All good finds come from hot tourist spots to residential areas
Have you ever wondered where Tokyoites do their shopping? While department stores, boutiques are limited, many people like to browse and buy at shotengai, or shopping streets These often long streets lined on both sides by restaurants, takeout stands and stores selling fresh groceries, souvenirs, electronics, knick knacks and all you would need in your daily life.
Tokyo alone is one of more than 2,400 shotengai, real estate firm Lifull Homes Press Lifull asked around 500 Japanese survey participants for their favorite shotengai liners – which one they like. Here’s what they had to say:
11 percent of votes to Ameya Yokocho
Tokyo’s Ueno neighborhood houses known as Ameya Yokocho As for the busy JR Ueno Station, the massive line of roads is quite close to it. They sell everything from food to cosmetics, to electronics As far as Ameyoko, many Japanese television shows have it all filmed in it, but if youre someone that likes being around, if its the place where the partys at, this is it.
Kichijoji Sun Road (8,1%)
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Kichijoji Sun Road Ideally located in Western Tokyo, just off of JR Kichijoji Station, at north side end It has restaurants, shops, clothing stores, nicknack shops and more. Its split up into two sections, they’re easier to navigate, and you can even have a cozy place to drink or eat in nearby Harmonica Yokocho. Japan’s Sun Road offers particular retro vibe – particularly though it is quite retro
Asakusa Nakamise Shotengai (6,9 p.
(@Hanatill0730) Dec 14, 2022
Chances are youve not seen Asakusa before? Ive never had a trip there or wandered down this shopping street. Sushi Temple: Shingle shogentai leads to ultra-popular tourist spot Sensoji Temple Plenty of shops, plenty of exotic eateries nearby for decades (or centuries) Tokyoites like this one for its lull and eased away from famous temple
Nakano Broadway (6,7%)
HaYa (17.2nd 2022) @haya_toytoy 17
Into Japanese subcultures like anime, games? Youll love Nakano Broadway It’s well known as a mecca for all types of otaku, housing a number of second hand shops for figurines, games, manga, and many others. Its also a great place to find your gift for yourself or otaku in your lifeor just a giant ice cream cone
Musashi-Koyama Shotengai Palm (5.4%)
L/ (@nana20090623) May 6, 2022
Palm is where you should go, if you want plenty of options. Tokyo’s longest covered shotengai located three minutes from Tokyu Musashi-Koyama Station Locals say it is easy to walk down, easy to access for people who live in the neighborhood, and offers a lot of shopping options. Shopping center also offers lots of festivals so youll never miss out
Aoyama Kila-dori Shogentai (4,4%)
Aoyama Kila-dori Shotengai is located in Tokyo Metro Gaienmae Station Along with nice restaurants, clothing stores, theres lots of interesting street art.
Togoshi-Ginza Shotengai (4,4%)
Tokyo Shinagawa Ward tying Togoshi-Ginza Shotengai for sixth place Its considered the longest shotengai in Tokyo, over 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) Survey respondents said they like the lively food and noted that there are lots of delicious shops. To get there, you can walk over from Tokyu Togoshi-Ginza Station, Toei Togoshi Station
Sunshine 60-dori Shotengai (35% of votes)
Sunshine 60-dori Shotengai connects Ikebukuro Station to Sunshine City, mecca for anime fans Shopping street itself generally sells clothing and various items at fair prices, survey participants say
Shimokitazawa Shotengai (3.5%)
Other items to shop at, this shotengai outside Shimokitazawa Station is known for annual events as its exhibitors. Setsubun Festival’s Events include an Awa-Odori Dance Festival Seizes to see so many talented dancers in so narrow roads
3.0% Asagaya Pearl Center
And back into the list at Asagaya Pearl Center at JR Asagaya Station All of it is covered, so you can shop there rain or shine Survey respondents say it has a cozy atmosphere, good deals
So if you’re interested in Tokyo and want to know where to find out about best deals, be sure to check it out as a quick reference. Great way to try some fresh cuisine and find rare souvenirs that would be difficult to find in a department store Heres a lot to find for New Years fukubukuro lucky bags. Happy shopping!
Source: Lifull Homes Press Top image: Pakutaso