Shopping in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the most vibrant capitals in the world for shopping: from the luxury vintage boutiques of Ginza to the creative youth fashion and gigantic multi-brand stores of Shibuya. The city combines “Japan-only” items, unique local brands and large concept stores such as Tokyu Hands and LOFT, where you can easily spend half a day. Because each district has its own distinct character, families can find everything here – from premium shopping to fun souvenirs, craft materials and children’s toys.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Explore the main shopping districts on foot whenever possible. Tokyo’s shopping streets reveal themselves gradually, and the street atmosphere is an essential part of the experience.

Transport: How do you reach Tokyo’s main shopping areas?

Shopping in Tokyo and transportation – what’s the easiest way to get around?

Tokyo’s transport system is extremely convenient and well organised. Most shopping districts are directly accessible by JR trains or the metro. For families with children and heavy bags, renting a car can be more comfortable than relying only on public transport – especially if you plan to visit several districts in one day.

Shibuya

Shibuya is a major commercial centre, easy to reach via JR lines and the Tokyo Metro. The area around Shibuya Station is packed with large department stores such as Tokyu, Seibu and Hikarie, all within a short walking distance of one another.

Ginza

Ginza is a premium shopping district reached via the Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line and Hibiya Line. Your original notes highlight that there are several luxury vintage boutiques here selling Hermès, Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton, all located close together so you can move between them on foot.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Even though the metro is efficient, crowds can be challenging with children. I often choose to drive and use multi-storey car parks – they are more convenient than many travellers expect, both in Ginza and in Shibuya.

When to go shopping in Tokyo?

Are there better months or special days for shopping in Tokyo?

Some periods stand out more than others, especially if you enjoy discounts and special events.

2 January – “Fuku Bukuro”

Only once a year, on 2 January, brands sell large mystery sets of products – Fuku Bukuro – at a fraction of their original total value. This makes 2 January one of the most cost-effective shopping days of the year for visitors who enjoy hunting for deals.

Ongoing construction in Shibuya

Shibuya is undergoing major reconstruction work until 2027. This can result in:

• blocked passages
• detours
• temporary shop relocations

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: If you are visiting with children, try to avoid peak afternoon hours in Shibuya. The combination of construction works and crowds can be very tiring for families.

Top Places for Shopping in Tokyo

What can families buy in Shibuya and why is it so popular?

Shibuya is energetic, youthful, loud and full of surprises. In your source files it is described as a place where even everyday objects feel exciting, and where families can easily spend hours just wandering between shops.

1. Tokyu Hands (Hands Shibuya) – a must-visit for families

Hands Shibuya is a multi-storey shopping “labyrinth” offering an enormous variety of products: stationery, DIY tools, cosmetics, kitchen items, home goods, scientific kits, disaster-preparedness supplies, toys, puzzles, pet products, plant corners and travel accessories. Families particularly appreciate the wide choice of lunchboxes, organisers and craft sets, together with original Japanese stationery. Each floor has its own theme, there are rest areas and a small café corner, and tax-free service is conveniently available. It is very easy to spend several hours – or even most of the day – in this one store.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Start your visit on the top floor and then work your way down. This route makes navigating the complex layout easier and helps children avoid unnecessary climbing between half-floors.

2. LOFT

LOFT is known for:

• a wide and stylish selection of lunchboxes
• a strong range of stationery and organisers
• practical gifts and Japanese design objects

It is an excellent stop for families who enjoy functional yet well-designed Japanese products.

3. Shibuya’s youth fashion streets

Your notes describe:

• Sentaa-gai – a narrow, lively street filled with small shops, restaurants and tiny boutiques
• a so-called “street for freaks” – full of quirky, colourful clothing that is often quite expensive and not always high-quality

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: These streets are very enjoyable to walk through, but they are not always ideal for serious shopping. I treat them mainly as fun places for browsing and taking photos, unless someone is specifically looking for costumes or very eccentric fashion.

4. Disney Store Shibuya

Disney Store Shibuya is a colourful, family-friendly shop offering:

• plush toys
• character-themed goods
• Disney-inspired souvenirs

It is an easy win when you are shopping with younger children and want to reward them with something familiar.

What makes Ginza the capital of luxury shopping in Tokyo?

1. Vintage luxury boutiques (Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton)

Your files describe numerous boutiques in Ginza dedicated to luxury vintage, especially Hermès Birkin, Kelly and Constance bags in a wide range of colours, leathers and rare editions. The selection includes limited releases, new pieces, gently used bags and extremely rare models such as the Himalaya Birkin.

