Tokyo Shopping Tips by mdchachi

Name of Shop: Shimojima

At Shimojima, everything from cards to postcards to calendars to wrapping paper can be found. It is a 'wholesaler' so you can find wrapping materials and other items in bulk. Shimojima actually consists of six stores on one street. There are two mainly of interest as the rest are either redundant or cater to business owners.

What To Buy: The floor directory of the main branch is:
1F - Seasonal goods, household items
2F - Office & Computer Supplies
3F - Stationery items
4F - Wrapping paper, bows, ribbons
5F - Household and Food-related Supplies
6F - Packaging Materials
7F - Hobby Items; dried flowers, stencils, etc.
8F - Decorating items such as posters, paints and display items
The Gift Shop contains the following:
1F - Seasonal and Character Goods
2F - Greeting Cards, Stickers, Bridal
3F - Japanese paper(washi), ribbons, wrapping paper
4F - Party Goods and Clocks/Watches
5F - Aroma Items, Candles, Miniatures

Note: They close early around 17:30

What To Pay: It's wholesale so it's cheap relative to Japan

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Theme: Stationery
Address: Asakusa-bashi station
Directions: East exit of JR Asakusabashi station or A3 exit of Asakusabashi subway station. Go left and walk a short way.
Website: http://www.shimojima.co.jp/

Name of Shop: Niki no Kashi

When I'm in the Ueno (Ameyokocho) area, I always stop at Niki no Kashi (Niki's Snacks). They are a discount snack and food store where you can buy stuff in bulk. Hence it's a great one place stop for your edible souvenir needs. They sell the same cakes & cookies that you see at train stations plus candy, gum, toy-containing candy for kids, etc. There are two shops across from each other. One has mostly snacks and the other has grocery items. Check out both.

What To Buy: I usually pick up things like that gum that smells like perfume or KissMint gum. Or Ultraman, Sanrio or other character candy with little toys in it. Plus anything with funny English on it. It's also great for those gross out items -- squid on a stick, etc. You can buy snacks to eat while you're in Japan as well. Of course they have Pocky, Pretz and things like that too.

What To Pay: Cheaper than retail.

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Theme: Discount Store
Address: Ueno 4-1-8
Directions: Walking along the Yamanote tracks from Ueno to Okachimachi, it's in a side street on the right before you reach the Okachimachi train station. Print out the web page and take it with you. Ask around if you can't find it.
Website: http://www.nikinokashi.co.jp/ichi.htm