7 best camera and photography shops in Tokyo

Conveniently located in between Ebisu and Nakameguro and a hop away from Daikanyama Station, this mom-and-pop camera shop – named after the owner’s favourite song, GT by the Crazy Ken Band – is a well-regarded destination for second-hand and vintage film camera enthusiasts.

Opened in 2017 after breaking away from Sanpou Camera in Gakugeidaigaku (now Jiyugaoka), the store offers helpful guidance in choosing your next piece of gear – whether it’s a 2000s compact digicam making a comeback, Kodak film stock or disposable cameras, or even classics and vintage items like medium-format Mamiyas, Hasselblads, Leica rangefinders and the trusty Nikon F3. And since the shop is far from the usual camera hubs of Shinjuku and Akihabara, you may have better luck finding something harder to come by here.

While GT Camera doesn’t offer film developing services, it does cleaning and servicing, as well as trade-ins for camera bodies and other photography paraphernalia.

Tip: After you’re done shooting, develop your film at the nearby Osawa Camera for an easy, affordable and quick turnaround.

Check the store's Instagram for the latest merchandise.

Nestled beneath the train tracks in Akihabara, 2nd Base by Sanpou Camera stands apart from the area’s gritty, old-school electronics shops. An offshoot of Sanpou Camera’s flagship store in Jiyugaoka, the store has a warm, urban rustic atmosphere and features a thoughtful mix of digital gear (like point-and-shoot digicams) and classic manual-focus lenses for film cameras. Its curated displays feel almost like a gallery, showcasing funky vintage soviet lenses and well-preserved film camera models. Unlike many other camera stores, most items aren’t locked away behind glass here, so you can pick up the cameras and get a feel for them as you search for the perfect match.

Lemon is popular for its range of preloved film and digital cameras, lenses and equipment, all of which are in great condition. It’s especially well-known among fans of Leica, as there are many models on sale and the store even has a dedicated Leica repair service. Aside from cameras, you’ll also find used camera bags and carriers as well as tripods and the odd GoPro.

Photography purists might want to make a beeline for the corner dedicated to film and instant cameras. Here, you’ll find colour as well as black-and-white film rolls, plus fun single-use cameras. The shop also has a few defective camera models which are sold at a steep discount. These are a great bargain if you’re interested in fixing up a camera yourself. 

If you’re looking to sell instead, you can also bring in your camera and equipment to be evaluated. Lemon has a couple other locations around Tokyo, including outposts in Akihabara and Ginza.

This gorgeous camera emporium looks almost like a museum, housing six floors of camera and photography-related goods. Perfect for all levels of photographers, whether beginner, casual or pro, this Kitamura flagship in Shinjuku offers new and used equipment as well as the largest selection of film cameras out of all the Kitamura stores. 

The first floor is dedicated to instant cameras alongside a range of stylish camera straps and other fun accessories. Avid collectors should stop by the sixth floor salon for Leica and vintage camera models. You can even get your film developed and printed at the shop, too.

Don't speak Japanese? No worries. Kitamura has English-speaking staff to help you with your enquiries, purchase and repair.

A long-standing camera shop near Nakano Station, Fujiya Camera offers a comprehensive selection of new and second-hand cameras, lenses and accessories. The shop was founded over 70 years ago and is loved by photographers as it carries a wealth of stock including over 2,000 second-hand items ranging from recent to classic and vintage goods. Plus, Fujiya’s friendly staff are on hand to guide and advise all photography enthusiasts, even beginners.  

The expansive camera store covers four floors across two buildings. The main building carries new and used cameras from the likes of Nikon, Canon and Leica. Head across the street to the second shop for all your video camera needs as well as photography accessories, equipment and more.

Fujiya also has an online store should you prefer to shop from the comfort of your home.

This massive store comprises five floors of cameras as well as photography equipment and accessories. While Map Camera carries both new and used equipment, the second-hand items here are particularly well-kept and in pristine condition. Aside from the Leica boutique on the first floor, there's also a basement dedicated to the renowned German brand, offering a considerable selection of Leica models, rangefinder cameras, lenses and more. 

Looking for an upgrade? You can bring in your old cameras and equipment to sell or trade. For trade-ins, your items will be first evaluated by the staff, then you can browse the shopping floors to find yourself something new. Don't forget to bring your passport or residence card for the trade-in service.

If you’ve ever shopped for electronics in Japan, you’ve probably heard of Yodobashi Camera.  The all-encompassing flagship store in Shinjuku comprises nine sections, including one of the best camera shops in the city.  

Highly recommended by our very own Time Out photographers, Yodobashi’s dedicated camera pavilion takes up an entire building with the first two floors stocking the latest DSLRs, digital cameras, lenses and more. Floors three to five offer a plethora of camera-related equipment, such as carrier bags, tripods, lighting accessories and the like. The stairwell between floors showcases photographs taken by staff members, and you’ll be able to find out the cameras and equipment they used to capture that shot.

For film enthusiasts, Yodobashi has another building dedicated to your interests. Here you’ll find all the accessories and equipment you need to set up your own darkroom. You can get your photos developed and printed at the store, and there’s repair service here, too. 

What’s more, the staff are very knowledgeable and are able to help you with your needs. Some of them also speak English and Chinese, so you’ll be in good hands.