Shopping in Japan: World Class Goods & Service
Is Japan still one of the best places on earth for shopping?
It sure is!
The endless array of retail options ranges from massive department stores to tiny specialty shops hidden in shopping arcades and neighborhood backstreets.
Plus these days the exchange rate makes most shopping in Japan affordable or downright cheap for most visitors. And you can even get a lot of stuff tax-free!
For you, the shopaholic visitor looking for the best shopping experience in Japan, we’ve put together a little guide with practical advice on where to shop, what to buy & how to find the best values.
Understanding Japanese Retail Culture
Japanese retail culture emphasizes service quality and product presentation.
Sales staff take pride in their work, treating each customer interaction with professional courtesy. Notice the way the staff communicate non-verbally, how they show you products, and how they wrap each item carefully and present the shopping bag to you (often with another shopping bag folded inside the big bag, so that you can give someone a gift in their store’s bag).
And it’s not about the total yen value of your purchase. We’ve experienced this locally here in Japan: the service you receive whether buying a $2 light bulb or $2000 TV is the same. Always professional, always polite, always courteous.
Many larger stores offer tax-free shopping for foreign visitors on purchases over ¥5,000, which effectively provides a discount of 10%.
A big difference from shopping in some other countries: Japanese retailers rarely negotiate prices. The marked price is the price you'll pay. Unless you’re in a street market or certain electronics stores, please don’t try to ‘bargain’ with shopkeepers, as it puts them in the uncomfortable position of having to say ‘no.’
Department Stores in Japan: Well-Regarded by Visitors & Locals Alike
Department store culture in Japan is alive and well, unlike that of North America and elsewhere. You’ll find department stores in different parts of the major “Golden Route” cities of Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto – and all across Japan.
They are reliable for great shopping, featuring product lines of solid quality and generally good value. Upstairs, the department stores usually have a restaurant floor (or two) with a good range of eateries, while in the basement their food halls are amazing.
Many department stores will offer a discount of 5% or 10% to international visitors, in addition to the tax-free shopping option. They usually have the coupons available at the information desk and some cashiers, and many department stores have a dedicated counter for tax-refunds.
Etiquette tip: Most boutiques within Japanese department stores operate rather independently of the main store itself. Therefore, it’s best to avoid asking staff in one department about the location or products of another department – it’s not just that it isn’t their job to know or help, but it’s considered gauche or a faux pas to mix the two. There are staff who work for the department store itself, wearing the uniform and badge of the mothership, and they’ll be glad to help.
Major Shopping Districts in Tokyo
Shinjuku
The area around Tokyo’s Shinjuku station (the busiest train station in the world) is home to major department stores like Isetan, Keio, Odakyu, Takashimaya & Lumine, each targeting slightly different demographics. The basement floors specialize in food items, while upper floors feature fashion and homewares.
The east side transforms into a massive shopping complex featuring electronics retailers, fashion boutiques & specialty stores.
Don't miss:
Bicqlo: The bizarre but effective fusion of Uniqlo clothing and Bic Camera electronics creates a uniquely Japanese retail experience.
Subnade: This underground shopping center connects multiple subway lines and houses numerous small boutiques and specialty shops.
Southeast Shinjuku: The streets leading toward Shinjuku-sanchome station feature numerous vintage clothing stores and independent fashion retailers.
Shibuya
Shibuya excels in youth fashion and trend-setting stores. The recently completed Shibuya Sky scramble offers new retail options.
Miyashita Park: This innovative complex combines retail, dining & outdoor space, featuring both international brands and local designers.
Center Gai: The pedestrian street leading away from the famous crossing houses fast fashion retailers and youth-oriented shops.
Spain-zaka Slope: This area between Shibuya and Harajuku features higher-end boutiques and select shops carrying curated fashion and lifestyle items.
Harajuku & Omotesando / Minami Aoyama
These adjacent districts offer contrasting shopping experiences:
Omotesando maintains a sophisticated atmosphere with flagship stores from international luxury brands. The tree-lined main street features distinct architectural designs, while side streets have plenty of local cafes and smaller boutiques.
A nice walk starts in Shibuya; goes up the hill through Minami Aoyama; makes a left turn at Omotesando; walking through Harajuku to Meiji Jingu (a beautiful park and shrine); then exiting on the north side of the park and walking to Shinjuku.
Harajuku proper splits into distinct zones:
Takeshita Street caters to teenage fashion, though the quality varies significantly. More interesting options exist on parallel streets. Cat Street offers a slightly more mature shopping experience, with select shops and fashion boutiques targeting young professionals. The Urahara area (Ura-Harajuku) behind the main streets features numerous vintage clothing stores and independent fashion retailers.
Your mileage may vary on any given visit, but these days Harajuku is super touristy in general. If you feel like the hordes are too much, Omotesando and Meiji Jingu flank Harajuku and are much nicer to stroll through and enjoy.
Ginza – Tokyo’s Famous High-End Shopping District
Ginza represents Japan's premium shopping district, with flagship stores from international luxury brands alongside traditional Japanese retailers:
Ginza Six: This newer complex has numerous luxury brands and features an excellent contemporary art program.
Traditional Retailers: Long-standing establishments like Mikimoto and Wako maintain their historic presence in Ginza while updating their offerings for contemporary customers.
Side Streets: Less expensive options exist in the narrow streets connecting major thoroughfares, including excellent stationery stores and craft retailers.
Shopping Districts in Japan Beyond Tokyo
Osaka
Osaka's shopping culture emphasizes value and variety. Kansai (the region covering Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara) residents are known to be keen on getting good bargains, and pride themselves on knowing where the best deals and latest sales are to be had.
