100 best shops in Tokyo

76. Twelvebooks...

Another one for photography fans. A rising Japanese distributor of contemporary photography books published in Europe and the US, Twelvebooks recently launched its bookstore within Vacant, one of the cultural hubs of Harajuku. Twelvebooks map and opening hours

77. Hyakunen...

Cult bookshop Hyakunen is situated in Kichijoji, opposite the Tokyu department store. Aside from its grand selection of secondhand and newly published books, magazines and zines, this store holds talk sessions and exhibitions, encouraging interaction between authors and readers. Hyakunen map and opening hours

78. Books Kinokuniya Tokyo...

With six floors carrying everything from manga and maps to magazines and literature from all over the world, this is one of the best bookstores in Tokyo, and not least because of its impressive selection of foreign-language publications (on the sixth floor). Books Kinokuniya Tokyo map and opening hours

79. 0fr. Tokyo...

Paris bookstore and art gallery 0fr. opened this Tokyo outpost in Nakameguro in spring 2014 and area trendsetters immediately warmed up to the arty place. Teleport to Paris via the art books, magazines and other display items, then experience a traditional Japanese apartment atmosphere when taking off your shoes to enter the gallery at the back. You can buy underground Japanese and international artworks, and enjoy natural French-style food like organic croque monsieur. 0fr. Tokyo map and opening hours

80. Tower Records...

Already Japan’s largest record store, Tower Records was given an extensive overhaul in late 2012 that increased its whopping 5,000 square metres of floor space. There’s now a bookstore and a decent café on the 2nd floor, the music sections now give prominent placement to back catalogue stock as well as new arrivals, and there’s a video streaming venue called Tower Revolve Project in the basement, plus extra space for live performances. Tower Records map and opening hours

81. E Earphone...

Treat your ears with top-of-the-range earphones, headphones and headphone amplifiers (they also have basic models for budget-watchers). Also, music accessory lovers will enjoy picking through the selection of used items. E Earphone map and opening hours

82. Diskunion Showa Kayou-Kan...

There are several branches of Diskunion in Shinjuku, but the Showa Kayou Store is unique in that it specialises in popular Japanese music from the Showa period (1926-1989). Selling used records, CDs and books, the store covers a wide range of genres including enka (traditional Japanese pop ballads) and Japanese idols’ pop tunes. Diskunion Showa Kayou-Kan map and opening hours

83. Big Love...

Trusted among musos for its good taste, Big Love is an independent record store that collects vinyl and cassette tapes of indie bands from the US, the UK and Europe. Soak in the atmosphere at the bar space where you can enjoy Shiga Kogen beer, one of the best Japanese craft beers. Big Love map and opening hours

84. Jazzy Sport Music Shop Tokyo...

Jazzy Sport is a record store as well as a music production company representing DJ Mitsu The Beats and Cro-Magnon. Good for Afro-pop, disco, hip-hop and jazz. Jazzy Sport Music Shop Tokyo map and opening hours

85. Jet Set...

Based in Shimokitazawa and Kyoto (and online), Jet Set covers all genres with albums selected by their expert buyers. Best if you’re looking for soft rock, soul, house, disco and techno. And if you’re into Japanese pop, you’ll be amazed by Jet Set’s limited-edition 7/12 inch records. Jet Set map and opening hours

86. Disc Shop Zero...

It’s rare to find UK dub and Bristol bass music in Tokyo, but here you can choose from bands such as Massive Attack and Smith & Mighty, as well as reggae, breakbeat and dubstep groups. Disc Shop Zero map and opening hours

87. HMV Record Shop...

If you swear by vinyl and enjoy digging through piles of secondhand records, then this Shibuya shop will please you to no end. Opened in August 2014, HMV stocks up to 80,000 titles, with around 60% of those being vinyl and the rest mainly CDs. The focus is on releases from the '60s to the late '90s from all genres, and most records can be tried out on the laser turntable, allowing you to confirm the sound quality before buying. HMV Record Shop map and opening hours

