to shop. It is worth comparing before buying.

What should families keep in mind while shopping?

Tax-free shopping in Japan is straightforward, but only if you carry your passport. Stores cannot issue tax refunds without the physical document, and several travellers noted losing the chance for an 8% refund because they forgot it at the hotel.

Airport duty-free should not be relied on for last-minute gifts. Haneda, for example, focuses mostly on luxury brands, offering a much smaller range than regular city shops.

Crowds are another important consideration. Districts such as Shibuya, Dotonbori and most outlet parks become extremely busy on weekends. With children, it is best to plan regular breaks, snacks and shorter shopping segments. Japanese stores are bright and stimulating, which can feel overwhelming for younger kids.

Some kawaii or youth-fashion shops have unpredictable pricing, and not all items match their cost. Tip from the Itinerary Expert: When shopping in youth districts, walk through the entire area first. Compare quality and prices before deciding what is worth buying.

Shopping route

Day 1 – Tokyo city shopping (Ginza & Shibuya)

Begin around 10:00 in Ginza, walking between Tokyu Plaza Ginza and nearby department stores. This district is ideal for refined cosmetics, accessories and “Japan-only” gifts. Families typically spend 2.5-3 hours here, including short breaks in cafés and photo stops on upper floors. Access is simple: take the JR or metro to Ginza or Yurakucho, and most locations are within 5-10 minutes on foot.

Around 13:00-14:00, have lunch in a department-store food hall. These floors are convenient for families – displays make choosing meals easy, and options are varied and quick.

In the afternoon, take a 10-20 minute JR or metro ride to Shibuya. Cross Shibuya Crossing, then explore the area. Spend about 1-1.5 hours in Tokyu Hands browsing DIY items, stickers and lunch boxes. Continue to Loft for stationery, home goods and souvenirs (around 1 hour). Finish with Disney Store Shibuya and Center-gai Street, allowing another hour for character goods and playful fashion.

In the early evening (around 17:30-18:30), have dinner in Shibuya at a family-friendly restaurant or ramen shop near the station. Afterward, take the JR or metro back to your hotel, allowing 20-40 minutes including walking time.

Day 2 – Gotemba Outlet & Fuji views by car

Pick up a rental car in Tokyo around 9:30-10:00 and drive toward Gotemba Premium Outlets. With one short service stop, the expressway journey usually takes 1.5-2 hours. Children can rest or watch a movie during the ride, while adults enjoy the change of scenery as the city opens into wider landscapes.

Arrive around 12:00 and spend 3-4 hours browsing international brands, Japanese labels and sportswear stores. The open-air layout is ideal for families: wide paths, fresh air and easy movement. On clear days, the view of Mount Fuji provides excellent photo opportunities. Lunch at the food court or a casual restaurant usually takes 45-60 minutes.

Around 16:30, begin the drive back to Tokyo, aiming to avoid heavier evening traffic. Include one stop at a highway service area for toilets, warm drinks and regional snacks – these rest areas often offer small local specialties that make simple, affordable souvenirs. The full return trip typically takes 2-2.5 hours.

Traveller reviews

1. Emma Collins – April 2023

We spent two days shopping in Tokyo with our 10-year-old, and Shibuya felt like a playground for all of us. Tokyu Hands was the highlight – my son kept choosing stickers and lunch boxes, and I ended up buying things I never planned to. Weekends were crowded, so we took breaks often, but it was worth it.

2. Daniel Brooks – November 2019

Ginza surprised me with its elegant stores and calm streets. The service was exceptional. We bought cosmetics, accessories and a wallet that felt high-quality. We forgot our passports, so no tax-free refund – a reminder of how important it is to carry them.

3. Sarah Mitchell – July 2022

We planned only one afternoon in Shibuya and stayed far longer. My teenagers loved Loft, especially the stationery. I tried the creative fashion street, but prices were higher than expected. The Disney Store made the kids’ day.

4. Adam Levine – May 2024

Shibuya was electric. The crossing alone amazed the kids. We spent ages in Tokyu Hands, losing track of time. Some clothing shops felt overpriced, but the atmosphere was unforgettable.

5. Yael Ben-Haim – October 2018

We looked for outlet-style shopping in central Tokyo and found nothing similar. Many youth stores were fun but inconsistent in quality. Loft was excellent – I bought more stationery than planned, and my daughter still talks about it.

6. Omar Al-Mansoor – March 2025

Shopping in Tokyo with two children was an adventure. Tokyu Hands felt like a giant toy box. Some stores were crowded and pricey, but the bright screens and lively streets kept everyone excited.

7. Layla Al-Haddad – December 2023

We visited Ginza just after Christmas. It felt festive and peaceful. We picked up gifts and skincare products, then moved to Shibuya for casual items. Crowds were tough, but the variety kept the children engaged.

