Shopping
Tokyo has refined shopping into an urban art form and essential
cultural experience. The result is quite possibly the most
futuristic shopping environment in the world, in which you can
purchase everything from underwear to watermelons from vending
machines while never interacting with a human. Tokyo is also at the
cutting edge of fashion and design, as a wide-eyed stroll through
the Ginza and Shibuya districts will confirm. Tokyo is also famous
for its electronics stores, the biggest concentration of which can
be found in Akihabara, Tokyo's 'Electric Town'. Despite the wide
range you will struggle to find genuine bargains and don't expect
to negotiate too much on price. Nevertheless, Akihabara is a
colourful and exciting shopping district and the manga and anime
stores will delight many.
Shopping malls have also been taken to another level in Tokyo.
Shinjuku Station is surrounded by multi-level shopping stores
selling everything under the sun. Big name chains such as Keio and
Isetan can be accessed directly from the station. They both offer
tax-free shopping and European language assistance. For a more
upmarket department store experience visit Mitsukoshi, which has
several branches throughout the city.
Tokyo isn't known for flea markets, but two that are worth a
visit for artisan-style gifts are Togo Shrine in Harajuku, on the
first and fourth Sundays of each month, and Nogi Shrine, on the
second Sunday of each month. There are many small markets around
the various temples and shrines.
Essential purchases in Tokyo include traditional items like
Duruma dolls and crafts such as ceramics and chop-sticks. Kimonos
are another good purchase although those made from pure silk, as
true kimonos are, will be expensive. On a more modern note, the
very latest gadgetry and electronics gear will also be perfectly
emblematic of your visit to Tokyo. A good place to browse for
souvenirs is the Oriental Bazaar and Omotesando, both of which
offer good value and plenty of interesting human scenery.
One of the surprising aspects of shopping in Tokyo is that
despite the vast buildings and slick modernity surrounding
everyone, there are still traditional neighbourhoods and quiet
districts to be found. Here you can find specialist stores selling
unique and frequently handmade items such as micro-brewed
sake or beautiful lacquer ware.