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.

Sign of Mega Don Quijote shop

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

Sign of Daiso shop

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

Sign of Standard Products shop

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

Sign of Muji shop

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

Mt. Fuji KitKat
Onigiri keychain
decorative gift in Japan
HANDS shop sign

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 shop sign

Muji
Japan’s beloved minimalist no-brand brand. The large branches stock many items that are found only in Japan. Website

Sign of Beams shop

Beams Japan
A trendy clothing brand that also sells creative, edgy gift items. Website

Products at Akomeya
Sign of Nintendo shop

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

Sign of Akomeya shop

Akomeya
Many varieties of rice, dashi broth, seasonings, baked snacks and sweets and cooking utensils. Website

Photo of Haneda Airport shopping area

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