88. Oriental Bazaar...

Probably the best-known gift shop in Tokyo, this is a useful one-stop outlet for almost everything: dolls, china, kimonos, yukata, furniture, antiques and books on Japan. Ideal for stocking up on presents and souvenirs in one easy trip. Prices are generally moderate, and staff speak English. Oriental Bazaar map and opening hours

89. Ryogoku Takahashi...

This shop stocks more sumo-related goods than even sumo stadium Ryogoku Kokugikan, and is full of unique souvenir products for sumo lovers. Their offerings include hand towels, dolls, setta (Japanese leather-soled sandals), folding fans, mugs and bento boxes. Ryogoku Takahashi map and opening hours

90. Aquvii Tokyo...

The original Daikanyama branch of Aquvii is devoted to ‘antiques and oddities’ from around the world (usually eastern Europe), but this Shibuya offshoot keeps its affiliations strictly local. Billing itself as a souvenir shop, Aquvii Tokyo showcases products that ‘connect Japan with the world’, including off-kilter accessories and vintage toys. Aquvii Tokyo map and opening hours

91. Souvenir From Tokyo...

Much more than just an ordinary museum shop. With a lot more to offer than the usual postcards and coffee-table books (though it’s got plenty of those, too), Souvenir From Tokyo lives up to its name with a diverse selection of Japanese-style accessories, clothes, crockery and pieces by feted local designers like Mina Perhonen and Anrealage. Whether you’re looking for a memento or an offbeat present for a friend, this is a good place to start. Souvenir From Tokyo map and opening hours

92. Bingoya...

Great for souvenir shopping, Bingoya offers unpretentious traditional crafts made in Japan including pottery, fabric, lacquerware, glassware, dolls and folk art. Bingoya map and opening hours

93. La Ronde D’argile...

A great place if you’re looking for beautiful pottery, glassware and fabrics made by Japanese artists. Its neighbourhood, Kagurazaka, makes for a great after-shopping stroll, too. La Ronde D’argile map and opening hours

94. Ginza Natsuno...

Chopsticks make affordable, portable and beautiful souvenirs. Make a beeline for this shop – it may be small in size but its amazing, eclectic collection will keep you busy browsing for ages. Ginza Natsuno map and opening hours

95. Dengama...

Satisfy all your Japanese tableware needs at this Kappabashi shop that sells finely crafted bowls, plates, chopstick rests, cups, soy sauce cruets, sake cups and much more at prices around 20 percent lower than the suggested retail price. Ideal for souvenirs and gifts. Dengama map and opening hours

96. Mikura...

Fittingly located on the north side of Asakusa’s Kappabashi (aka Kitchen Town), this specialist shop carries a dizzying variety of chopsticks in different lengths, colours and shapes – ask the staff to pair you up with ones that fit perfectly in your hands. An engraving service is also available. Mikura map and opening hours

97. Kama Asa Shoten...

Founded in 1908, Kama Asa on Asakusa’s Kappabashi (also known as Kitchen Town) deals in everything from kitchen knives (up to 80 different kinds) and exquisite Nanbu Tekki ironware to items like stylish crane-shaped graters and some of the best frying pans. Buy a knife and they’ll engrave it for you (no extra cost); they also offer an after-care service for knife sharpening and repair (extra charge applies). Service is available in English and French. Kama Asa Shoten map and opening hours

98. Shibuya Parco...

This department store has been trendsetting since 1973 and recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Some of the latest store openings include Ground-Y with selected items from Yohji Yamamoto, Ganryu by Comme des Garcons, Cabane de Zucca and 3.1 Philip Lim. Shibuya Parco map and opening hours

99. Loft Shibuya...

Having a hard time figuring out what to get for your folks back home? If you need something both inspiring and peculiarly Japanese, head over to Loft for everything from stationery and kitchen utensils to homeware and cosmetics – a whopping 85,000 items in total. Check out our top picks. Loft Shibuya map and opening hours

100. Tokyu Hands...

Your one-stop shop for everything from stationery to suitcases – one visit will satisfy most shopping needs for days. They operate a total of 14 stores in the Tokyo region, including locations in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro and Ginza. Check out our top 10 things to do there. Tokyu Hands Shibuya branch map and opening hours