Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [124]
Sofmap (Map; 3253-1111; 4-1-1 Soto-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku; 11am-9pm; JR Sōbu, Yamanote lines to Akihabara, Electric Town exit) Another electronics shop with a dozen outlets scattered all over Akihabara.
Handicrafts & Souvenirs
While toy shops and department stores sell fun, futuristic and only-in-Japan types of goodies, there’s also a wealth of more traditional gifts and souvenirs to be found in Tokyo. All the major department stores also have a section devoted to washi.
Bingoya (Map; 3202-8778; www.quasar.nu/bingoya; 10-6 Wakamatsuchō, Shinjuku-ku; 10am-7pm Tue-Sun; Toei Ōedo line to Wakamatsu-Kawada, Kawadachō exit) Regional ceramics, vibrant batik textiles, richly dyed washi (handmade paper), handmade glassware and tatami mats fill out the five floors of this wonderful handicrafts shop.
Haibara (Map; 3272-3801; www.haibara.co.jp, in Japanese; 2-7-6 Nihombashi, Chūō-ku; 10am-6.30pm Mon-Fri, to 5pm Sat; Ginza, Tōzai, Toei Asakusa lines to Nihombashi, exits B8 & C3) East of Tokyo station, Haibara stocks a quality range of washi and paper handicrafts, such as reproductions of famous woodcuts, handbound notebooks and unique stationery.
Japan Traditional Crafts Center (Map; 5954-6066; www.kougei.or.jp/english/center.html; 1st-3rd fl, Metropolitan Plaza Bldg, 1-11-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku; 11am-7pm; JR Yamanote line to Ikebukuro, Metropolitan exit) Demonstrations and temporary exhibitions of handmade crafts, such as weavings, mosaics, ceramics and washi are held on the 3rd floor of this centre. High-quality folk arts and handicrafts are available for purchase on the 1st and 2nd floors.
Kamawanu (Map; 3780-0182; www.kamawanu.co.jp, in Japanese; 23-1 Sarugakuchō, Shibuya-ku; 11am-7pm; JR Yamanote line to Ebisu, west exit) In Daikanyama, this shop specialises in beautifully dyed tenugui, those ubiquitous Japanese handtowels used for everything from bentō carriers to handkerchiefs. Designs come in a spectrum of colours, incorporating traditional abstract patterns and representations of natural elements.
Kappabashi-dōri (Map; Ginza line to Tawaramachi, all exits) This is where to go if you’re setting up a restaurant or setting up house. Custom-made noren (doorway curtains), crockery, chopsticks and, most importantly, plastic food models. They are carefully crafted and not cheap, but they do make quirky souvenirs for the fridge back home. Kappabashi-dōri is a five-minute walk northwest of Tawaramachi station.
Oriental Bazaar (Map; 3400-3933; 5-9-13 Jingūmae, Shibuya-ku; 10am-7pm Fri-Wed; Chiyoda, Ginza, Hanzōmon lines to Omote-sandō, exit 4) Oriental Bazaar is a good one-stop shop for gifts and souvenirs, with a wide range of items such as fans, folding screens, yukata and pottery – many at very affordable prices.
Takumi Handicrafts (Map; 3571-2017; www.ginza-takumi.co.jp, in Japanese; 8-4-2 Ginza, Chūō-ku; 11am-7pm Mon-Sat; JR Yamanote line to Shimbashi, Ginza exit) Takumi offers an elegant selection of toys, textiles, ceramics and other traditional folk crafts from around Japan. The shop also encloses information detailing the origin and background of pieces you purchase.
Yoshitoku (Map; 3863-4419; 1-9-14 Asakusabashi, Taitō-ku; 9.30am-6pm; JR Sōbu or Toei Asakusa lines to Asakusabashi, main exit or exit A2) Near the JR Asakusabashi station, Yoshitoku is the most famous of the many traditional ningyō (doll) shops lining Edo-dōri. This dollmaker has been crafting exquisite ningyō since 1711 and is now owned by its 11th-generation descendant, who also stocks ningyō made by other dollmakers.
Kids Stuff
Are you fascinated by all the wonderfully weird and totally charming stuff created by the Japanese? Just think how mind-blowing it is for kids.
Kiddyland (Map; 3409-3431; www.kiddyland.co.jp; 6-1-9 Jingūmae, Shibuya-ku; 10am-8pm, closed 3rd Tue of each month; Chiyoda line to Meiji-jingūmae, exit 4) Prepare to overdose on the six floors of kawaii (cute), here on Omote-sandō in Harajuku.