Tokyo Shopping Guide – Deep Dive into the Four Major Districts: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Akihabara
First time shopping in Tokyo and dazzled by all the different areas? Don’t worry—this down-to-earth shopping guide will help you sort it all out!
Tokyo’s shopping areas each have their own distinct charm: from bustling luxury department stores to trendy brand streets, to havens for anime fans. This guide introduces 4 of the best districts to shop in, clearly organizing everything from target audiences to must-visit stores. Let’s dive in!
I. Shinjuku – One-Stop Shopping Paradise
Shinjuku is Tokyo’s busiest commercial and transportation hub, offering everything from high-end fashion and trendy brands to daily necessities and electronics. Ideal for travelers on tight schedules.
Shopping Guide
1. Isetan Department Store
A classic high-end department store with numerous international designer brands, top-tier cosmetics, and a gourmet food basement.
⏰Business Hours:
Main Building/Men's: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Restaurant Floor: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Hours vary by location)
※ Hours may vary during the year-end and New Year holidays and during promotional events, so please check in advance.
🗺️Address: 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
🚉Access:
・1-minute walk from Shinjuku-Sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
・7-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station
・5-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
2. BEAMS Japan (Shinjuku Flagship)
A concept store blending traditional crafts, lifestyle goods, and modern fashion—great for creative and local souvenirs.
⏰Business Hours:
1F-5F (General Shopping Area): 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Craft Grill Restaurant (Basement 1):
・Lunch: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
・Dinner: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
🗺️Address: B1F-5F, 3-32-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
🚉Access:
・1-minute walk from Exit E9 of Shinjuku-Sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Fukutoshin Lines
・4-minute walk from the South Exit of JR Shinjuku Station
3. Sakazen Shinjuku
This large, select store, popular with locals, focuses on menswear with a wide selection of sizes, making it perfect for tourists seeking larger sizes. They offer a wide selection of international brands, often at prices better than department stores. During their recent limited-time summer promotion, they offer gifts with a minimum purchase and discounts plus tax exemptions, though quantities are limited.
⏰Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
🗺️Address: 2-19-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
🚉Access: Approximately a one-minute walk from Exit C7 of Shinjuku-Sanchome Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line.
4. Lumine EST / Lumine 1 & 2
Shinjuku Station's three Lumine locations offer diverse styles and a wide selection of brands, making them a popular shopping destination for Japanese women.
・Lumine EST: Mainly Korean and sweet-spicy styles, with a fast-changing selection of trendy items, perfect for everyday wear.
・Lumine 1 & 2: More elegant, Japanese-style, perfect for commuting or dating, with a selection of original Japanese design brands.
⏰Business Hours:
・Lumine 1 & 2: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM (some locations open until 10:00 PM)
・Lumine EST: Weekdays 11:00 AM–9:00 PM, weekends and holidays 10:30 AM–9:00 PM
・EATo LUMINE: 8:00 AM–10:00 PM (varies by location)
🚉Access: Directly connected to JR Shinjuku Station, accessible from the exit
5. BIC Camera Shinjuku West Exit Main Store
This one-stop shop offers electronics, digital products, cosmetics, snacks, and travel goods. Multilingual customer service and tax refunds are available, making it a popular "last stop" shopping destination for tourists.
⏰Business Hours:
・Weekdays and Saturdays: 10:00 AM–8:30 PM
・Sundays and holidays: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (depending on Odakyu Department Store hours)
🗺️Address: 2F-6F, Shinjuku West Exit Hall, 1-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
🚉Access: A short walk from JR Shinjuku Station's West Exit
6. Alpen Tokyo
This large-scale sports mall, opening in 2022, spans ten floors and features specialized areas for outdoor activities, sports, fitness, golf, and more. With over 350,000 items, it's perfect for sports enthusiasts and those interested in outdoor activities.
⏰Business Hours:
・Weekdays: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
・Weekends and holidays: 10:00 AM–10:00 P1M
🗺️Address: Unika Building, 3-23-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
🚉Access: 1-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station's East Exit
II. Shibuya – Trendsetting Hotspot
Looking for trendy inspiration, limited-edition pieces, designer brands, and a memorable observatory in Tokyo? Shibuya is a one-stop trendsetter's landmark district, offering everything from trendy boutiques, pop-up art, IP collaborations, and gourmet desserts. Every shop has its own unique flair. Perfect for trend lovers, niche design enthusiasts, and those hunting for limited-edition pieces.
