Where to Shop in Tokyo

Everybody knows how expensive Tokyo can be which was why my mind was set on window shopping only when I went there. Of course, I was still holding out that I could bring home some affordable stuff. Was I successful? Let's see as we hit Tokyo's popular shopping destinations!

Image Source: All Japan

Akihabara

This was first on my list as I am into anime and manga. I heard so much about how Akihabara was paradise to anime nerds as there was shop after shop selling anime merchandise. My heart fell when I realized that it was mostly limited to computer games. I love watching and reading anime and manga but don't like playing their games. Oh, there were some shops selling toys but they did not carry my favorite characters. I guess that is just as well considering how pricey they were.

Image Source: Pixel Hub

To maximize my visit to Akihabara, I went inside an electronics store called Yodobashi Akiba a few blocks from the station exit. To call it just a store is an understatement; it looked more like a super-duper market of everything electronic from your simple phone case to top-of-the-line sound system. I overheard one tourist remark, "If you don't see it here, they probably don't make it."

Shibuya

When you see Tokyo featured on TV programs and magazines with bright lights, busy people, and wide roads, chances are, you are looking at Shibuya. This is where you can find fashion that is modern and western. The stand-alone shops there can be so narrow in what they have to offer that I saw one just selling baseball caps; another one just socks; and then another selling western country boots!

Image Source: Les Taylor Photography

Harajuku

If you are a Hollaback girl or a fan of Avril Lavigne's latest video (depending on what era you're from), Harajuku is the place for you to look like one of those back-up dancers. Going there in a simple top and jeans not only will make you feel under-dressed but it will also leave you feeling like you have been walking with a sign that says, "Tourist passing through! Outsider looking in!" Some clothes I saw would make Mr. Suave's day.

Image Source: Tokyo Fashion

Ginza & Roppongi

Now if you want to feel poor, visit at your own risk the myriads of department stores and luxury boutiques lining the streets of Ginza and Roppongi. Some items carry a price tag more expensive than your round-trip ticket to Japan. Needless to say, I just enjoyed the sights there.

Image Source: Inspirationish

Even though I came back home with the same items in my luggage when I left, it was still thrilling to see the varied interpretations of fashion in terms of style and costs. They were visually stimulating as if I had come out of period and art museums.

All destinations mentioned here are accessible by train and can be immediately seen upon exiting. You can choose to buy single trip tickets or the Pasmo prepaid card.

Know Before You Go:

• Philippine Airlines is not the only carrier flying between Manila and Tokyo Narita. Travellers can also choose direct flights offered by Delta Airlines, Japan Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and All Nippon Airways. Tokyo Haneda is served only by Philippine Airlines and ANA.
• If you need an affordable Tokyo hotel, we can recommend the following places: Hotel Sunroute Higashi Shinjuku, E-Hotel Higashi Shinjuku, Hotel Monterey Ginza.

-The Paranoid Traveler