Top 10 Shopping Streets in Tokyo Worth Exploring
Tokyo is home to several iconic streets, districts, and neighborhoods, offering some of the best shopping experiences in the world. From local food stands to high-end luxury clothing departments stores and shops, each shopping district boasts its own unique theme, with each street and avenue bringing something different to the table.
If you’re visiting Tokyo, you’d be remiss not to experience all that its shopping districts have to offer. From top-of-the-line electronic goods and anime toys to high-end fashion and local food markets, Tokyo has something for everyone.
Because of the abundance and variety of Tokyo’s shopping scene, it’s important to have an idea of the most popular streets, both for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re on the hunt for a shopping spree of a lifetime, or you just want to try some of the local cuisines each shopping street has its own unique flavor.
10 shopping streets in Tokyo that you must visit.
Takeshita-Dori
Address: 1-chōme Jingūmae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
One of the more popular Tokyo streets is Takeshita-Dori. Offering shopping boutiques, restaurants, and local cafe’s throughout, you’ll likely want to spend an entire day exploring. It may be refreshing to know that as a tourist, you’ll feel at home on Takeshita-Dori, for it includes well-known, western stores like McDonald’s, 7-Eleven, and other common clothing stores and brands.
Don’t let that fool you, though. Takeshita-Dori is a popular, authentic Japanese shopping street. If you want to live like the locals, you’ll certainly feel as though you are one by spending a day strolling the street.
Most well known for its youth attractions, if you’re traveling with young children, you’d be remiss not to visit. With a vibrant atmosphere at several popular candy shops, children will have a memorable, one-of-a-kind experience exploring all that Takeshita-Dori has to offer.
Kichijoji Sun Road
Address: Moto-Cho, Kichijoji, Musashino Shi, Tokyo, 180-0004
If you’re unsure what you’re shopping for, or maybe you’re not looking to purchase anything in particular and you just want to experience the Japanese shopping culture in general, Kichijoji Sun Road is where you want to visit.
Dubbed one of the most sought-after shopping districts in Tokyo, Kichijoji Sun Road offers hundreds of shops, from clothing stores and local food markets to jewelry boutiques and snack shops. Providing tourists and locals alike with an authentic, nostalgic experience, your Kichijoji Sun Road shopping exertion is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Togoshi-Ginza
Address: Togoshi, Shinagawa-Ku, Tokyo 1-3 Chome, 142-0041
This list of Tokyo shopping streets wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of Togoshi-Ginza. Known as the longest shopping street in Tokyo, this 1.3 km road offers shoppers an experience full of variety and authenticity of Japanese and international shops.
Togoshi-Ginza is most commonly used for grocery shopping and food indulging. If you decide to visit this impressively comprehensive shopping street in Tokyo, you need to check out the Kamaboko Shop Goto and try their authentic Japanese stew, just ask for the “oden”.
Omotesando
Address: 4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya 150-0001
Renowned for being the most well-kept, clean, and pleasantly inviting neighborhood in Tokyo, Omotesando is a popular destination for many. However, be prepared to spend some cash during your visit, as it’s known to also be one of the most expensive streets in all of Tokyo.
Don’t let that discourage you though! Offering some of the most sought-after brands and clothing departments in the world, Omotesando is a must-visit for the shopping conscious traveler. If you’re not eager to spend your money, it’s still worth the visit. Littered with awe-inspiring architecture and inspired by luxury, simply strolling the street is an experience in and of itself.
Musashi Koyama PALM
Address: 3, Koyama, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-0062
Musashi Koyama is a famous shopping street in Shinagawa, Tokyo. This 800-meter street boasts an outdoor feel with the luxury of remaining indoors. With over 250 stores and shops spread along its path, Musashi Koyama is an ideal juncture for a sit-down meal while you take a break from the hustle and bustle of shopping.
Whatever your pallet craves, The Palm likely has it. From hot dogs and western-fusion cuisine to authentic Japanese tempura, your tastebuds will most certainly be satisfied during your visit.
Sugamo Jizo-Dori
Address: 3, Sugamo, Toshima Ku, Tokyo, 170-0002
Most commonly used by older shoppers, the Sugamo Jizo-Dori is a Japanese shopping street that focuses primarily on the mature shopping demographic. With over 180 shops spread across its 800-meter strip, Sugamo Jizo-Dori, you’ll have no problem filling your day with exploration and experimentation of the local Japanese cuisine.
Not only is this famous shopping street rooted in Japanese history, but it also happens to be conveniently located near the vibrant area of Ikebukuro. If you get curious and are eager to switch things up, just hop on a nearby train and you’ll be on your way.
Ameya Yokocho
Address: 10 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
For those with a sweet tooth, Ameya Yokocho is the destination for you. Translating to ‘candy alley’, you can take a guess as to what Ameya Yokocho is known for. Offering an abundance and sweets and food varieties, from fruit and vegetable markets to candy shops and chocolate factories, there’s no shortage of delicious indulgences in this 160,000+ square foot district.
The best part? Not only is it known for delicious sweets but also as a bargain district of sorts. Unlike many retailers and shopping streets in Tokyo, Ameya is a unique spot to interact with the locals and try to negotiate a bargain with the best of them. If you’re looking for some extra fun, be sure to visit Tatakiuri, an interactive auction-like vendor selling chocolates fresh off the press.
Koenji Junjo
Address: Koenji-Kita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 166-0002
If you’re eager to engulf yourself within Japanese culture, you need to visit Koenji Junjo. This nostalgic and cultural district is home to many Japanese films and TV shows.
Like many Tokyo shopping streets, this street offers a variety of vendors of shopping experiences. From antique shops to toy stores and restaurants, Koenji Junjo offers it all.
Yanaka Ginza
Address: 3, Yanaka, Taitou-ku, Tokyo, 110-0001
While Yanaka Ginza is a popular destination for shopping, it’s also a popular hang-out destination here in Tokyo. Upon arrival, you’ll notice many locals exploring the street, taking photos, and enjoying the blue sky views, especially at sunset.
This nostalgic, authentic Tokyo street is ideal for those seeking a unique experience not littered in big box stores and western department shops. Instead, you’ll find independent boutiques, local cuisine, and Japanese architecture throughout. Because of the authentic atmosphere, Yanaka Ginza is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Asagaya Pearl Centre
Address: 1 Chome-36-7 Asagayaminami, Suginami City, Tokyo 166-0004
Previously recognized as a merchant black market dating all the way back to the early 1900s, this now popular shopping street offers entertainment for everyone. From food and restaurant shops to musical entertainment and various events hosted throughout the year, this lively street and its accompanying avenues are great for those looking to get away from the traditional consumer markets.
It also happens to be a great final stop of your Tokyo trip, for there are several local vendors offering unique Japanese souvenirs that you can take home to remember one incredible trip.
In Summary
Exploring the many shopping districts of Tokyo is a one-of-a-kind experience. From local food vendors to the latest fashion trends and clothing departments, you’ll have no problem finding exactly what you’re looking for, as long as you know where to look!
Tokyo’s consumer world is not to be overlooked, with its myriad of shopping streets being some of the best, most sought after in the world. With many of them conveniently located throughout Tokyo, there’s no reason you shouldn’t experience at least one of Tokyo’s infamous shopping streets.
So, the next time you’re in Tokyo, be sure to check out one or all of the incredible shopping streets of Tokyo explored throughout this article. You won’t soon forget it.