Shopping Guide
1. Shibuya Scramble Square
A recent landmark in Shibuya, it boasts a popular rooftop observation deck, Shibuya Sky, offering panoramic views of the world-famous Shibuya Crossing. The lower floors are home to a variety of trendy and lifestyle brands, while the basement food court offers a variety of popular snacks, including wagyu sandwiches and handmade desserts, perfect for both shopping and sightseeing.
⏰Business Hours:
・B2F–11F: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
・12F–13F: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
・Shibuya Sky: 10:00 AM–10:30 PM (last entry 9:20 PM)
※ Please refer to the official website for actual hours.
🗺️Address: 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002
🚉Access: Directly connected to Shibuya Station/Exit B6 of the underground passage
2. Shibuya PARCO
This multi-story complex brings together fashion, art, and subculture. It features numerous flagship stores and exclusive IP zones, and regularly hosts pop-up exhibitions and limited-time events. From avant-garde design to video game culture, it's a central venue for exploring Shibuya's trendy ecosystem. It's recommended to check the official website before entering for details of current exhibitions and events.
⏰Business Hours:
・Shopping Area: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
・Dining Area: 11:30 AM–11:00 PM
・Some facilities (such as the gaming area on the 6th floor) are open from 10:00 AM
※ Hours may vary slightly from store to store; please refer to each store's website.
🗺️Address: 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-8377
🚉Access: Exit Shibuya Station's Hachiko Exit, cross the intersection, and walk straight along Koen-dori (approximately a 5-minute walk).
3. SHIBUYA 109
Shibuya's most iconic fashion destination, targeting young women, features styles like Y2K, Gyaru, and girly mixes. With relatively affordable prices and a rapidly changing collection, it's a popular choice for style revamps and shopping with friends.
⏰Business Hours:
・Shopping Floor: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
・Café and Restaurant: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
※Open year-round except New Year's Day; some store hours may vary.
🗺️Address: 2-29-1, Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0043
🚉Access:
・Underground Access: Directly connected to Shibuya Station Exit A2
・Overground Access: Exit Shibuya Station's Hachiko Exit and walk towards the intersection for a few minutes.
4. MIYASHITA PARK
Renovated from the former Miyashita Park, this open-air complex combines a shopping mall, green park, art exhibitions, and dining experiences. Themed around street fashion, sports, and outdoor lifestyle, it frequently hosts pop-up stores. The rooftop features a skatepark and lawn, and in the evening, guests can relax with a drink at the terrace bar. It has become a popular gathering spot for young people in recent years.
⏰Business Hours:
・Park Area: 8:00 AM–11:00 PM
・Sports Facilities: 9:00 AM–10:00 PM (Last admission: 9:30 PM)
・Commercial Facilities: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
※ Closed during the year-end and New Year holidays (December 29th–January 3rd)
🗺️Address: 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001
🚉Access:
・Approximately a 3-minute walk from Shibuya Station (accessible by multiple lines)
・Approximately an 8-minute walk from Exit 7 of Meiji Jingumae (Harajuku) Station
III. Ginza – Luxury & Elegance
Ginza is Tokyo's oldest and most sophisticated high-end shopping district. Its neatly organized streets are lined with flagship stores of major brands and established department stores. It's a popular destination for both locals and tourists, known for its comfortable shopping and sophisticated shopping. It's ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking quality experiences and a love of luxury brands and time-honored boutiques.
Shopping Guide
1. GINZA SIX
Ginza's largest high-end shopping complex in recent years, featuring a diverse selection of international luxury brands. The rooftop features an open Japanese garden and exhibition space, perfect for a break from shopping.
⏰Business Hours: 10:30 AM–8:30 PM in the retail area (restaurants open until 11:00 PM, depending on the store).
🗺️Address: 6-10-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
🚉Access: Approximately a two-minute walk from Exit A3 of Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza, Hibiya, and Marunouchi Lines; or directly from Exit A1 of Higashi-Ginza Station on the Toei Asakusa Line.
2. Mitsukoshi / Matsuya Ginza
As representative department stores in Tokyo, both established stores boast multiple floors offering a wide selection of products, including cosmetics, boutiques, daily necessities, and gourmet food. Their professional service, multilingual support, and tax refund services make them ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive shopping experience.
