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Ito-ya
Famed for its amazing range of pens, brushes and special papers, this fabulous store is where to pick up distinctive, and affordable, souvenirs. Occupying eight floors, Ito-ya sells everything from utilitarian office supplies to limited-edition wrapping paper and brushes for expert calligraphers. There is also an annex specializing in Japanese washi papers.
Kiya
This cutlery store founded in 1792 first made its name among the shoguns of that era for its precision perfect blades and slicing instruments. These days the inventory encompasses a comprehensive selection of Japanese and European modern steel and titanium tools, making this a must-stop for serious and aspiring chefs. Specialty items here include the Fugu knife and the elongated Takohiki “exclusively” for octopus. For those who do not cook, pick up a pair of Kiya’s ultra-precise nail clippers.
Nuno
Though her recycled chic has been featured at the Kennedy Center and MoMA, Nuno’s Reiko Sudo is mainly big in Japan, where her original, hand-printed fabrics are instantly recognizable. Within the Axis Building, in Tokyo’s Roppongi district, textile and design fans will find a kaleidoscopic array of original textiles, many with 3D embellishments. Tables hold colorful scarves, designed by Sudo and her colleagues, in cotton, rayon, and silk, as well as origami inspired tote bags while bolts of printed cotton and toile line the shelves. The store will make pillow covers, other household items, and even clothes in any of the materials.
Okura
Connoisseurs of Japanese design have long trekked to the newly hip Daikanyama neighborhood to load up on Okura’s shirts, jackets, sweaters, pants and skirts, all of them indigo-dyed according to ancient Japanese techniques. To enter the charming, stone house you even pass through an indigo-dyed curtain. Upstairs is the women’s clothing including some barefoot-chic beach tunics, and accessories from socks to washcloths. These deep hued items are definitely Japanese yet more wearable than many traditional souvenirs, which makes this a great gift shop.
Oriental Bazaar
Tourist friendly (except that it incongruously closes on Thursdays), this three-story emporium offers an ideal one-stop souvenir shop. Dolls, teapots, kimonos, yukata, woodblock prints from the ukiyo-e masters, antiques and books on Japan can be purchased here and even shipped home by the English-speaking sales staff. The basement may be the most interesting, with vintage kimonos, chic tees emblazoned with graphically attractive Japanese kanji alphabet characters and folksy local toys.
Palace Hotel Arcade
Home to 16 shops and eight restaurants, the arcade of the Palace Hotel is worth a visit for anyone touring in the area. Jikan Style sells beautiful, bright hand towels showcasing chosen, a traditional dying technique. Motota Touen sells modern ceramics by Japanese and international designers. A specialty shop full of Japanese handicrafts, Masters Craft is the place to pick up delicate ceramics, chopstick holders and other mementos to bring home. There is also a hair salon, Hatsuko Endo Styles and nail salon, Miranda, the latter a good place to get a traditional Japanese manicure.
Roppongi Hills
This well-known mall cleverly combines consumerism with art. Dotting the compound are stunning sculptures, including the centerpiece, a metal spider by Louise Bourgeois that resembles a creature in a B-grade sci-fi movie. Nestled in its bronze body are shiny white marble eggs. There are twenty sculptures in all, half by Japanese artists, the others by artists from all over the world. In addition, the complex houses the Mori Art Museum, the Grand Hyatt hotel and, of course, scores of big-ticket designer-brand stores and restaurants. It's a great one-stop shop.
Sony Building
Want to road-test the latest Sony electronic gizmo? The Japanese electronics giant thoughtfully provides models for consumers to try out. The entire store is a gadget buff’s dream, with six levels devoted to new stuff, much of which has yet to make it into Japanese stores, let alone onto Main Street USA. Imagine the amazed reaction of the crowds decades ago when the ingenious Walkman was first shown here.
Sugimoto
As is the case for many of the best knife makers in Japan, this decades-old knife shop is owned and run by a family that previously made their name crafting and selling samurai swords. Located at the Tsukiji Fish Market, it’s a great stop after a sushi breakfast. The knives are sharp, durable and elegant and come in a range of prices. On certain models, you can get your name engraved in Japanese free of charge.
Tokyu Hands
This Japanese institution, founded in 1976, is the largest household goods store in Tokyo. Expect to find a truly amazing range of hobby crafts, stationery and art supplies. Its 30 stores around Japan actually do manifest the company motto, “When you visit, you find what you want,” among around 30,000 items in each. Though it can be difficult to navigate around the original Shibuya store’s seven levels, the fun is in getting lost between say, jewelry and pet supplies, incongruously located on the same floor. The easier-to-manage ground level offers a fantastic selection of phone cases from quirky to chic.
Zohiko
Located in the Ginza district of Tokyo, this beautiful store is filled with every type of tableware imaginable, and they specialize in Japan’s finest handmade lacquerware. This incredible craft is made by covering wooden objects with lacquer and finishing it with decorative designs. Though not cheap, lacquer objects make for thoughtful gifts.
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