7 best sex shops in Tokyo

Every Tokyo sex shop is unique in its own way, but M’s Pop Life takes the crown for being the one with the biggest selection. The narrow seven-storey flagship store has become something of a landmark in Tokyo’s Electric Town, Akihabara. 

Though you may think you’ve seen it all, trust us, there’s merchandise displayed here that even a seasoned sex shopper won’t have encountered. There are dildos made to resemble corn on the cob (among other vegetables), fleshlights modelled from the orifices of popular pornstars and rotating vibrators that whirl so violently they could be flagged as a safety hazard.

It’s not all as extreme as some of those kinky contraptions, though. There’s an impressive selection of tasteful vibrators that could be mistaken for ornamental trinkets as well as a fairly tame selection of blindfolds and paddles for couples ready to dip their toes into S&M play.

Rather than displaying run-of-the-mill bullets and lubricants, this cheeky shop in the backstreets of Omotesando caters to a more particular crowd. For Your Pleasure sources its merchandise from the top fetish fashion brands abroad and displays labels by the likes of Demask and Dead Lotus along with some local designer brands. 

Expect to pay a steep price for these leather collars and corsets – they’re not just repurposed halloween costumes. Even if you’re not planning to squeeze into a latex catsuit anytime soon, some of the store’s accessories including nipple tassels are more tasteful than you’ll find elsewhere.

A long-time resident of Shibuya’s red light district, Wild One is another hot spot that has lured many unsuspecting passersby in Dogenzaka who couldn’t help but be intrigued by its many entrance signs. Some delightfully fun yet practical products include a curious selection of lubricants disguised as bottled tea and soft drinks, while the less convincing items like nondescript bottles of ‘pheromones’ and blow-up sex dolls might serve better as gag gifts at a bachelor or hen party.  

Incidentally, the store also runs a bar around the corner called Vibe Bar Wild One, where cocktail enthusiasts can order a tipple surrounded by nearly 300 vibrators. Every customer is given a pair of gloves so that they can handle (but not use) the toys to see if there’s one that they like. To be granted access to the bar’s vagina-shaped entrance (yes, really), you have to be in a group with more women than men.

Specialising in S&M toys, C’est Bien covers all fronts from whips and chains to paddles and even chastity belts. For those looking to perfect the art of shibari (a Japanese rope bondage technique), you’ll find cords of hemp rope of different lengths and colours as well as medical-grade knee and elbow support wraps to protect your nerves (safety first!). 

At any given time, the store stocks roughly 7,000 items for your perusal. Don’t be scared off by the more extreme metal restraints – if you need a breather, simply ask the staff to direct you to the hot wax section and come away with a lovely brightly coloured candle.

With over 100 different condoms to choose from in Japan, it can be hard to work out which ones might suit you best. Not all condoms are equal, but this iconic store which once dominated the corner of Harajuku and Omotesando has all the varieties of contraceptives you could possibly need and more. 

Now at its brand new location in Harajuku, the shop still lives up to its name with all kinds of condoms, from findoms (finger condoms) to non-latex rubbers. For those looking to try something new, check out the vacuum condom covered in a special 85 percent viscosity jelly or the curious-looking spiral condom devised by a female doctor after 13 years of research.

A stone’s throw from the iconic M’s Pop Life in Akihabara is the equally enticing emporium of Love Merci. The shop is five storeys high with different floors dedicated to couple goods, fetish toys, lingerie and more. Goods come at an affordable price, though be aware the store doesn’t allow women on the top two floors, which are dedicated to products geared towards men.

Japanese brand Tenga was a game changer when its men’s masturbation aids hit the shelves. The brand’s funky egg series can be spotted just about anywhere from hip sneaker stores to the souvenir stalls at the airport, but at this dedicated shop in Hankyu Men’s department store in Ginza, you’ll find the full range of products including some neat accessories. 

Both reusable and disposable products are available, as well as some add-ons to enhance your experience, like the vacuum controller and lubricant warmers. Though the shop’s wares are mostly for solo play, you’ll also find selected items for couples as well.