The National Art Center's shop stocks a lot more than the usual postcards and coffee table books (though it's got plenty of those, too). Souvenir From Tokyo lives up to its name with a diverse selection of Japanese-style accessories, clothes, crockery and pieces by feted local designers like Mina Perhonen and Anrealage.
Looking for the perfect Tokyo souvenir can be a daunting task: it’s not just a matter of what to buy but also where to get it. Omiyage (souvenirs) can be found practically anywhere and there’s a vast range of gifts and souvenirs on sale in the city. With a little digging, you can find the item you want, old or modern, classy or kitschy.
If you’re short on time, Tokyo has given rise to some of the most extensively stocked one-stop shops and department stores in the world. We've rounded up our faves in the 'General' section, where you can get your hands on all the popular items and Japan-exclusive products, including everybody's favourite KitKats.
But if you fancy some treasure hunting and have specific interests, see our picks of the best shops for anything from traditional folk toys and secondhand kimono to Japanese whisky and pop culture memento.
Also, don't ignore the cheap and cheerful capsule toy machines, where you can use up your loose change by collecting fun knick-knacks, and the city's amazing konbini (convenience stores), which are stocked with fancy instant ramen and snacks you won't find back home. Now you really have no excuse to go home empty-handed.
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