⏰Business Hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (Hours may vary on the food and beverage floors and at some stores).
🗺️Address:
・Ginza Mitsukoshi: 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Matsuya Ginza: 3-6-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
🚉Access: Both stores are directly connected to Ginza Station via the Tokyo Metro Ginza, Hibiya, and Marunouchi lines.
3. UNIQLO Ginza Global Flagship Store
This is the world's largest UNIQLO store, spanning 12 floors and offering a comprehensive assortment of products and limited-edition collections, including baby and children's wear, collaborations, and a dedicated UT section. Fitting consultants and multilingual sales assistants are available on select floors for a more personalized shopping experience.
⏰Business Hours: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
🗺️Address: 6-9-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
🚉Access: Approximately a 3-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Station Exit A2; or a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Higashi-Ginza Station Exit A1.
4. Ginza Itoya
Established in 1904, this long-established stationery store boasts a meticulously designed floor plan, offering a comprehensive selection of designer stationery, art paper, and office supplies. It also features a plant space and a café, making it a must-see for stationery lovers and notebook enthusiasts.
⏰Business Hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (Closed at 7:00 PM on Sundays and holidays)
🗺️Address: 2-7-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
🚉Access: A one-minute walk from Ginza-itchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, or approximately a five-minute walk from Ginza Station
IV. Akihabara – Electronics & Otaku Culture Paradise
Akihabara is Tokyo's most unique hub for electronics and otaku culture. Home to a variety of large electronics stores, it also boasts a wealth of exciting anime and manga merchandise shops, retro game stores, and themed cafes. It's an ideal destination for anime fans, electronics enthusiasts, and those on a quest for treasure hunting. It's perfect for anime fans, action figure collectors, electronics enthusiasts, and retro game enthusiasts
Shopping Guide
1. Akihabara Electric Town
Akihabara Station is surrounded by numerous large electronics chain stores, offering a wide range of products, including digital cameras, laptops, audio equipment, beauty products, and small appliance accessories. It's a popular destination for electronics shopping. Representative stores (e.g., Yodobashi Camera Akihabara)
⏰Business Hours: 9:30 AM–10:00 PM
🗺️Address: 1-1 Kanda Hanaokacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚉Access: Directly outside the Electric Town Exit of JR Akihabara Station / Approximately a 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
2. Anime Specialty Stores: Animate, Mandarake, etc.
Akihabara boasts a dense network of anime shops, covering a wide variety of topics, including the latest anime, older manga, limited-edition merchandise, and used figures. Animate focuses on official new releases, while Mandarake is more suitable for discovering rare and vintage items, perfect for enthusiasts with diverse tastes.
- Animate Akihabara Branch
⏰Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
🗺️Address: 4-3-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚉Access: Approximately a 5-minute walk from the Electric Town Exit of JR Akihabara Station
- MANDARAKE Akihabara Branch
⏰Hours: 12:00 PM–8:00 PM
🗺️Address: 3-11-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚉Access: Approximately a 6-minute walk from the Electric Town Exit of JR Akihabara Station
3.Akihabara UDX
This modern commercial complex, located north of the station, features restaurants, art galleries, shops, and meeting spaces. It frequently hosts anime IP exhibitions, autograph sessions, and limited-time pop-up events. It's a great stopover for energy and photo opportunities.
⏰Business Hours: Most shops and restaurants are open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM (depending on the location).
🗺️Address: 4-14-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚉Access: 2-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station's Electric Town Exit
4.Gachapon Kaikan
This shop features hundreds of capsule toy machines, featuring a wide variety of items, from popular anime characters to comedic goods and cultural accessories. The neatly arranged and frequently updated collection makes it a must-see for collectors and those on a gashapon adventure.
⏰Business Hours:
・Monday-Saturday 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
・Sundays and holidays 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
🗺️Address: 3-15-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚉Access:
・2-minute walk from Suehirocho Station on the Ginza Line
・7-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station's Electric Town Exit
Tokyo is a shopper's paradise, boasting everything from high-end boutiques to affordable finds, mainstream favorites to niche and unique finds. This guide will help you plan your itinerary to suit your interests and budget, ensuring efficient shopping. Whether it's your first visit or a repeat visitor, these four shopping districts promise to be a truly rewarding experience.