8. Michael Turner – August 2021

Our family day in Tokyo became an unexpected shopping marathon. We found creative toys, a wooden train set that matched our set at home, and fun snacks. The challenge was choosing – everything looked appealing.

I couldn’t resist exploring this gorgeous wall of vintage bags — Japan really knows how to make shopping feel like a dream.

Tips from the Itinerary Expert

1. Carry your passport everywhere when shopping. I once missed an 8% refund simply because I left my passport at the hotel. Even if you don’t plan big purchases, it is worth having with you.
2. Don’t rely on airport duty-free for gifts. Haneda’s duty-free selection is limited outside luxury brands. I now buy sweets, cosmetics and small gifts in city shops, where prices and variety are better.
3. Use luggage delivery for heavy shopping days. Takkyubin allowed me to travel light between Tokyo and Kyoto. This service is extremely helpful when travelling with children.
4. Walk Shibuya early. Later in the day, sidewalks become crowded, making navigation with children difficult. Starting early helps you enjoy Tokyu Hands, Loft and Center-gai before the rush.
5. Compare prices before buying youth fashion. Quality varies in areas like Harajuku and Shibuya. I always make a full loop before choosing what is worth purchasing.
6. Carry a foldable tote bag. Japan is full of unexpected finds – stationery, toys, snacks. A small extra bag helps keep purchases organised.
7. Use department-store food halls for family meals. Basement food floors offer quick, visual choices that work well for children.
8. Plan short, frequent breaks. Stores like Tokyu Hands and Loft are exciting but intense. A quick pause for juice or fresh air helps keep children energised.

I found the cutest Miffy items! Japan is dangerous for anyone who loves adorable things.

Insights from the Itinerary Expert

I last visited Japan for shopping in March 2024, and every trip reminds me how different the experience is compared to other countries. Stores like Tokyu Hands and Loft feel almost interactive – my children moved from aisle to aisle choosing stickers, DIY kits and small gadgets, while I tried to stay focused on what we actually needed.

Ginza is the opposite: calm, elegant and structured. We often spent the morning selecting refined gifts and cosmetics, then switched to Shibuya’s colourful energy in the afternoon. Not everything is perfect – some youth fashion streets are overpriced, and carrying bags through crowded stations with children is never enjoyable. That is why I rely on luggage delivery on major shopping days.

Still, the mix of creativity, colour and friendliness makes shopping in Japan especially memorable for families.

This shop felt like walking into a candy-coloured cartoon — I wanted to buy everything.

Shopping in Japan – Price List (USD Equivalent)

Popular questions

1. Is Shibuya too crowded for families?
   Yes, especially in the afternoon. Early mornings offer a more comfortable experience for children and make visiting Tokyu Hands and Loft easier.
2. Can I get tax-free shopping without my passport?
   No. Stores require the physical passport. Several travellers lost their refund because they didn’t have it with them.
3. Are there real fashion outlets in central Tokyo?
   No. Discounted outlet malls are located outside the city, such as Gotemba near Mount Fuji.
4. Are Japanese children’s toys worth buying?
   Yes. Many are high-quality, especially wooden sets and puzzles. Some families even found pieces compatible with their sets at home.
5. Is airport duty-free good for souvenirs?
   Usually not. Variety is limited. City shops offer better options and prices.
6. How long should families plan for Shibuya?
   Around 3-4 hours, including Tokyu Hands, Loft and Disney Store, with short outdoor breaks.
7. Is Gotemba Outlet good for families?
   Yes. It has a spacious layout, Fuji views and plenty of snacks – ideal for children.
8. Is Harajuku worth visiting for clothes?
   It is fun for a walk and photos, but prices can be high and quality inconsistent.
9. Where is the best place for creative gifts?
   Tokyu Hands and Loft offer the widest selection of DIY items, stationery and “Japan-only” gifts.

What we propose

Emma Heidi

Customer Experience Manager

Take all the stress out of planning your trip!

With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs.

We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey.

We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients.

Discover our clients’ experiences here

 Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary.

 A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide.

 Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars.

 We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time.

 Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go.

Service cost: from only $210. (Special price for short itineraries up to 5 days). Clients tell us the itinerary saves them costly mistakes, fines, wrong choices – plus exclusive discounts on car rentals, better-priced accommodations, and money-saving local tips.

Want to know if it’s really worth it?

Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us.

Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection.

Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever.

Contact us via email

Chat with us on WhatsApp
Callback from the expert

How it works

• You are welcome
to contact us
• We discuss
your trip
• You fill out a special form
• We create
your itinerary
• You get it with all useful tips
• We are in touch with
you all the time