Shopping

This department store caters to the well to do residents of Tokyo. International as well as local labels and big names in fashion exhibit their collections here. These include the likes of Ferragamo, Marc Jacobs, Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto.

This is a must stop for any tourists visiting Tokyo. As evident from the name this store specializes in the production and sale of swords. A diverse range of these swords and accessories accompanying the swords are placed here. The original swords dating back to as far back as Samurai presence in Japan are exorbitantly priced but there are replicas which are relatively inexpensive. The range of swords exhibited here is truly fascinating. Address: 3-8-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku Tel: 03-3434-4321 Website: www.japansword.co.jp

This center is huge and sells a vast variety of beautiful Japanese arts and crafts. These include both traditional as well as modern pieces. Items sold here include textiles, ceramics, calligraphy, bamboo and paper objects, brushes, lanterns, furniture etc. These are of excellent quality and reflect beautiful craftsmanship. Prices are very high but worth it. Address: 1-11-1 Nishi Ikebukuro, Metropolitan Plaza Building Tel: 03-5954-6066 Website:

This is one of Tokyo’s oldest department stores. Its grandeur is still reflected in its architecture. Its origins can be traced back to the latter half of the 17th century in its humble beginnings as a store selling kimonos. Today, in addition to the traditional Japanese dress, it houses renowned international labels such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Fendi- you name it. Address: 1-4-1 Nihombashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku Tel: 03-3241-3311 Website:

This shop comprises of three buildings, two of which house apparel and the third of which houses furniture items and decoration pieces. The collections of local and international well established designers including Vivienne Westwood, Yamamoto and Chisato are on display here in addition to those of up and coming designers who have produced clothes and accessories catering to the youth of Tokyo.

This department store is colossal with ten floors containing everything from apparel, shoes, accessories, music, electronics, bookstores, arts and crafts as well as food courts. This is a very popular shopping complex amongst the wealthy citizenry of Tokyo. Prices are sky high.

This department store is a delight to visit. It meets the needs of the wealthier citizenry of Tokyo. Housed in a beautiful old dwelling dating back to the 1930s; the store provides the customer with well known labels specializing in apparel, accessories, shoes, cosmetics and other luxury items. Prices are very high but worth it. Address: 4-5-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku Tel: 03-3562-2111 Website:

This is a wonderful small shop, and very easy to miss. It specializes in chopsticks and chopstick holders. It’s quirky, but delightful. Address: 5-4-2 178 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku Tel: 03-3403-6033 Website:

This shop specializes in Kimonos and has been present in Tokyo since the early part of the 20th century. A variety of Kimonos of differing design and in varying materials are sold here. From every day Kimonos in cotton, to wedding kimonos in silk- this is the place to choose one for yourself. Address: 2-1-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku Tel: 03-3501-4012 Website:

Tourists are advised to pick up souvenirs of the city of Tokyo from here. A number of products are available from kimonos, to chopsticks, fans, dolls, and jewelry and furniture items.

This is a six floor “tower” housing a vast collection of books and music. Prices are reasonable. Classical and contemporary literature (including books, magazines, and journals) and music is available here. Address: 1-22-14 Jinnan Tel: 03-3496-3661

Kimonos are sold here at more than reasonable prices. Address: 1-39-11 Asakusa, Taito-ku Tel: 03-3843-7606 Website:

This center sells a variety of camera and other electronics at reasonable prices that can be further brought down by a bit of bargaining. Japan is famed for the excellent quality electronics it churns out. For those who love gadgets this is the place to be. Address: 1-11-1 Nishi Shinjuku Tel: 03-3346-1010

This mall is huge. Tourists should reserve a few hours of their time to satisfactorily check out the wares sold here. Kimonos, traditional jewelry, furniture items, pottery, ceramics and porcelain both from Japan and other regions around the globe have found their home here. Address: 1-13-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku Tel: 03-3535-2115 Website: www.antiques-jp.com

This shop has been around since the 19th century. It specializes in paper objects. Japan is famed for the origami masks, boxes and kites made entirely from folded paper. These can be found here in a variety of wonderful designs. Address: 1-2-5 Asakusa, Taito-ku Tel: 03-3844-7511

This is a famous toy shop of Tokyo spanning four floors and including a gaming arcade. Address: 8-8-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku Tel: 03-3571-8008

This UK based store specializes in music. Music lovers ought to pay HMV a visit. Up and coming Japanese pop is available here in addition to other tunes and various genres- classical, opera, dance, rock and jazz. Address: 24-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku Tel: 03-5458-3411

This is a wonderful store selling delightful Japanese dolls both traditional as well as contemporary. These dolls are primarily porcelain, though some are wooden too. The dolls are dressed and draped in beautiful silk. Address: 1-20-4 Yanagibashi, Taito-ku Tel: 03-5687-5176