Prices vary dramatically, from relatively accessible secondhand options to ultra-premium collector items. Tags clearly show whether a bag is “new” or “used,” and rare colours can raise prices considerably. Some bags are sold without accessories, locks or boxes, and staff usually provide gloves when customers handle high-value items. Tax-free shopping is available for tourists, and in some cases, secondhand bags cost more than retail because of their rarity.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Even if you have no intention of buying, these boutiques are fascinating to visit. You can see models and colour combinations that rarely appear in official stores.

2. Other brands in Ginza

Beyond Hermès, Ginza also features boutiques from Chanel, Dior, Fendi and Celine, along with many jewellery stores and Japanese accessory brands. This mix creates a dense, walkable area where travellers can compare different styles and price levels. According to your source material, many shops offer lower prices than official brand stores, especially for pre-owned pieces, which can be attractive for visitors looking for premium items at more manageable cost levels.

Shopping for Kids: What should families look for in Tokyo?

What children’s goods are worth buying?

Families will find a broad selection of toys and puzzles in Tokyo, including magnetic sets, mini fold-out books and wooden toy railways compatible with foreign brands. However, battery-powered locomotives can cost around $38. Clothing can be more challenging: some Japanese brands are hard to find offline, and the selection can vary significantly between stores and districts.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Prepare a list of your children’s clothing and shoe sizes in centimetres. Japanese sizing follows different standards, and having measurements ready makes it much easier to choose the correct size in shops.

Stepping into this Porter Classic shop felt like entering an old cinema. Only in Tokyo can fashion shopping feel like such a cool, immersive experience.

Souvenirs: What to bring home?

Which souvenirs are truly worth it in Tokyo?

Food and sweets are among the most popular souvenirs. Travellers often choose Tokyo Banana biscuits, Japanese chocolate boxes and matcha treats. It is usually better to buy these items in the city, as the duty-free area at Haneda has a very limited non-luxury selection and can be disappointing.

Cosmetics are another common choice, including hyaluronic acid products, creams, distinctive deodorants and hair-colour powders. Accessories are compact and easy to pack: brooches, pendants, small wallets labelled “made in Japan” and items made from traditional Japanese materials.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Always carry your passport while shopping – tax-free refunds cannot be processed without it.

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What family-friendly shopping experiences does Tokyo offer?

How does the overall shopping experience feel for families?

For families, walking through Shibuya often feels like discovering one interesting thing after another. Children are quickly drawn to toy sections and interactive displays, while large stores such as Tokyu Hands can feel almost like indoor adventure parks. Regular café breaks become essential to keep everyone comfortable and in good spirits.

There are also some clear drawbacks: certain items are expensive, quality varies between shops, some fashion streets showcase clothing that is hard to imagine wearing in everyday life, reconstruction in Shibuya can complicate movement, and the duty-free experience at the airport may feel underwhelming compared with shopping in the city.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Plan one intensive shopping day and one lighter day. Tokyo’s shops can be overwhelming, and families usually benefit from a balanced rhythm.

Practical Tips for Shopping in Tokyo

Families should keep a few practical points in mind:

• Tax-free shopping requires a passport and a minimum purchase of 5,500 yen, and some stores provide immediate refunds at dedicated in-store counters.
• Large shops like Tokyu Hands can be confusing, with multiple half-floors, A/B/C zones, elevators instead of escalators and cash registers scattered across different levels. Checking the floor plan online in advance is very helpful, especially since many in-store maps were removed.
• Prices vary widely: children’s battery-powered locomotives can cost around $38, luxury bags cover a huge price range depending on rarity and condition, and Lucky Bags on 2 January can be 60-70% cheaper than buying the items individually.
• Travellers should not expect to easily find specific offline children’s shoe brands or inexpensive youth fashion of consistently high quality.
• Reusable shopping bags are very useful, as many stores charge for paper or plastic bags and small purchases add up quickly.

Nature & atmosphere during shopping days

A shopping day in Tokyo can also include pleasant scenery and small moments of discovery. Along the main routes you may pass neighbourhood temples and shrines, gently sloping streets with views, creative mosaics on building walls and everyday city scenes that make walking enjoyable, especially in good weather. There are many opportunities for quick photo stops and short snack breaks, and it is easy to combine shopping with light sightseeing and spontaneous pauses at interactive toy stands.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: I usually plan short outdoor breaks – a shrine, a café with a view or a calm side street. These pauses keep both children and adults refreshed and make the day feel more structured and less hectic.

