Everything will still be.

How accustomed modern people are to traveling. Whole generations have grown up in Russia with open borders (after the USSR). Foreign passports, air travel, southern seas, and distant countries have firmly and seemingly forever entered our lives. And then came COVID-19 into the world. Travel is practically banned. What has happened and is happening to this day is well known to everyone. We are learning to live in a new world.

Perhaps today is not the most favorable time for travel, not the time to think about shopping and trips… However, the other day I was at the visa department of the Japanese consulate and, to put it mildly, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of people wishing to go to Japan. Mostly, of course, they are currently going “for business,” but the opening of tourist trips is not far off. And since that’s the case, I will share my notes on the topic: “Where to look in Tokyo and nearby for more or less advantageous purchases (in terms of logistics, prices, assortment).”

I will start by saying that I did not immediately discover Japan as a shopping paradise. Japan is a place where you can buy everything, or almost everything!!! Shopping in Japan is a pleasure and enjoyment! And when you know the right places, the pleasure doubles!

So, where should we start? First of all, a few simple notes about shopping in Tokyo that everyone probably knows, but I will repeat anyway:

General Notes

• passport – always keep it with you, as in many places there is an opportunity to buy goods tax-free (10%) upon presentation of your passport;

• currency – if you have a multi-currency card that allows you to buy currency online at a reasonable rate, it’s better to take it on your trip. Just in case, try to buy cash before flying to Japan. Sometimes, for unclear reasons, you may not be able to pay with your usual bank card. Just ten minutes ago on the first floor of the store it was read, but now, on the third, it’s not…. Old and good “cash” in your pocket will give you a sense of confidence;

• measurements – if you plan to buy something for children, it’s better to have the measurements of sleeve length, pants, and a precisely drawn foot of the child on paper. You will want to buy a lot of things (especially if you hit Japan during the discount season), and it’s very easy to mess up the sizes. “Children’s feet” have saved me more than once in my wallet);

• discount season – there are two global ones: winter (December 24 – end of January) and summer (end of June – July). The further from the beginning of the season the shopping day is, the bigger the discounts. In general, some discounts in Japan, as in the whole world, probably always exist. In all chain stores like GAP, Uniqlo, and similar, there are always separate shelves with red price tags where you can buy something decent for pennies (even at the current yen rate), especially for children;

• when visiting a large shopping center, don’t hesitate to approach the information desk to find out if there are any special offers for foreigners. There are often “treats” in the form of a 5% discount coupon, and together with the opportunity to shop tax-free, the tourist’s benefit can reach up to 15%! Nice.

• shopping lists – it’s better to make them in advance, otherwise you risk picking up a bunch of cool stuff, but not what you really need;)

Now, armed with yen, a list, and a passport, let’s go shopping in Tokyo and nearby.

Ginza

Ginza is the most expensive street in the world. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s interesting to stroll through this area. Ginza is beautiful, especially in the evening. Here you can meet anyone – from an ordinary tourist to a Japanese yakuza (mafia member;)) or a local young dandy in a Bugatti. There are numerous shops, department stores, entertainment venues, cafes, restaurants, etc. Alongside Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and others, there are also mass-market stores like Uniqlo, H & M, Zara, GU, GAP.

In Ginza, I recommend visiting the famous, huge, 12-story Uniqlo. There is an entire floor with large sizes (from XXL) of clothing for women and men, a floor with a Disney collection, and various other UNIQLO collections. For GAP lovers, there is also a corner, literally, take a look at the photo below;)

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AEON Mall

AEON Mall is a global chain of shopping complexes. There is one in almost every major city in Japan. The shopping complex offers products of all categories, from clothing to a large grocery supermarket.

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In AEON Mall, there are usually stores with both Japanese brands (UNIQLO, GU) and international ones (GAP, Zara, FrancFranc). On the children’s goods floor, you can find mono-boutiques of Hello Kitty, Snoopy, Anpanman, Totoro, and others. Finding the nearest AEON Mall is easy; just type AEON into Google Maps and you will see all possible options.

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ABC–mart

ABC-mart is a Japanese chain of shoe stores, a paradise for sneaker lovers. Shoes for everyone – both adults and children. Nike, Adidas, Reebok, New Balance, and many others, all these and many other global brands are represented here.

And, of course, ABC-mart has rare models released only for the Japanese market. There are always some great deals. ABC-mart stores can also be found in almost every AEON Mall.

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“Toys R Us” / “Babies R Us”

“Toys R Us”/ “Babies R Us” is an American chain, but Japanese brands such as Pigeon, Combi, Aprica, etc. are also represented here. They have everything for your children, from food to children’s dishes, from strollers to furniture, from toys to clothing. “Toys R Us” is something like our Children’s World.

