Comparing Tokyo shopping areas: Ginza to Asakusa

Compare Tokyo shopping districts for department stores, fashion, electronics, anime goods and traditional crafts, including Ginza, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku and Akihabara.

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  • Tokyo
  • Shopping
  • Independent travel

Tokyo’s shopping districts have very different styles, and travelling in the wrong direction on the same day can mean spending time on transfers. Based on Tokyo’s official tourism website, this page compares the main areas by what they sell and who they suit. It does not list unverified discounts or store prices. Check individual stores’ official websites for prices and opening hours. Return to the Tokyo travel guide.

Key points

  • Ginza: Luxury brand flagship stores and department stores. Shinjuku: Shopping centres and specialist shops around the station.
  • Shibuya and Harajuku: Youth fashion and trendy small goods. Akihabara: Electronics and anime.
  • Asakusa and Kappabashi: Traditional crafts and kitchenware.

Area comparison

Area Main products listed by official information Suitable for
Ginza () International luxury flagship stores, department stores and boutiques; smaller shops, kimono shops and galleries on backstreets Visitors interested in department stores and boutiques
Shinjuku () Shopping centres and department stores around the station, plus specialist shops such as Sekaido, known for art supplies Visitors wanting many kinds of shops in one area
Shibuya () Affordable youth fashion to the west (109 building, Center Gai); more refined shopping and art to the east (Hikarie) Visitors interested in youth fashion
Harajuku () Takeshita Street for girls’ fashion and sweets; Omotesando for brands and malls; Kiddyland for toys and character goods; Cat Street for trend-focused small shops Visitors wanting to walk and shop
Aoyama More upscale stores around Omotesando, including a Prada flagship store and local designer brands Visitors interested in design labels
Akihabara () Electronics, anime, retro video games and collectable toys; Yodobashi Camera near the station; craft shops at 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan Visitors buying electronics and anime goods
Asakusa () Local crafts near Sensoji: Edo Kiriko glass, paulownia furniture, kimono and pottery; Orange Street has craft shops and vintage cafés Visitors buying traditional souvenirs
Kappabashi Kitchenware Street () East of Sensoji Temple, known for kitchenware Visitors buying kitchenware

Tax-free shopping and payment

  • Official information says many stores offer tax-free shopping to visitors from overseas; bring your passport.
  • Many Akihabara stores offer tax-free prices and international warranties on electronics. You may request manuals in your language from the store.
  • Tax-free thresholds and procedures differ by shop. For nationwide tax-free rules, see Tax-free shopping and departure tax; for payments, see Currency and payment methods.

Planning your shopping

  1. For kitchenware or traditional souvenirs, combine shopping with a visit to Asakusa.
  2. For trendy shops, visit Harajuku and Shibuya on the same day, with Shinjuku as an evening stop.
  3. For electronics, allow a separate half-day in Akihabara and bring your passport.
  4. Large stations have many exits, and a shopping centre may be accessed from different exits; check the map before departure.

Next: Tokyo attractions by area and Choosing where to stay in Tokyo.

Sources