Shinsaibashi: The covered shopping arcade stretches for several blocks, home to both major retailers and small specialty shops.
Amerikamura: Similar to Tokyo's Harajuku, this district features youth fashion and vintage clothing stores.
Umeda: This is the main commerce district of Osaka, centered around the Osaka station complex (not the bullet train station Shin-Osaka, but not far). Department stores like Hanshin, Hankyu and Daimaru are among the best in Japan. Plenty of international brands and domestic, regional and local shops are found all over the station complex and nearby streets.
Kyoto
Kyoto shopping focuses on traditional crafts and contemporary interpretations of Japanese design. Kyoto souvenirs include tea, yukata & kimono, paper products and much more.
Teramachi & Shinkyogoku: These parallel covered arcades house numerous shops selling traditional crafts, contemporary pottery & local food products. Daimaru and Takashimaya department stores are solid entries on that scene.
Kyoto Station area: Isetan department store is here, along with many local shops and national chains.
Shopping Beyond the Golden Route
Japan’s shopping extends well beyond Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
As we’re always telling folks to get out there and enjoy some of Japan’s hidden gems, you’ll sure enjoy the unique shopping in these destinations.
Wherever you happen to be in Japan, there’s bound to be a local specialty — be it food, crafts, textiles, pottery or other unique item.
Don’t hesitate to talk with shopkeepers, even if you need to use a translation app, especially in smaller towns in Japan. Find out where the products come from, who’s behind the story and what’s the significance.
Your shopping memories will be stronger because of it!
Category-Specific Shopping Guide
Electronics
Despite popular perception, electronics shopping in Japan requires research. Many products sold in Japan feature Japanese-only interfaces or lack international warranty coverage. Focus on:
Cameras & Camera Accessories: Professional equipment often costs less in Japan, particularly lenses and accessories.
Gaming Items: Japan-exclusive games and hardware modifications remain popular purchases.
Small Electronics: Items like rice cookers and beauty appliances often feature superior technology to overseas versions.
Fashion
Japanese fashion retail operates on a different seasonal schedule than Western markets:
Department Stores begin sales in late June and December, with discounts increasing over several weeks.
Select Shops (curated multi-brand retailers) often maintain separate sale schedules, making it worthwhile to check multiple locations.
Vintage Shopping requires understanding Japanese sizing and style conventions. Better vintage stores carefully curate their selection and maintain high cleaning standards.
Traditional Crafts
Quality traditional crafts require research and deserve the higher price tag they usually command.
Ceramics: Focus on specific regions known for particular styles, rather than tourist-oriented shops.
Textiles: Traditional textile shopping works best in specialized districts like Kyoto's Nishijin area.
Paper Products: Japanese stationery stores offer excellent quality at reasonable prices, though traditional handmade paper commands premium prices.
Foodstuffs to Take Home from Japan
Don’t forget to leave some time – and some room in your luggage – to take home some food souvenirs from Japan!
Tea is a popular item to enjoy back at home, to remember your Japan trip fondly, as well as to give as gifts to friends and family.
For some reason, Kit Kat bars from have become almost iconic as a souvenir from Japan, even though they’re not originally from Japan. They have several unique flavors in Japan, though, including matcha latte, strawberry, sweet potato, azuki bean, wasabi and more (some are seasonal or limited time only, others are year-round).
Dried foods, such as beef jerky, dried squid or dried fruits, are generally okay to bring into many countries, but check with customs regulations in your country before purchasing.
We have a whole article on souvenirs from Japan that you can check out later.
Shopping Strategy & Tips
Timing Your Shopping
Sales typically occur in late June through July and late December through January. However, many stores offer periodic discounts throughout the year.
Tourist-heavy areas often maintain extended hours, while traditional shopping districts may close earlier, typically around 8:00 PM.
And, bonus, if you’re in a “depachika” (department store food hall) after 7pm or so, expect to find some of that glorious food marked down for discounts to get it out the door before closing time.
Tax-Free Shopping
Requirements for tax-free shopping include:
Spending over ¥5,000 at a single store
Showing your passport
Planning to leave Japan within 6 months
Understanding that items must remain unopened until departure
Note: The Japanese government has said that it will be revamping the tax-free shopping system in 2025 and beyond, so check with retailers and the government’s tax-free shopping website for the latest info.
Payment Methods
While Japan maintains a cash-oriented culture, most major retailers accept international credit cards. However, some smaller shops remain cash-only.
Electronic payment systems like Suica or PASMO cards work at many retailers, offering convenience for smaller purchases.
Shipping Options
Most major retailers offer shipping services within Japan, useful when shopping early in your trip.
International shipping costs can be prohibitive, but services like Yamato Transport offer consolidation services for multiple purchases.
Pro tip: Your best bet might be to pay to check in a second suitcase on your way home. Many people pack a foldable duffel bag in a suitcase on the way to Japan, and fill it with souvenirs going back.
Common Shopping Mistakes to Avoid
Tourist Trap Indicators
Be wary of:
Shops with aggressive street solicitation
Stores advertising "foreigner-friendly" prices
Souvenir shops near major tourist sites
Any shop claiming to offer "exclusive" deals to tourists
Quality Assessment
Japanese retail generally has a strong price-quality correlation. Suspiciously low prices usually indicate inferior quality or counterfeit goods.
Shop to Your Heart’s Content in Japan
If you’re an avid shopper keen on finding both quality and value, Japan is going to come through for you in droves.
The exchange rate these days is the icing on the cake. But what you’re likely to remember the most from your shopping time in Japan are the service interactions, the presentation of goods and the overall retail experience.
Make sure you plan shopping time in your Japan itinerary. Want to make the most of your experience in Japan? Schedule a free consultation with Japan Travel Pros, using the calendar tool below.