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“Babies R Us” has its own brand of clothing for newborns. A worthy mass-market, the items are made from quality materials, including organic cotton. Also, these stores feature the luxury children’s clothing brand Miki House, where there are many cute and interesting items. In general, you can find everything or almost everything your heart desires…

Tokyo Outlets

MITSUI OUTLET PARK MAKUHARI

There are many outlets throughout Japan, with about 8 near Tokyo. The closest to Tokyo is my favorite MITSUI OUTLET PARK MAKUHARI. A premium outlet not far from Tokyo! It was completely renovated in 2015. Conveniently located from Tokyo station, the trip takes only 30 minutes.

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The outlet has about 130 stores, most of which are TAX Free. This includes Coach, Bally, Michael Kors, GAP, and Japanese brands: Nice Claup, Beams, sportswear and footwear (Adidas, Puma, Under Armour). Don’t forget your passport!!!

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

The outlet in Karuizawa is one of the largest outlets in Japan, located in an incredible place around a picturesque lake. The lakeside is conveniently arranged for a full family vacation. So don’t be afraid to take your husbands, children, and parents shopping. There are places to just lie down, admiring the beauty of the lake, have a small picnic, run around, and have fun. In general, the family will have a good time waiting for you with your purchases.

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza offers more than 230 stores. The outlet favors “premium” – “luxury” brands (BOTTEGA VENETA, BALENCIAGA, Chloe, Saint Laurent, Samsonite, Armani, Tory Burch, GUCCI, MaxMara, and many others).

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In Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, there are about 30 restaurants and cafes where you can taste not only classic Japanese cuisine (soba, ramen) but also European. You can reach it from Tokyo by Shinkansen, and the trip takes 30 minutes.

Gotemba Premium Outlets

The Gotemba Premium Outlets are dominated by the majestic Mount Fuji. Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, it is 1.5 hours from Tokyo. Built in the form of a small “village” with more than 200 stores. Gotemba Premium Outlets has a retail space of 403,100 m2, making it one of the largest, if not the largest. The outlet stands out for its rich selection of premium men’s and women’s clothing (Céline, Alexander Wang, Gucci).

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You can get there by buses that depart from Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Tokyo stations.

Shisui Premium Outlet

The closest outlet to Narita Airport, just a 15-minute bus ride away. Shisui Premium Outlet is known for its wide selection of Japanese brands. The outlet has a total of 180 stores and 26 cafes/restaurants. You can also check the latest information about your flight at any time on a special board in the shopping center.

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Odaiba

Odaiba is a small, not-so-small artificial island, rich not only in its entertainment (museums, theme parks, Ferris wheel, etc.) but also in diverse shopping. There are five large shopping centers, and one of them even has a small outlet. Conveniently, all the stores are within walking distance of each other.

DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

In front of the central entrance of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza stands a huge robot that shows a small laser show every evening. The shopping complex has stores with both Japanese and global brands. There is also the ABC-mart where you can find your favorite sneakers.

Decks Tokyo Beach

The large shopping complex is designed in a marine theme, and next to the building is a large beautiful park shaped like a ship’s deck. Here you can also find the beloved Legoland Discovery Centre for both adults and children, along with other attractions. There are plenty of stores where you can buy everything from souvenirs to designer clothing.

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AQUA CiTY ODAIBA

This is a large entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and cinemas. It includes not only many clothing stores (GAP, Levi’s, Puma, Adidas, New Balance, etc.), shoes, and accessories but also an electronics store, BicCamera.

And right here, in AQUA CiTY ODAIBA, there is a spacious store with a wide range of children’s products, “Toys R Us” / “Babies R Us.” Also interesting, the shopping complex features a magical Disney Store where you can purchase souvenirs, toys, stationery, and much more from the world of DISNEY.

Palette Town

A huge shopping and entertainment complex that occupies one-tenth of ODAIBA island. It includes the VenusFort shopping center, the themed “automobile” park MEGAWEB Toyota City, a Ferris wheel – the symbol of Odaiba, and a large concert hall.

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The VenusFort shopping center is designed like a medieval European village. On the third floor, there is a small outlet where you can buy Puma, Beams, Levi’s, CITIZEN, Tommy Hilfiger, and others at favorable prices. On the second floor, there is a wide selection of fashionable clothing, cosmetics, electronics, and souvenirs. And on the first floor, various products for children: from clothing to toys.

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There is also a large children’s entertainment complex, Aneby Trimpark Play Center. Additionally, on the lower floor, you can buy everything your heart desires for our smaller brothers – dogs and cats, hamsters, fish, and all the rest.

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In general, Odaiba is the perfect place for family (and not only) shopping. Send the kids and dad to the Legoland Discovery Centre, the Toyota Museum, or the large children’s room, while you rush off for shopping. Each of these shopping and entertainment complexes has a wide selection of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy dishes from almost any cuisine in the world. And to conclude a pleasant outing, visit the onsen located on this amazing artificial island. What a day!

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