
Where to buy gifts
Japanese consumers demand innovation, smart design, variety, high quality and reasonable prices. Shops tend to be quite diverse, so it is often easy to find the perfect gift for different people in one place. Here is a list of shops that sell a wide range of products at reasonable prices, with multiple locations. Also check out the food halls in department stores. The package design alone is worth the visit. If you run out of time, both airports have options as well (details below). Check out the map at the end to see what’s where.
Most time-efficient location: Ginza. In a three-block area you will find many of the shops below.
Don Quijote (DONKI and MEGADONKI)
DON, DON, DON your way through a dizzying maze of snacks and sweets, beauty products, kitchen utensils, clothing and gadgets galore. Locations around the city and in Haneda Airport T3. Warning: you may emerge humming the theme song playing incessantly in the background. Website
Daiso
Daiso is a destination. 4,000+ stores around the country, 76,000+ items, most of which are only ¥100, and 1,200 new “how could I live without that!” products developed every month. From snacks to cosmetics to kitchen and electrical accessories, Daiso’s low prices will have you binge buying without guilt. Website
Standard Products
Owned and operated by Daiso, Standard Products is the mother brand’s answer to Muji. It is about necessities at a low price, in a stylish, non-generic design. Discover elegant Japanese dishes, smart bags, cute notebooks, and much more. Website
Loft
Loft’s products are not the cheapest option, but the range is extremely wide, from unique souvenirs and cosmetics to kitchenware, bags and interior decor items. Website
HANDS (formerly Tokyu Hands)
Hands is part consumer products and part DIY. Excellent for stationery, travel goods, umbrellas, arts and craft materials, cute kitchen items and much more. Website
Muji
Japan’s beloved minimalist no-brand brand. The large branches stock many items that are found only in Japan. Website
Beams Japan
A trendy clothing brand that also sells creative, edgy gift items. Website
Anime/manga/character-related merch in the Shibuya/Harajuku area:
Shibuya Parco 6th floor
Mandarake
Tokyo Anime Center
Akihabara area:
Mandarake
Akihabara Figure Tower
Tamashii Nations Store
Akihabara Gamers
Akomeya
Many varieties of rice, dashi broth, seasonings, baked snacks and sweets and cooking utensils. Website
Haneda / Narita Airport
Most shops are before security and may close at 8pm, 9pm, 10pm. At Haneda T3, check out the replica of a traditional village street on the level above check-in.
Prefer to explore a neighborhood? Match your mood with these:
Nature and culture with a side of retail therapy: Meiji Shrine, Harajuku & Omotesando
Culture and retail therapy with a side of nature: Asakusa & Kappabashi
Retail therapy and culture, with extra concrete: Ginza
Pulse of the city: Shibuya
At/near Haneda Airport: Haneda & Tennozu Isle