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Things to buy in Tokyo range from traditional crafts to quirky modern items, giving travelers something truly memorable to take home. Whether you’re a collector, a foodie, or someone who simply loves to shop, Tokyo offers souvenirs that reflect the heart of Japan. From handcrafted dolls to matcha and bento boxes, you’ll find plenty to admire and purchase. This blog lists ten amazing finds for your shopping adventure. It also gives travel tips so you know where to go and what to expect.
Top 10 Things To Buy In Tokyo
If you’re wondering what to do in Tokyo besides visiting shrines or exploring skyscrapers, shopping is a must. Here are the top 10 things to buy in Tokyo.
1. Kokeshi Dolls
Photo: THOR / Wikimedia Commons
Kokeshi dolls are traditional Japanese wooden dolls, handcrafted with no arms or legs but lots of charm. They originated in northern Japan but are loved across the country. Each doll is painted by hand, usually featuring floral patterns and a simple face. These dolls are considered symbols of good luck and make a heartwarming gift. If you’re interested in authentic, artistic souvenirs, kokeshi dolls are a great choice. They are one of the most beautiful things to see in Tokyo if you love local crafts.
Where To Buy: Nakamise Shopping Street (Asakusa), Tokyu Hands
How To Get There: Take the Ginza Line to Asakusa Station
2. Japanese Tea Sets
Photo: Ermell / Wikimedia Commons
Japanese tea sets are elegant and carefully designed. They usually include a teapot and matching cups, often made from ceramic, porcelain, or even cast iron. These sets reflect the calm and beauty of Japanese tea culture. Many are decorated with traditional patterns or minimalist styles. A tea set is a wonderful gift and a reminder of Japanese hospitality. It’s a great buy for those who want to take home a part of the tea ceremony tradition, one of the best things to do in Tokyo.
Where To Buy: Kappabashi Street, Isetan (Shinjuku)
How To Get There: Tawaramachi Station (Ginza Line), Shinjuku Station
3. Kimono Or Yukata
Photo: Rockybgonzales / Wikimedia Commons
Wearing a kimono or yukata is one of the best things to do in Tokyo to feel connected to Japanese culture. These beautiful garments are known for their intricate patterns, quality fabric, and symbolic meanings. Kimonos are formal and often worn for ceremonies. Yukatas are lighter, perfect for summer festivals. You can buy new or vintage ones, and even get help picking out the right style and size. They make meaningful souvenirs or gifts for fashion lovers and culture fans alike.
Where To Buy: Oriental Bazaar (Harajuku), shops near Asakusa Temple
How To Get There: Meiji-Jingumae Station, Asakusa Station
4. Sake
Photo: Nisiguti / Wikimedia Commons
Sake is a traditional Japanese rice wine known for its smooth taste and wide variety of flavors. Whether dry, fruity, or sweet, there’s a type for everyone. Sake is enjoyed at celebrations, paired with sushi, or given as a gift. Bottles are available in many sizes and styles, with some even beautifully wrapped in cloth. Buying sake from Tokyo is a great way to share the taste of Japan. It’s also one of the fun and delicious things to buy in Tokyo.
Where To Buy: Don Quijote, Mitsukoshi department stores
How To Get There: Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Ginza Station
5. Chopsticks, Hashi
Photo: Orin Zebest / Wikimedia Commons
Chopsticks, or hashi, are more than just utensils in Japan, they’re often decorated with patterns and made from fine wood or lacquer. Some even come with matching rests or gift boxes. Whether you want a simple pair for home or a fancier one to give away, you’ll find many options in Tokyo. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and affordable. Collectors love them, too. These chopsticks are among the most useful and artistic things to buy in Tokyo, ideal for everyday use or as keepsakes.
Where To Buy: Loft, Tokyu Hands, shops in Asakusa
How To Get There: Shibuya Station
6. Maneki Neko, Beckoning Cat
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons
The Maneki Neko is a famous symbol of luck and good fortune. This cute cat figurine usually holds one paw up as if waving in customers or blessings. You’ll see them in shops, homes, and restaurants across Japan. They come in various sizes, materials, and colors, each representing different kinds of luck, wealth, health, or happiness. Maneki Neko makes a great gift and adds charm to any space. This is one of the most fun and iconic things to buy in Tokyo.
Where To Buy: Asakusa souvenir shops, Don Quijote
How To Get There: Asakusa Station, Shinjuku Station
7. Matcha
Photo: Anonymous / PxHere / Image For Representation Only
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from high-quality green tea leaves. It has a strong, earthy taste and is known for its health benefits, including high antioxidants. You’ll find matcha in drinks, desserts, and even snacks in Tokyo. Buying a small tin of matcha makes a perfect gift for tea lovers. You can also find tools like whisks and bowls to make the experience more authentic. Exploring matcha shops is one of the tastiest things to see in Tokyo.
Where To Buy: Matcha specialty shops, Tsukiji Outer Market
How To Get There: Hibiya Line to Tsukiji Station
8. Wagashi
Photo: Douglas Perkins / Wikimedia Commons
Wagashi are delicate, colorful sweets often made with rice flour, beans, or fruit. Each piece is carefully shaped to reflect the season, like cherry blossoms in spring or maple leaves in autumn. Traditionally served with green tea, wagashi taste mildly sweet and are loved for their artful appearance. These sweets are a wonderful treat to bring home and are often boxed beautifully. Buying wagashi lets you enjoy a piece of Japanese tradition, truly one of the most artistic things to see in Tokyo.
Where To Buy: Toraya, department store basements in Ginza and Shinjuku
How To Get There: Ginza Station, Shinjuku Station
9. Lacquer Obento Boxes
Photo: Rasul Yarichev 🇦🇪 / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Lacquer obento boxes are traditional Japanese lunchboxes made with great care and artistry. These boxes are not only functional but also visually stunning, often featuring intricate patterns and layers of lacquer. They are perfect for serving homemade meals in style. Many people use them at home or as decor. These boxes symbolize the Japanese way of turning everyday items into works of art. They’re one of the most beautiful and practical things to buy in Tokyo for food lovers or collectors.
Where To Buy: Tokyu Hands, Japanese craft stores
How To Get There: Shibuya Station
10. Furoshiki
Photo: Culture Japon / Wikimedia Commons
Furoshiki is a square piece of cloth used for wrapping gifts, bottles, or other items. The practice goes back hundreds of years and is still popular today. It’s a sustainable and stylish way to wrap or carry things. Furoshiki come in many colors, patterns, and materials, from cotton to silk. You can even learn different folding techniques to suit the shape of the item. Furoshiki is a unique and useful souvenir, making it one of the smartest things to buy in Tokyo.
Where To Buy: Loft, souvenir stores in Harajuku and Ueno
How To Get There: Harajuku or Ueno Station
If you’re wondering what to do in Tokyo beyond sightseeing, souvenir hunting is a great experience. Shopping in Tokyo connects you with its traditions, creativity, and charm. From tea sets to wagashi and lucky cats, each item tells a unique story. The variety of things to buy in Tokyo means there’s something for everyone, whether it’s for gifting or personal memory. Be sure to visit both local markets and big stores. The best souvenirs are not just objects, they are memories from your journey through Japan. Book a memorable trip with TripXL!
Cover Photo: Валерия Дроздова / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
