Japan offers visitors an incredible range of experiences—not only rich culture, history, and unique cuisine, but also as an ideal place to shop.
The list of things to buy in Japan is extensive, so you might need some self-control to avoid spending your entire savings on clothes, souvenirs, video games, and manga.
Every area in Japan has its own commercial attractions that delight both tourists and locals alike.
If you love traditional and pop culture, you’ll find countless reasons to head home with extra suitcases.
What to Buy in Japan?
Japan is a global leader in several industries, including electronics, manga, and video games. This means it’s a place known for high-quality products, so bringing a few empty suitcases is a very smart idea.
You’ll find stores so large they resemble shopping malls and entire buildings dedicated to a single type of product.
If you’re looking to buy technology in Japan, you’ll have access to the latest innovations at attractive prices.
Japan is a tech haven, proud to showcase cutting-edge products, so you can return with electronics that will be the envy of everyone around you.
The fashion and makeup stores are also common, carrying brands from top international designers.
You can pick up luxury clothing to dress in the latest trends, or go for unique costumes for your next cosplay if you’re an otaku who loves dressing as your favorite anime characters.
And when it comes to manga, anime, video games, and collectible items, Japan is unmatched. The variety and authenticity are unparalleled worldwide, making it the ultimate destination to find all the merchandise from your favorite animated series.
Electronics
For tech shopping in Japan, there’s no better place than Akihabara, a district known for its focus on electronics for decades.
This area has grown into a massive zone filled with specialty stores selling everything from electronics and video games to phones, manga, anime, and a vast array of other products.
A practical tip to find the best deals is to avoid the largest stores. While they may have a wide selection, they often charge higher prices.
Las tiendas pequeñas son capaces de ofrecer a veces precios menores, aunque en una selección un poco más reducida de productos.
Smaller stores sometimes offer lower prices, though they may have a more limited selection.
Additionally, always check the warranty coverage of any electronics you buy, as non-international warranties could be problematic if the product has issues.
For those looking to explore Tokyo’s tech hub, Akihabara is a must-visit. But if you’re interested in exploring the city beyond shopping, we recommend the Tokyo: 24, 48, or 72-hour Metro Pass. This pass allows easy travel throughout the city so you can discover Japanese technology wonders in various districts.
Aside from Akihabara, the districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku also offer plenty of electronics shops, including several specializing in photography equipment.
Anime and manga
Japan is the birthplace of anime and manga. If you’re a fan, be sure to spend enough time exploring the best editions of your favorite anime and manga series during your trip.
Japan is also a fantastic place to discover new anime that you may not have seen before.
The best spot for this is Akihabara, where you’ll find not only the usual anime and manga merchandise but also action figures, statuettes, lithographs, special editions, and toys.
Prices range from budget-friendly to high-end collectibles, such as rare items prized by dedicated fans.
You can also explore Mandarake in Shibuya, one of the most renowned comic book stores in the world.
Fashion and Beauty
Fashion and beauty items are among the top interests for tourists shopping in Japan.
This makes buying these types of items in Japan not only a great idea but also nearly impossible to resist.
If you plan on shopping in Japan, be prepared to spend hours browsing.
In Omotesando and Ginza, you’ll find boutiques from top global designers like Louis Vuitton, Versace, and Chanel, making it the most fashionable area in Japan.
Shibuya also offers excellent options, especially for younger shoppers, with malls filled with various brand stores—particularly the iconic Shibuya 109.
Maneki-neko Cat
The Maneki-neko cat is a symbol of good luck in Japan, widely adopted around the world. You’ll find it in countless stores across the country.
It has become the most popular souvenir for tourists visiting Japan.
According to legend, the cat wears a bell attached to a collar around its neck that wards off evil spirits, helping to protect you from negative vibes, ill intentions, and bad energies.
The Maneki-neko’s relaxed posture, with one paw usually raised as a symbol of prosperity, adds to its charm and appeal as a lucky charm.
Must-Have Geek Items in Japan
Japan is a paradise for anyone who loves all things geeky.
You’ll find an impressive range of video games, as well as merchandise inspired by manga, anime, movies, TV shows, and Asian idols.
Among the most popular items to buy in Japan, especially for fans, are these geek-themed products, and the best stores are located in Akihabara.
In Akihabara, you’ll find massive stores dedicated to a single product type, like video games, with a selection so extensive that you can discover consoles from 30 years ago in perfect condition, as well as rare games you thought were long lost, often at amazing prices.
If you love cosplay, there’s no better place in the world to find everything you need for the perfect outfit. There are numerous cosplay shops, offering an astounding variety of products that will surprise you.
Where to Shop in Tokyo?
If you’re traveling to Japan, you’ll find many areas entirely dedicated to shopping, which is one of the favorite activities for tourists.
If you’re looking for what to buy in Japan, you’ll find endless options—so many, in fact, that the challenge will be deciding what not to buy.
The top shopping areas include:
- Shibuya
- Akihabara
- Takeshita Dori
Come prepared to walk and carry bags because here, you’ll find everything you can imagine.
Daiso Stores
Japan offers a huge variety of items to buy, and one of the best places for budget-friendly shopping is Daiso.
Daiso mega-stores are known for offering most of their products at a single price of 100 Yen (around €0.79).
Daiso stores carry over 100,000 different products, about 40% of which are imported from China. If you want to pick up something at a great price, this is the ideal option.
Here, you’ll find almost anything you can think of—from cleaning products to toys and even medicines.
They also sell a wide range of packaged foods and even prepared meals in some locations.
Daiso started humbly in the 1970s as a small shop, but its success has led to over 2,500 stores throughout Japan and many more worldwide.
Shibuya
One of the best shopping areas in Japan is Shibuya, home to Shibuya 109, a shopping mall with such a wide variety of products that it might just make you wish you’d won the lottery to spend it all here.
Shibuya 109 is an entire building dedicated solely to women’s products. It’s practically a shopping paradise for women.
Another must-visit spot for shopping in Shibuya is Center Gai, where you’ll find a range of boutiques with clothing from different brands at various price points.
If you’re interested in audiovisual products, Shibuya’s Tower Records is the best place. Here, you’ll discover an impressive selection of items that you might not have imagined existed.
Takeshita Dori
Takeshita Dori is located in Harajuku and has become the main street in this area due to its immense shopping appeal.
Known as a hub for the top brands, it’s also recognized as a fashion mecca for Tokyo and all of Japan.
It’s almost a tradition to grab one of those giant crepes or waffle cones that are a favorite with tourists.
You’ll often see people dressed in unique, extravagant outfits on Takeshita Dori, as it’s a popular area for self-expression and artistic fashion.
After a day of shopping in Tokyo’s trendiest areas, there’s no better way to unwind than by visiting the iconic Tokyo Skytree. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and reflect on your new finds. With a skip-the-line ticket, you’ll enjoy quick access to one of Tokyo’s most iconic towers.