Niki no Kashi in Ueno is great for Japanese sweets and snacks, Don Quijote is a classic, Ochiai Stationery Store in Nakano has a good selection and helpful staff, Tokyu Hands in Shinjuku or Ginza is a go too, Shibuya Loft and Mode Off/2nd Street/TreFacStyle often have great deals on Seiko 5's and Orient watches.
Ginza Itoya prices are higher then elsewhere and the staff are not as helpful or friendly. If you are looking for higher end fountain pens Itoya is good, but as someone who likes extra broad nibs, Japan is not a great place for those as the selection is extremely poor. The nice lady at Ochiai Stationery Store also gave me a bunch a rice crackers, great people, great store. If I want a wider selection at good prices Sekaido Shinjuku is good, but again the staff are not friendly. Tokyu Hands in Shinjuku has fantastic staff too, they helped me find refills for several pens and were able to help me find the items I wanted.
Donki is an amazing store,a bit overwhelming at first,but there is soooooo much choice.Umaiibo pack snacks are the bomb,so many flavours in the bag (my fave gift) , i also got tshirts,fridge magnets, tote bags,socks and sweet snacks from donki.Oh and the small saki bottles it in your case too 😁
I honestly am a terrible souvenir shopper, because I'm not really a fan of stuff I won't use. You have partially turned me into a purchaser of souvenir stuff, because I see the joy that your items provide to those you gift. For my next trip, I've already had people hint that Japanese KitKats would be welcome. So rather than just stumbling upon them, I can go and find them. So useful info for me.
For practical souvenirs I think tenugui are extremely good; they can be used for decoration or even clothing (scarf or head covering). For food, I think the taste of yubari melon is very unique to Japan so it might be good. Things like chopsticks and lacquerware I think you should buy from higher tier department stores for the best quality which will last.
Japan amazes me how a single Train station can have many underground levels to just get lost in. Great video and tips my friend, I'll be checking out the NHK store next time.
Yes ever since i discovered how Tokyo station(and the area) can be a one stop place Its been a game changer.. although there isnt a big donki there though
Nice video, thanks Nathan.Myself, I dont like shopping. Donki is a favorite for strange kit kats, crazy small souvenirs, cheap but special things etc. However: If I want something special (like a fan, a matcha bowl, a knife, a scent holder, plates to serve food on etc.), I will always prefer to go to a shop that is just doing this, and is doing it with a lot of tradition and since many years. And not just to a random shop. P.S. Embarrasing note: last year, we spent about 30 minutes in Tokyo station looking for a ramen restaurant and ended up eating ramen in Shinjuku instead. The floor with the ramen restaurants and the shops you mention is either very well hidden, or we are complete idiots.
Not a moment too soon Ninja 🐒 I'm going to my favourite place Tokyo next week so I'll go underground at the station, I wanted to go to this spot last time because I like Tokyu Hands and underground shopping, I also like the souvenir shops as you exit Tokyo Tower , I laughed when you showed that pink kimono 👘 because I have that one but it needs replacing, great vid
Recommendation for buying nice bath salts? I have got them from tokyu hands before, but am interested in any other places that have unique high quality bath salts.
you might want to check out Loft, or dept stores like Mitsukoshi or Daimaru a quick search led me to@Cosme Store in Harajuku or Shibuya they seem to carry top-rated bath products
hmmm,... 1st tier stores like Wako will not have anything but 2nd tier stores like Mitsukoshi, Isetan and Seibu will always have a Japanese crafts floor where you can find high quality goods for souvenirs. Occasionally they will hold a Japanese crafts or Japan region fair. An extremely good store for souvenirs is Nakagawa Masashichi Shōten (this is where I always shop) ... it is more of a craft cooperative so their selection is extremely good ... ww! I only went to Don Quixote once, never again ! (>_
@@NinjaMonkeyguy ww! ... if you watched the recent Godzilla Minus 1 movie ... Wako department store (and most of Ginza) get damaged or destroyed by Godzilla. Wako is the finest and most elegant store of Tokyo.
In Tokyo Station I saw key rings for the different train stations that played the platform jingles, but as I was leaving to travel around, I didn't get any and decided I'd get them on my return 10 days later. Just assumed any of the larger stations would have them. Wrong! Didn't see them anywhere. Next time.
Character street is in the basement ramen street too Hands is in the upper part of the station and donki can be found all across Japan with a small one also found in the area of Tokyo station
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Great tips Nathan. It always amazes me how many video you can make from each short trip to Japan.
Haha thanks, I try to cram as much as I can into each trip (as you know!) 😂
Niki no Kashi in Ueno is great for Japanese sweets and snacks, Don Quijote is a classic, Ochiai Stationery Store in Nakano has a good selection and helpful staff, Tokyu Hands in Shinjuku or Ginza is a go too, Shibuya Loft and Mode Off/2nd Street/TreFacStyle often have great deals on Seiko 5's and Orient watches.
Thanks for the amazing additions!
hmmm ... for stationary, I think Ginza Itoya will have the best quality and selection ... but even a 3rd tier shop like Loft is fairly good.
Ginza Itoya prices are higher then elsewhere and the staff are not as helpful or friendly. If you are looking for higher end fountain pens Itoya is good, but as someone who likes extra broad nibs, Japan is not a great place for those as the selection is extremely poor. The nice lady at Ochiai Stationery Store also gave me a bunch a rice crackers, great people, great store.
