Tokyo Shopping Guide｜Souvenir Edition

#TokyoShoppingGuide

Tokyo’s souvenir culture is rich, offering everything from traditional wagashi to modern snacks, always with surprising choices. Here are three shopping spots perfect for picking unique and affordable souvenirs that let your friends and family experience the charm of Tokyo.

1. Tokyo Station Ichiban-gai
Located on the basement level of Tokyo Station, Ichiban-gai is a souvenir paradise, home to the "Tokyo Sweets Paradise" and "Tokyo Ramen Street." Here you can find the classic Tokyo Banana banana cakes (about 1,200 yen/8 pieces), rich in creamy flavor and beautifully packaged, ideal for gifts. There are also limited-edition KitKat flavors (like matcha or strawberry) and ROYCE’ Nama Chocolate, all reasonably priced (about 800-1,500 yen).

2. Nakamise-dori, Asakusa
Nakamise-dori in Asakusa is a treasure trove of traditional souvenirs, located on the pedestrian street from Kaminarimon to Senso-ji Temple. Shops along the street sell items like Ningyo-yaki (about 200 yen each), Kaminari Senbei (about 1,000 yen per box), and wagashi such as yokan. These handmade sweets carry a strong Japanese flavor and come in exquisite packaging, perfect for elders. It’s recommended to visit before 10:00 AM to avoid tourist crowds and enjoy the historic atmosphere of Asakusa.

3. Don Quijote
Don Quijote is the top choice for budget-friendly souvenirs, with 24-hour stores in areas like Shibuya and Ginza. Inside, you’ll find limited-edition Pocky flavors (about 200 yen per box), region-exclusive Calbee chips (about 150 yen), and Meiji chocolates (such as matcha macadamia, about 800 yen). There are also cartoon-shaped candies and Hello Kitty items, great for kids. Prices are low, and discounts are common.

Shopping Tips:
Bring your passport for tax-free shopping; some stores accept electronic payments like Alipay.
Tokyo Station and Don Quijote are good for quick shopping, while Asakusa is better for browsing leisurely. Shop on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Check the shelf life of souvenirs (wagashi have shorter shelf lives, snacks last about 3-6 months).
Tokyo souvenirs combine creativity and tradition, so no matter your budget, you can find the perfect gift at these spots!

#TokyoShopping #Souvenirs #TokyoStation #Asakusa #DonQuijote #JapanTravel #TokyoSweets

Post by 湯馬士火車頭 | May 13, 2025