Eye-catching shelves at the front of the store draw you into the shop. They are filled with new and used items, including many retro things such as old lamps and telephones. Inside, the concrete flooring and multitude of different lights make a slightly cave-like atmosphere. The casual clothing for men and women include shirts, skirts, T-shirts and sweatshirts in an array of colors and fabrics. Bright colors and comfortable styles are the main criteria here. There are leather shoes and boots (including Dr. Martens), leather belts, leather bags, glasses, jewelry, embroidered bags, rucksacks and scarves. These are displayed with old-fashioned accessories such jars, boxes and other quirky ornaments. -AH
Nestled along the main business street in Akihabara is the Anime and Manga haven known as Animate. Several locations of this successful establishment reside in Japan, however, the Akihabara store boasts a 8 floors of specialty products. Everything from Japanese comics to Japanese animation, and related items such as Anime soundtracks and character goods, await your arrival. Expect to spend a few hours sifting through all of the eye-catching artwork if you're a hardcore fan, otherwise, it's still an interesting place to browse through and pick up something a little more unique than chopsticks. Overall, whether or not you're into cosplaying and anime, you'll definitely appreciate the zest for it in this superstore.
This small shop on Kamakura's main shopping street sells beautiful Japanese washi paper and a range of other paper goods. One side of the shop is dedicated to the rolls of paper, which is displayed from floor to ceiling on the shelves, while on the other side are racks of cards with folded origami figures mounted on them, printed envelopes, postcards, colorful origami paper fans, posters and notebooks. These make excellent souvenirs and gifts. -AH
Chidoriya is a small shop, not more than a stall really, selling traditional Japanese tenugui. Tenugui is a thin cloth that can be used as towel, dishcloth or handkerchief. Many of the designs on the tenugui come from traditional Japanese life, and feature cranes, carp, flowers or landscapes; however, some more modern themes like smiley faces and Halloween designs are also present. The shop also sells wall hangings, bags, hair scrunchies and fans. The main shop is in Tokyo in the Chuo-ku district. -AH
La Theiere offers an incredible selection of foreign teas such as Ronnefeldt, Ahmad, Twinings, Whittard and London fruit teas. It also has blends of Janat tea, attractively presented in black tins or in large black jars that stand on the shelves inside. There is a smaller selection of children's teas and some Peter Rabbit pottery. The shop also stocks biscuits, shortbreads and cookies from different countries to serve with the tea. Upstairs, in case you need a cup, is a tearoom offering tea-related fare like scones and crumpets. -AH
For washi enthusiasts, Yamagataya is top of many discerning origami lovers' lists. There is a staggering range of paper available here, in every conceivable color and pattern. Whatever kind of paper you're looking for and for whatever craft, whether it is origami or calligraphy, this is the place to come to; even the Emperor of Japan orders paper from here!
This small shop on Kamakura's main shopping street sells beautiful Japanese washi paper and a range of other paper goods. One side of the shop is dedicated to the rolls of paper, which is displayed from floor to ceiling on the shelves, while on the other side are racks of cards with folded origami figures mounted on them, printed envelopes, postcards, colorful origami paper fans, posters and notebooks. These make excellent souvenirs and gifts. -AH
For washi enthusiasts, Yamagataya is top of many discerning origami lovers' lists. There is a staggering range of paper available here, in every conceivable color and pattern. Whatever kind of paper you're looking for and for whatever craft, whether it is origami or calligraphy, this is the place to come to; even the Emperor of Japan orders paper from here!
This is a busy shop, which makes the already narrow aisles even less maneuverable. Low hanging beads and other objects brush against your head, and incense wafts all around you. The ethnic goods on display are not organized by country, and part of the fun is sorting through the collection. There are displays full of accessories, and many items and toys to pick up and play with. An interesting display with miracle powders from Mexico for all sorts of ailments are available.
Located on the seventh floor of the Diver City Tokyo Plaza, the Gundam Base Tokyo is where you can enjoy the Gundam (popular Japanese robot animation) world thorough many attractions, toys and exhibits. Avid fans of the popular franchise can attend workshops where they can work on creating their own Gunpla (model kits pertaining to the mobile suits) or they can traipse through the section which displays an array of Gunpla, the oldest one dating back to 1980. At the goods store, you can shop for exclusive goods.
Mecca might be a bit grandiose; but in Tokyo, Mandarake—pronounced Mandala-K—is the place to frequent if you're an aspiring or professional otaku ("nerd") with a penchant for manga, anime, cosplay (costume play), obscure Japanese or American toys, or kitsch from times gone by. While the Nakano store seems more like a flea market, don't be fooled—there are many treasures there for those in the know, or inexpensive baubles for those looking for quirky souvenirs. Mandarake also buys and sells Japanese manga and illustrated novels. It's really a lot to take in, but fun nonetheless. And if that's not enough, you can also visit their Shibuya store for more of the same madness—pure, simple and vastly entertaining. - Stephen Lebovits
Also known as 'Tokyo Rajio Depato', this rather clunkily named department store is a city institution. It deals primarily in radios and has retained the loyalty of electronic and sci-fi fanatics for almost sixty years. If you are lucky enough to be able to speak and understand a little Japanese, you can get excellent lessons on how to build electronic systems.