Feature Image: The keyaki namiki (zelkova tree-lined street) which runs from Harajuku to Omotesando.

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Every major city in Japan will have at least one major shopping district. In Tokyo, there’s Shinjuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, and Ginza to name just a few places. In Osaka, there’s Umeda, Dotonbori, Namba. In this post, we will introduce a few areas and stores to shop at.

Department Stores

Marui, Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi-Isetan are just a few department store groups which are nationwide. A variety of high-end stores can be found within department stores. Other reasonable stores, such as UNIQLO and MUJI, can also be found in department stores. The good thing about department stores is that everything is inside, so if it’s hot, cold, or raining, you don’t have to worry about the weather outside; also, there are usually a lot of restaurants on the top floors, so you can take a break from shopping a get some food or coffee.

Electronics

Japan has a reputation for their high-quality electronics: Sony, Panasonic, Nikon, Canon, Nintendo, and many more. If you’re a gamer, into anime or manga, Japanese idols, or looking for any kind of electronics, Akihabara is the place to go. Even if you aren’t looking to buy electronics, it’s cool to go and just walk around Akihabara for a few hours.

Bargain/Reasonable Shopping

Daiso is the place to go to buy all kinds of things for 100 Yen. Some Daiso stores have multiple floors or are huge, so be careful not to rack up a big bill at checkout!

Seria is another place to go to for a bargain on “miscellaneous goods” (zakka in Japanese). Miscellaneous goods would be clocks, pen holders, and other things you would put around your house.

If you need to get clothes because you forgot something or didn’t prepare for the weather, head over to UNIQLO where there prices are reasonable. If you’re more into H&M, there are H&M stores all over Japan.

Snacks

 

Japan has a lot of great snacks! Make sure you bring a extra suitcase just for snacks also!!!