Tokyo shopping guide: discover the best Japanese clothing brands

First thing’s first – let’s get to know the shopping districts in Tokyo. Some are probably more well-known than others, but each stands out with one thing or another.

Ginza is centrally-located and home to upmarket world-famous brands, expensive real estate, and sophisticated showrooms. Expect premium quality and with that – premium prices. If you’ve never heard of Ginza, you’ll instantly know it by sight. The famous Ginza Crossing is often featured in media and pictures depicting Tokyo. Some great places for shopping include Ginza Six, Uniqlo’s flagship store, Ginza Wako, Ginza Itoya, but you can also find luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, and other high fashion Japanese brands here.

Then there’s Shinjuku – home to the world’s busiest train station and numerous shops, boutiques, and restaurants. It can be disorienting at first, but once you’re adjusted, you’ll find it is a one-stop-shop for a day of shopping in Tokyo. Connected to the train station is the Lumine department store, and you don’t have to go wandering far to also find Don Quijote Kabukicho, Takashimaya, and Isetan Shinjuku Store.

One of the most fresh-faced districts in Tokyo is Shibuya – a true epicentre of cheerful fashion, trendy clothes, and youthful Japanese style. Here you’ll find not only fast fashion stores but also high-end department stores featuring popular Japanese fashion brands. Even if you visit only for the experience and don’t end up buying anything, it’s worth visiting Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho at the end of the day. Filled with small izakaya bars (a place for casual after-work drinks and food, similar to pubs or tapas bars in Europe) and restaurants, the lantern-filled alleyway is a great place for a bite to eat after a day of shopping and exploring.

Remember Gwen Stefani and her Harajuku girls in “Hollaback Girl”? Many then wondered – what is a Harajuku girl? The name was a reference to the district in Tokyo that goes by Harajuku, and the fashions there are no less colourful than those of Stefani’s backup dancers. The shopping experience in Harajuku promises to keep you looking everywhere as the fashion spectrum is crazy diverse – from luxury brands and global trends to exaggerated costume stores, punk-inspired outfits, and anything that Japanese teens are into at the time. Don’t be afraid to wander down smaller streets to come across boutiques, streetwear brand shops, and cafes, and you’re also guaranteed to find cute souvenirs to bring back home.

For upscale shopping and premium quality you’d see in Paris fashion week, head to Aoyama, which can be considered a luxurious entry point to shopping in Tokyo. Names like Prada reside alongside Japanese designers like Issey Miyake and Comme des Garcons – they all have epic stores in Aoyama, which are worth checking out even if you’re not planning to shop there. The architecture and interiors are noteworthy and shop windows – enticing. Plan a day of the visit when you’re also visiting Harajuku as both districts are close to one another.

Akihabara, also known as Akiba, is the epicentre of anime and anything electronics, vintage, video games, and tech. It is popular among tourists but for a good reason – if you’re after anything unique or enjoy anime or manga, this is the place you’ll want to visit. A great place to start exploring from is Akihabara Radio Kaikan, which is full of the so-called otaku shops.

Pro tip: in Tokyo, most department stores offer tax-free shopping for visitors from abroad. Make sure to bring a passport with you!

When talking about culture in Japan, you don’t have to wait for long before the word “kimono” comes up. Interestingly, the literal meaning is “thing to wear”. But when westerners talk about kimonos, they mostly think about womenswear and the colourful kimonos that geishas wear. Japanese clothing brand Y. & Sons is a contemporary menswear label that takes the traditional kimono to modern times. As an atelier, the brand focuses on exceptional tailoring and bespoke approach to each garment. If you decide to be fitted for a kimono here, know that it’s an investment piece you’ll cherish for years to come. In their Akihabara boutique you can also pick out sophisticated accessories like hats, bags, shoes, umbrellas etc.

The flagship store Okura of the Blue Blue Japan brand opened nearly 30 years ago in Daikanyama, which has now become a trendy neighbourhood known for its luxury fashion boutiques and in-demand brunch places. The shop is located in a traditionally-inspired building resembling a Japanese warehouse. Here you’ll find truly unique pieces like indigo-dyed products made in a technique that has been known for centuries. Moreover, the space itself, together with the in-store decor, presents a well-rounded atmosphere of Japan. Blue Blue Japan brand caters not just to the Japanese market. While many items have that unique Japanese flair, you can easily mix and match them with your everyday styles.

Trophy Clothing was established almost 20 years ago by the Japanese designer Masaki Egawa, who embedded his passion for classic motorcycles and vintage workwear into his own label. As a result, the clothes they produce represent a balance between the modern and the traditional. When shopping for one of their pieces, you can be sure to get something that is 100% made in Japan, as they produce everything from fabric to hardware locally. Expect to see quality denim, tailored workwear-style shirts, biker-inspired leather jackets, and low-key but never boring everyday pieces. You’ll find the brand’s flagship store located in Shibuya, Tokyo, but worry not – if you find something you like, chances are you can also find it online since many items are sold globally with worldwide shipping.

Marrying elements of grunge and luxury with a truly American-inspired twist, glamb executes its fashion with high-quality craftsmanship and materials. Its semi-industrial flagship store is located in Harajuku, a part of Tokyo you might not immediately associate with grungy fashions, as this neighbourhood is known for its cutesy and iconic kawaii styles. But in recent years, that vibe has slightly calmed, and now it’s just about pure expression, in whatever form of style. glamb brand was established almost 20 years ago, and over the years, has had numerous collaborations, each bringing a unique flair to the collections. Here you’ll find both American-inspired fashions like bomber and varsity jackets as well as more loosely fitted clothes common among Japanese brands.

For the discerning gay traveller, Tokyo offers a range of luxurious accommodations that blend modern design with impeccable service, perfect for those who want to stay in style while exploring the city’s fashion hotspots. Here are three top picks that cater to sophisticated tastes, each located in prime areas with easy access to Tokyo’s top shopping districts.

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza
Located in the heart of the iconic Ginza district, The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza is an urban sanctuary that effortlessly merges sleek design with understated elegance. With its chic, minimalist interiors and a rooftop bar offering stunning city views, this hotel is ideal for travellers seeking an exclusive and stylish retreat. Its location puts you just steps away from the luxury boutiques and high-end department stores of Ginza, making it perfect for a day of shopping in one of Tokyo’s most fashionable areas. For those seeking to explore more avant-garde fashion, the quirky Harajuku neighbourhood is a short ride away.

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
A stay at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo promises a completely unique experience, combining luxury with a rich cultural heritage. Situated in Meguro, this hotel is often referred to as a “museum hotel” due to its elaborate, art-filled interiors that evoke the grandeur of traditional Japan. Each spacious suite boasts its own private view of lush gardens, perfect for a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle. While it’s a little removed from the main shopping districts, its proximity to Shibuya – home to some of the city’s most eclectic fashion boutiques – ensures that style-savvy travellers are never too far from the action. Plus, the hotel’s commitment to exceptional service and opulence makes it a must for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel
Rising high above the vibrant streets of Shinjuku, BELLUSTAR TOKYO offers unparalleled panoramic views and an ultra-modern aesthetic that will appeal to those looking for the ultimate in contemporary luxury. This sky-high haven offers floor-to-ceiling windows in its rooms, as well as an exclusive spa and gourmet dining experiences that make it a destination in itself. Fashion lovers will appreciate its close proximity to the sprawling shopping complex of Shinjuku, where you can find everything from local Japanese designers to international luxury brands. The hotel’s central location also makes it easy to explore nearby Harajuku and Omotesando, two districts renowned for their cutting-edge fashion scenes.