2-Day Shopping Adventure Itinerary

Day 1 – Shibuya: Hands-On Shopping Adventure

Begin your day around 10:00 by arriving at Shibuya Station and walking to the iconic Shibuya Crossing and the lively Sentaa-gai shopping streets. Spend two to three hours browsing youth fashion, character shops and the Disney Store, taking photos and enjoying small snack stops along the way. Around 13:00, choose a casual noodle or donburi spot just off the main streets for a relaxed family lunch.

By 14:30, walk roughly ten minutes to Hands Shibuya – a multi-storey treasure house filled with stationery, toys, DIY kits, home goods and travel accessories. Children can explore puzzles, craft floors and science sets, while adults look for lunchboxes, organisers and “Japan-only” household items. It is easy to spend about three hours here, especially with tax-free shopping available for purchases above 5,500 yen (≈ $36.70).

Plan a short coffee break in the café corner inside Hands, or grab a drink from a vending machine – at around 120 yen (≈ $0.80), it’s a simple and effective recharge during a long shopping day.

Day 2 – Ginza: Vintage Luxury & Café Breaks

Start at 10:00 by taking the metro to Ginza Station. Wander through the compact streets filled with vintage luxury boutiques specialising in Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Fendi. Spend three to three and a half hours comparing colours, leathers and price points – from more accessible pre-owned pieces to rare Birkin and Kelly models. Many shops indicate “new” and “used” condition clearly, sometimes including the year of production.

Around 13:30, stop for lunch in a quiet side-street café or a small local restaurant. Ginza offers many calm spots away from the main roads, and one to one-and-a-half hours is usually enough before continuing. At 15:00, explore the surrounding accessory and jewellery shops with more approachable prices. End the day in a small designer café featuring creative latte art or matcha-based desserts – a relaxing finish after a full afternoon of browsing.

Reviews

1. Emily Carter – visited April 2024

I spent an entire day in Shibuya, and Hands Shibuya was the highlight. The store felt like a giant maze of discoveries – every floor offered something new for me and my children. Prices were fair, and tax-free processing was simple. The only challenge was the crowds around Sentaa-gai, but that’s part of Shibuya’s experience.

2. Daniel Brooks – visited October 2019

Ginza was eye-opening. I had never seen so many rare Hermès bags in one area – it felt like walking through a small fashion archive. I didn’t purchase anything, but browsing alone was worth the time. Some boutiques were expensive, but comparing “new” and “used” bags side by side was fascinating.

3. Hannah Collins – visited July 2023

We brought our kids to Shibuya for souvenirs and unexpectedly spent three hours inside Hands. They loved the puzzles, mini-books and Japanese lunchboxes, while I stocked up on home items. One practical suggestion: begin on the top floor and work downward – the half-floor layout can be confusing.

4. Michael Turner – visited December 2018

I came for quirky youth fashion, but the so-called “freak street” wasn’t for me – prices were high and the quality was inconsistent. LOFT, on the other hand, had excellent practical items and the best lunchbox selection I found in Tokyo. I left with useful gifts for everyone at home.

5. Olivia Reed – visited January 2025

I arrived during the Fuku Bukuro sales on January 2nd and was amazed – I purchased a Givenchy bag set worth far more than what I paid. The atmosphere was lively and chaotic, with queues everywhere, but the savings made it worthwhile for anyone who enjoys great deals.

I love how neatly everything is arranged here — only in Tokyo can simple everyday items look like a curated art display. I could spend hours choosing gifts.

Tips from the Itinerary Expert

When I shop in Hands Shibuya (ハンズ渋谷), I always begin at the top floor and walk down. The zig-zag layout can feel chaotic, but this approach saves energy and helps children avoid extra climbing.

If you plan to buy sweets or cosmetics as gifts, do not rely on Haneda duty-free. I learned this personally: the non-luxury selection is extremely limited. Buy items such as Tokyo Banana in the city instead.

In Ginza (銀座) vintage luxury boutiques, ask to see both “new” and “used” Hermès bags. Comparing them side by side helps you understand the price difference without feeling any pressure to purchase.

