Tokyo Shopping Tips by ChuckG

Fashion: Roppongi Hill new mall Fashion Review

Brand new sprawling complex with more than 200 stores. It also includes a Hyatt hotel, a private club, residences in the tower, a arena, a Virgin Cinema, an art center and even a TV studio.

The complex is 11.6 hectares and includes tons of trees. The numerous towers blends well in the environment and the architecture is great.

A must see.

See my travelogue on sculptures at the site

What to buy: Fashion Clothes, and much more

What to pay: All range

Directions: Roppongi Station, Hibiya line

Theme: Other

Japanese Style: Ameyoko Market Ameya Yokocho - Ameyoko Review

There are some very cool stores in Ameyoko. It litterally means: American Alley. Dates back from the Post WWII days when lots of black market goods could be found.

I found some very cool shirts and souvenirs. It's not the best place for electronics though.

What to buy: Not much black market but more cool clothes, accessories bargain on luury goods.

What to pay: Less than average

Address: Ueno station

Directions: Walk under the track at Ueno station.

Phone: +813 (0)3 3201 3331

Theme: Men's Clothes

Japanese Style: Shibuya style ! Shibuya Review

Department stores: Tokyu Hands

There's a lot of history behind this store. One anecdote is that in 1964, Tokyu Railway company decided to face the competition of the Seibu Railway Co. and create the Tokyu 109. "10" means to and 9 means "kyu". A success story was built.

What to buy: Everything from housewares to handicraft

What to pay: Average

Address: 1-28-10 Higashi Ikebukuro

Theme: Department Store

Tower Records: Tower Records in Shibuya Music Review

Unlike most Tower Records, this one has 80% japanese music so i found it a great place to buy local music. The price is decent too.

What to buy: music !

What to pay: average

Directions: Shibuya Station

Theme: Music

Website: http://www.towerrecords.co.jp

Marui: Marui - Shibuya and Shinjuku Fashion Review

Marui is where the Tokyo youth goes for choice !

In February and July of every year, they have huge sales that are very popular.

Just be careful if you shop for someone else...you might underestimate your friend "size" and end up bringing back stuff wayyyyyyyy to small !

Japanese girls are so thin !!!

What to buy: Depends where you're from....

But their fashion beats any typical american store in my eyes.

What to pay: more than average

Address: 1-22-6 Jinnan

Theme: Department Store

Website: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-1227592-marui_tokyo-i

Japanese Style Sensoji temple: Nakamise-dori Nakamise - Asakusa Review

This street is lined up with small stalls selling all the souvenirs you can think of. It's a great place to buy souvenirs to bring back for your family and friends.

What to buy: Traditional wares, obi sashes, haircombs, fans, dolls, kimonos

What to pay: Average

Directions: Asakusa Station, Ginza and Toei-Asakusa lines

Theme: Local Craft

Website: http://accessible.jp.org/tokyo/en/map/asakusa.html

Toys & Computer Games: Sony Megastore at Odaiba Toys and Computer Games Review

This store offers the latest gadget from Sony. One particularly impressive is the new Aibo robot dog. It can learn tricks and respond to your orders. Pretty neat !

What to buy: A Aibo if you can afford it !

What to pay: Quite expensive but clean !

Address: Odaiba Aquacity

Theme: Toys and Games

Website: http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/200010/00-050A/

Toys & Computer Games: Aquacity Odaiba Toys and Computer Games Review

This mega-mall offers everything for the kids from electronics to toys to music. You will also find a theater, TV studio and Sony mega store.

What to buy: All sorts of electronics gadgets as well as teenage fashion items

What to pay: average

Directions: Access it by taking the JR at Shimbashi station which goes on the rainbow bridge.

Theme: Toys and Games

Website: http://www.aquacity.co.jp