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Akihabra

Electronics buffs shouldn’t skip a trip to Tokyo’s Akihabra district. Just two stops north of historic Ueno (making it a nice add-on to an afternoon at the museum there), the streets of “Electric Town” are lined with multistory shops hawking the latest, greatest gadgets. Before buying that sleek new laptop, however, ask if it’s a North American version, as many Japanese models will not work in the States. LAOX is the largest duty-free shop. Note: you must show your passport to receive discounted prices.

Daikanyama

This moneyed, low-rise neighborhood, north of Shibuya, won’t be on a first-time visitor’s hit list, but if you’ve already seen the sights and shopped Ginza’s miracle mile, you should make like a local and pass an afternoon or evening here. On the charming backstreets, outposts of designers such as Vivienne Tam and Paul Smith share space with pint-sized boutiques featuring local names and vintage goods. Stick around for dinner at one of the appealing restaurants or late-night lounges. (I became engaged at Tableaux and highly recommend having a glass of Champagne in its cigar bar.)

Ginza

Comparable to New York’s Fifth Avenue, Ginza’s wide boulevards set the stage for what may be the most indulgent shopping in the world. From traditional department stores to internationally known designers to small, quiet spots in which master craftsmen produce some of Japan’s most wonderful (and expensive) wares, Ginza is where serious shoppers come to spend serious money. Even if you’re not in the market for any big purchases, don’t miss strolling these streets. Be sure to hit the basement levels of the department stores to refuel on artful pastries as beautiful as the designer goods sold above.

Harajuku and Omotesando

This popular area has everything, from slick designer outlets to quirky storefronts hawking the hottest new things on Tokyo’s fashion-forward teen scene. Whether you’re in the mood for serious shopping or just want a glimpse of the beginnings of a trend that will probably hit Paris’s runways in two years, the neighborhood is worth a stop. Read about a great walk through the district.

Roppongi

Although Roppongi itself doesn’t have much shopping, Roppongi Hills more than makes up for what the rest of the neighborhood lacks. Characterized by detractors as a mall but beloved by locals and visitors alike for its high concentration of great stores and top-notch restaurants—it even has a world-class art museum—this multipurpose complex offers (literally) hundreds of places to push your AmEx to its limits.

Shibuya

Similarly to Harajuku, Shibuya offers visitors an insider look at what’s happening on Tokyo’s fashion scene. International names that have landed here include Burberry, Miu Miu, Diesel and Apple, but what makes the area interesting is the smaller stores, which are packed with edgy Japanese designs. Get your bearings at the large Starbucks that overlooks Shibuya Crossing, said to be the busiest intersection in the world, then head down the pedestrian streets branching off from the main square to see what treasures (of both the tantalizing and the trashy varieties) you can find.