Shibuya’s Top Five Souvenir Shops

Heading home for the holidays and looking for something other than chopsticks and Mt. Fuji cups? Here are five souvenir shops in Shibuya that offer more than that.

Shopping in Tokyo can be the ultimate experience, but when it comes to buying gifts, deciding what to pick up can be a little daunting—especially if time is limited. Take some of the headache out of souvenir shopping by hitting up our list of unique shops in the heart of the city, Shibuya ward. At these five stores you will find a treasure trove of mementos—from the traditional to the not so (sushi socks, anyone?). Whether you’re after anime and manga items, books on Japan, or some lovely keepsakes as a memory of your trip or a gift for friends and family back home, each of these stores offers something distinctive and unique.

Tokyo’s Tokyo

[UPDATE: The Omohara store has closed, but you can find still find Tokyo’s Tokyo at Haneda Airport] 

If you’re looking for a store that offers more than just conventional souvenirs, head to the iconic Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku (Omohara) for inspiration. Located just a short walk from Harajuku and Meiji Jingumae stations, it is home to Tokyo’s Tokyo, a store featuring a wide variety of pop culture and manga-inspired novelty goods. These witty and whimsical products not only make original presents for those back home, but also interesting conversation pieces guaranteed to get the questions rolling. From sushi socks and hand towels to kabuki face masks and even pen cases designed to open like grilled fish in an izakaya, the wide variety of slightly wacky items in this cool shop ensures a little something for everyone.

Address: 5F Tokyu Plaza, 4-30-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6438-9201
Open: Daily, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Oriental Bazaar

If you’re an organized shopper looking for a store with everything from Japan, carefully arranged by order and category, then Oriental Bazaar is the definitive destination. Located on Omotesando Dori and with an exterior modeled after a shrine, it is hard to miss. Its three spacious floors showcase beautiful antiques and reasonably priced souvenirs. The basement comprises kimono, fans, t-shirts, other Japanese clothes and Hayama pearls, while the main floor stocks china, lacquer tableware, chopsticks and miscellaneous goods. The second floor is where you can find Japanese antiques, furniture and traditional screens. If items you purchase are too heavy to carry, talk to the very friendly staff (fluent in English) and arrange to have it shipped directly to your home—anywhere in the world. Euros and U.S. dollars are also accepted, in addition to credit cards.

Address: 5-9-13 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3400-3933
Open: Wed–Mon, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; closed Thu

Wa-Zakka Maruara Watanabe

From standard, inexpensive souvenirs like keychains, magnets, Japanese-style fans and chopsticks to kimono, yukata and other Japanese clothing, you’ll find it all at Wa-Zakka Maruara Watanabe. Stocked with over 1,000 items, it’s a jungle of uniquely Japanese trinkets in all shapes and sizes. With nearly two decades of history in its present form, the store dates back to 1925, when the grandfather of the current shop owner opened a clothing store in downtown Shibuya. It’s conveniently located near the Loft and Parco stores not far from Shibuya station.

Address: 16-8 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Open: Mon–Tue and Thu–Fri, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat, Sun and hols, 1–7 p.m.; closed Wed

Kiddy Land

For something kawaii (cute) to surprise your kids or character-obsessed friends, or even just to add more Hello Kitty-ness to your life, look no further than Kiddy Land Harajuku. With a vast selection of famous Japanese characters for children, adults and even celebs (guess where Angelina Jolie shops every time she’s in town?), it’s a veritable theme park of character goods. The five-story building has everything you can ask for, from Snoopy, Rilakkuma, Disney, Star Wars and, of course, a half-floor dedicated to miss Kitty herself.

Address: 6-1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3409-3431
Open: Mon–Fri, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sat, Sun and hols, 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

Line Friends Store

Step into the world of Brown, Cony, Moon, Sally and friends at Tokyo’s one-and-only Line official character store. With over 400 items varying from plush toys and t-shirts to stationery and even cookies, the operator of Japan’s largest free call and messaging app Line offers you a two-story shop worth visiting even if just for a selfie with your favorite brown bear waiting at the entrance to the basement level. Located on Meiji Dori in Harajuku.

Address: 4-32-13 Jingumae, Shibuya
Tel: 03-6434-0597
Open: Mon–Fri, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sat, Sun and hols, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

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