Always carry your passport while shopping. I once forgot mine and could not claim a tax-free refund (minimum 5,500 yen). With children and several small bags, it is very easy to forget.

If your children love trains, examine toy railways in Shibuya – but avoid buying battery-powered locomotives immediately. They can cost around $38, so I compare prices across several shops first.

In LOFT, the lunchbox section is larger and more creative than in most stores. When children choose their own lunchboxes, they enjoy using them throughout the trip, so I always allow extra browsing time.

“Freak street” in Shibuya is entertaining for browsing and photos, but I do not rely on it for actual clothing purchases. Prices are not low, and quality varies.

Plan a mid-day café break in Ginza. After exploring several luxury boutiques, children often need time to relax. I usually choose cafés located in quieter side streets for more comfortable seating.

If visiting on January 2nd, arrive early for Fuku Bukuro (福袋) sales. The best “lucky bags” – for example from Givenchy or Helena Rubinstein – sell out quickly.

When walking in busy Shibuya with children, follow a simple rule: large purchases at the end of the day. This keeps hands free and prevents small shopping bags from getting lost in the crowds.

I wandered through this beautiful lifestyle store and instantly felt calm. Minimalist, warm, and so “Tokyo”—I kept finding things I didn’t know I needed.

Insights from the Itinerary Expert

During my most recent shopping trip to Tokyo in March 2024, I was reminded how unique this city is. Shibuya felt like a constantly shifting kaleidoscope, and the moment we entered Hands Shibuya, the children disappeared into puzzles and stationery while I moved between clever “Japan-only” household tools. The layout is chaotic in an appealing way, and beginning on the upper floors truly saves energy.

Ginza provided an entirely different rhythm. Browsing vintage luxury boutiques with neatly arranged Birkin, Kelly and Constance bags felt like being behind the scenes of a fashion archive. Some prices were far higher than expected, but seeing rare colours and limited editions up close was worth the visit. When the children needed a break, we slipped into a quiet side-street café for matcha desserts – the ideal pause between shops.

For families, Tokyo shopping days can be busy and colourful, especially with ongoing construction in Shibuya. Yet they are also rewarding, filled with unexpected discoveries, creative boutiques and many places to rest. Tokyo remains an exceptional destination with endless possibilities, and I would be delighted to help you build a personalised itinerary through this city and the rest of Japan.

These handmade wooden crafts fascinated me — every piece feels like a little slice of Japanese tradition. I couldn’t resist picking up a few souvenirs.

Tokyo Shopping – Price Table (USD Equivalent)

I love browsing plant shops in Tokyo — the mix of modern pots and quirky greenery is irresistible. I kept imagining how these would look back home.

Popular Questions

1. Is shopping in Shibuya convenient for families with children?

Yes. The area around Shibuya Crossing and Hands Shibuya offers wide sidewalks, many snack options, toy sections and several rest areas. Crowds exist, but shops are very close together.

2. What is the best day for discounts in Tokyo?

January 2nd, during the Fuku Bukuro (Lucky Bag) event. Brands offer sets worth far more than the purchase price – including luxury brands such as Givenchy and Helena Rubinstein.

3. Is it worth visiting vintage luxury shops in Ginza?

Yes. Ginza boutiques showcase a large selection of Hermès, Chanel, Dior and rare limited editions, including unusual colours and premium leathers. Even without buying, the experience is impressive.

4. Can kids enjoy Hands Shibuya? (First-person)

Absolutely. When I visited with my children, they spent nearly an hour in the puzzle and craft sections alone. Hands feels like an indoor adventure filled with small surprises.

5. Are prices for children’s toys affordable in Tokyo?

It depends. Basic toys are inexpensive, but speciality items – such as battery-powered toy locomotives – can reach around $38.

6. Should I carry my passport while shopping?

Yes. A passport is required for tax-free refunds for same-day purchases above 5,500 yen. Without it, the refund cannot be processed.

7. Is Shibuya still under construction?

Yes. Reconstruction around the station continues until 2027, causing occasional detours and busy passageways. Allow extra time when moving between streets.

8. Are sweets better bought in the city or at the airport? (First-person)

From my own experience – in the city. Haneda duty-free has a very limited non-luxury selection. I regretted not buying Tokyo Banana earlier during my trip.

9. Is “freak street” in Shibuya worth it for shopping?

It depends on your goal. The atmosphere is lively and colourful, but prices are not low and quality varies. Many travellers visit mainly for photos rather than actual purchases.

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