8 Shopping Districts in Tokyo Where You Can Enjoy the Nostalgic Scenery of Old Japan

1. Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street

One of the best shopping districts in the Kanto Region, with a length of around 1.3km. The countless stores that line the streets have a great reputation for offering products at very reasonable prices and are bustling with customers every day. You can find all sorts of foods, from croquet, to teriyaki to yakitori, and it takes more than a day to go around. We also recommend Togoshi Ginza for dates.

HP: www.togoshiginza.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 1-15-16 Togoshi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)

2. Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street

This shopping district is located about 5 minutes on foot from either Nipper Station or Sendagi Station. Affectionately known as “Yanesen,” the area still has that old-town nostalgic feel to it. At only 170m, it is not a very long shopping street, but the 70 stores and restaurants offering all sorts of dishes you can enjoy as you walk around make this area a popular spot with tourists. The sheer number of cats and the stairway at the center of shopping area are sure to leave an impression on you.

HP: www.yanakaginza.com/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 3-13-1 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)

3. Asagaya Pearl Center

Around Asagaya Station, you can find as many as 14 shopping streets, and out of these, the Asagaya Pearl Center is one of the most popular. The street is dedicated to selling goods, and it has become a pivot to the local residents’ daily lives. At 700m long, it is one of the larger shopping streets, and in August the street bustles with visitors as it holds the annual “Asagaya Tanabata Festival.”

HP: www.asagaya.or.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 1-2 Asagaya Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)

4. Sugamo Jizou-dori Shopping Street

Sugamo is affectionately known as the “Grandmas’ Harajuku,” but in recent years, it is becoming a very popular sport for young people as well. This shopping street is about 800m long, and the “shio daifuku,” a slightly salty version of the daifuku (a small round sweet of glutinous rice surrounding unsweetened bean paste), is the local speciality. The street has around 200 shops, and with the lively merchants calling out for custom, you can feel the energy in the area.

HP: www.sugamo.or.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 4-22-8 Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)

5. Kichijoji Sun Road

Kichijoji is consistently chosen as one of the most desirable cities to live in. The most interesting characteristic about this shopping street is the roof which allows the sunlight to pour in during the day. On top of this, the wide streets mean you can enjoy a relaxing shopping trip, even if the area is bustling with people. While there are new stores being opened one after the other, we recommend visiting the long standing “Hamonika Yoko-cho” to get a taste of nostalgia.

HP: www.sun-road.or.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: Moto-cho, Kichijoji, Musashino-shi, Tokyo (Google Map)

6. Ueno Ameyoko-cho

A shopping area so famous that you’d struggle to find someone who doesn’t know it. Ameyoko-cho is an exciting shopping district full of vitality, where it seems like you can find anything at a discount price. While the low prices go without saying, you’ll also find lots of people eating and drinking from midday. The street has more than 300 stores and is around 500m long. That feeling of the pushing your way through the crowds is irresistible.

HP: www.ameyoko.net/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 4-6 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)

7. Nakano Broadway Shopping Street, Nakano Sun Mall Shopping Street

Straight outside the north exit of Nakano Station, you will find the Sun Mall Shopping street, and just a bit further in from there is the Broadway Shopping Street. The Sun Mall is your archetypal shopping mall where you can browse and enjoy shopping at your own pace. On the other hand, the Broadway Mall with around 300 stores over its five floors as well as a large number of specialist shops, has a more deep-rooted popularity. The restaurants surrounding the shopping street are all good, so whichever you go choose to go to, you won’t be disappointed. Just one visit to these shopping malls will get you hooked.

HP: www.heart-beat-nakano.com/street/48.html (Japanese Only)

Address: 5 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)

8. Koenji Junjo Shoppong Street

With around 220 stores and its calm atmosphere, this shopping district, with its strong connections to the local area, is a must for fans of the Koenji area. Koenji itself is famous for the Awa Odori traditional dance, and during the Awa Odori season, the shopping street really bustles with energy. If you’re looking to visit a shopping district that values communication and has a strong connection with the local area, this is the place we recommend.

HP: www.kouenji.or.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: Koenji-kita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)