If I want a wider selection at good prices Sekaido Shinjuku is good, but again the staff are not friendly. Tokyu Hands in Shinjuku has fantastic staff too, they helped me find refills for several pens and were able to help me find the items I wanted.
Donki is an amazing store,a bit overwhelming at first,but there is soooooo much choice.Umaiibo pack snacks are the bomb,so many flavours in the bag (my fave gift) , i also got tshirts,fridge magnets, tote bags,socks and sweet snacks from donki.Oh and the small saki bottles it in your case too 😁
yea its amazing but it always gives me a headache haha
I honestly am a terrible souvenir shopper, because I'm not really a fan of stuff I won't use. You have partially turned me into a purchaser of souvenir stuff, because I see the joy that your items provide to those you gift. For my next trip, I've already had people hint that Japanese KitKats would be welcome. So rather than just stumbling upon them, I can go and find them. So useful info for me.
A magnet for any adults and a small stuffed animal for any child is my go too.
That is awesome! Glad this video is helpful in the search of the kitkat lol .. but which flavour? Hahaha
Also good ideas
For practical souvenirs I think tenugui are extremely good; they can be used for decoration or even clothing (scarf or head covering). For food, I think the taste of yubari melon is very unique to Japan so it might be good. Things like chopsticks and lacquerware I think you should buy from higher tier department stores for the best quality which will last.
Japan amazes me how a single Train station can have many underground levels to just get lost in. Great video and tips my friend, I'll be checking out the NHK store next time.
Yes ever since i discovered how Tokyo station(and the area) can be a one stop place Its been a game changer.. although there isnt a big donki there though
Went to Don Quijote around midnight and still feels like a peak hour.
Hahaha I can imagine!
Nice video, thanks Nathan.Myself, I dont like shopping. Donki is a favorite for strange kit kats, crazy small souvenirs, cheap but special things etc. However: If I want something special (like a fan, a matcha bowl, a knife, a scent holder, plates to serve food on etc.), I will always prefer to go to a shop that is just doing this, and is doing it with a lot of tradition and since many years. And not just to a random shop.
P.S. Embarrasing note: last year, we spent about 30 minutes in Tokyo station looking for a ramen restaurant and ended up eating ramen in Shinjuku instead. The floor with the ramen restaurants and the shops you mention is either very well hidden, or we are complete idiots.
Not a moment too soon Ninja 🐒 I'm going to my favourite place Tokyo next week so I'll go underground at the station, I wanted to go to this spot last time because I like Tokyu Hands and underground shopping, I also like the souvenir shops as you exit Tokyo Tower , I laughed when you showed that pink kimono 👘 because I have that one but it needs replacing, great vid
Hahaha that pink kimono 👘 epic that whole area is a paradise for shopping
Those Pure gummies are so good! Excellent suggestion!
Haha they are so good right?
Been to Tokyo Station a few times - had no idea about Character Street! Will def check it out next time I'm over...
Yea it’s a great little “hidden” spot in fact there’s a lot down there !
Nakano Broadway is a good place for souvenirs depending on where you are staying as well
Yes .. but all “roads” lead to Tokyo station haha
I probably spent about 25 minutes looking for character street last time I was at Tokyo Station and failed, that place is massive!
Basement of yaesu side ! :)
Recommendation for buying nice bath salts? I have got them from tokyu hands before, but am interested in any other places that have unique high quality bath salts.
you might want to check out Loft, or dept stores like Mitsukoshi or Daimaru a quick search led me to@Cosme Store in Harajuku or Shibuya they seem to carry top-rated bath products
Crazy stuff
hahah.
hmmm,... 1st tier stores like Wako will not have anything but 2nd tier stores like Mitsukoshi, Isetan and Seibu will always have a Japanese crafts floor where you can find high quality goods for souvenirs. Occasionally they will hold a Japanese crafts or Japan region fair. An extremely good store for souvenirs is Nakagawa Masashichi Shōten (this is where I always shop) ... it is more of a craft cooperative so their selection is extremely good ... ww! I only went to Don Quixote once, never again ! (>_
Thanks for the tips great suggestions there
@@NinjaMonkeyguy ww! ... if you watched the recent Godzilla Minus 1 movie ... Wako department store (and most of Ginza) get damaged or destroyed by Godzilla. Wako is the finest and most elegant store of Tokyo.
In Tokyo Station I saw key rings for the different train stations that played the platform jingles, but as I was leaving to travel around, I didn't get any and decided I'd get them on my return 10 days later. Just assumed any of the larger stations would have them. Wrong! Didn't see them anywhere. Next time.
sometimes you simply need to purchase these things straight away!
@@ianmarkham149 JR or metro stations?
@sofijones5048 main station
@@sofijones5048 there was individual key kings for an assortment of JR stations. Off the top of my head it was the main ones. Tokyo, Shinjuku etc
Sorry all these stores are in Tokyo station basement?
Character street is in the basement ramen street too Hands is in the upper part of the station and donki can be found all across Japan with a small one also found in the area of Tokyo station
If you are buying a Tshirt and you are from the U.S., you need to buy two sizes larger than you are in the U.S.
Yep different countries have different sizes indeed! For Europe it’s one size larger generally
Pretty sure that 2nd Baskin Robbins Kit Kat was "love potion"... Not sure what that tastes like lol
Hahaha really?
@NinjaMonkeyguy the katakana says "rabu poshon"