First Time in Tokyo?
10 Local Shops and Stops You Shouldn’t Miss
Last updated May 7, 2025
If it’s your first time in Tokyo, you’ll find no shortage of places to shop, snack, and explore — but not all spots are created equal. This guide skips the tourist traps and highlights 10 local-favorite shops, department stores, and casual dining stops that combine style, culture, and flavor. Whether you’re looking for iconic design goods, department store delicacies, or one unforgettable onigiri, these stops offer a real taste of Tokyo life — and most are easily accessible from major stations. Each entry links to a full guide so you can dive deeper when planning.
① Akebono – A Tokyo Classic for Ichigo Daifuku
Founded in 1947, Ginza Akebono began as a humble sweets shop serving shaved ice in summer and warm oshiruko in winter. Today, it's a local favorite known for beautifully crafted wagashi and seasonal mochi that draw loyal fans year-round. While the shop offers a wide range of traditional treats — from crispy okaki to delicate monaka — the must-try item is the ichigo daifuku: soft mochi filled with sweet red bean paste and a juicy fresh strawberry.
This seasonal delight is only available at the Ginza flagship store during peak winter strawberry season, though you’ll find other fruit-filled variations throughout the year. The texture is just right, and the flavor balance is spot on — it’s no wonder people are willing to wait in line.
② Isetan Shinjuku – Fashion, Food, and Floor After Floor
If you only have time for one department store in Tokyo, make it Isetan Shinjuku. With 10 floors of luxury fashion, Japanese design, and gourmet food, it’s more than just a store — it’s a full cultural experience. The basement food hall (B1) is especially worth a visit, featuring everything from katsu sandwiches to strawberry shortcake, along with seasonal events like the Curry Festival.
Upstairs, browse a curated mix of global and Japanese fashion labels — think Dior, Prada, sacai, and Auralee — or shop kitchenware and design gifts at The Conran Shop on the 6th floor. Looking for omiyage? Try Fika’s Scandinavian cookies or noix de beurre’s buttery madeleines, just be ready for lines during peak times.
It’s popular, polished, and packed with treasures — a true Tokyo classic.
③ Onigiri Bongo – Over 50 Fillings of Local Comfort Food
Convenience store onigiri are great — but for something truly special, head to Onigiri Bongo, just steps from Ōtsuka Station. This beloved shop has been serving hand-shaped rice balls since 1960, using premium Koshihikari rice and a variety of flavorful fillings.
The menu features over 50 options, from classics like salmon and ume to more adventurous picks like pork kimchi or egg yolk. Each onigiri is made to order at a counter-style setup, where you can watch staff shape and wrap each one with care. The result? Fluffy, generously sized onigiri that are equal parts comforting and elevated.
Expect long lines — especially on weekends — but the nostalgic charm and serious flavor make it more than worth the wait. If you’re exploring the Ikebukuro area, this is a must-stop lunch spot.
④ Matsubaya Saryo – A Serene Matcha Break in Aoyama
Tucked behind a noren curtain on a quiet street in Minamiaoyama, Matsubaya Saryo is the kind of café that can convert even the most skeptical matcha drinker. The space feels like a hidden teahouse in the forest — with dim lighting, natural materials, and a serene, almost meditative atmosphere that contrasts with the buzz outside.
Their matcha latte is rich, earthy, and beautifully balanced — a far cry from the overly sweet versions found elsewhere. Whether you’re pausing between shopping stops like H Beauty & Youth or just need a quiet break from the city, this spot offers a moment of true calm.
Reservations are available on their website, and highly recommended for weekends. It’s one of those Tokyo places you’ll want to keep to yourself — but also can’t help but share.
⑤ Nemuro Hanamaru – Ginza’s Best Kaiten Sushi for Quality and Price
Looking for high-quality sushi without the omakase price tag? Head to Nemuro Hanamaru in Tokyu Plaza Ginza, one of Tokyo’s best kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi spots for both taste and value. Originally from Hokkaido, this branch stands out for its hand-molded sushi rice — unlike their other Tokyo locations, which use machines.
The menu is extensive and they also have seasonal specials announced with a bell and carried around the restaurant — don’t hesitate when something catches your eye! Expect long lines, so try to grab a ticket and track your place via QR code before you get hungry.
Want a quicker option? Check out their standing-only bar on B2, which usually has a shorter wait. It’s the perfect intro to Tokyo’s sushi scene — flavorful, accessible, and genuinely fun.
⑥ Tonkatsu Wako Takumi An – Crispy, Refined, and Worth the Wait
Tucked away on the top floor of Isetan Shinjuku, Tonkatsu Wako Takumian elevates Japan’s beloved breaded pork cutlet to new heights. Unlike the standard Wako chain (which is already great), this refined outpost uses premium domestic pork, including the richly flavored Kagoshima Black Pork, coated in freshly ground breadcrumbs and fried to crispy, golden perfection.
Everything is made to order, and while you wait, you’ll be treated to pickled vegetables and finely shredded cabbage that are flavorful enough to be a meal on their own. Arrive early — seating begins at 11 AM (Isetan opens at 10), and the designated waiting area fills up fast.
Afterward, you’re perfectly positioned to continue exploring Shinjuku, whether that’s shopping at Beams Japan or relaxing at nearby Shinjuku Gyoen. This is one of Tokyo’s best spots for a deeply satisfying, no-regret meal.
⑦ Shibuya LOFT – From Matcha Tools to Stationery Heaven
Spanning six vibrant floors, Shibuya LOFT is one of Tokyo’s best all-in-one shopping destinations for stationery, souvenirs, and lifestyle goods. The store is packed with well-designed Japanese products, from washi tape and greeting cards to uniquely shaped chopstick rests, ofuro towels, and matcha tea tools.
Each level has its own focus — the lower floors are perfect for sticker lovers and gift shoppers, while the upper levels stock travel accessories, home goods, and even a PlayStation-themed section. The sixth floor surprises with puzzles, character goods, and a small MoMA Design Store filled with art-inspired items.
Whether you’re looking for practical souvenirs or simply want to wander, LOFT is easy to get lost in — and worth every minute. It’s directly connected to MUJI, so you can easily visit both in one trip.
⑧ Shinjuku Gyoen – A Serene Escape in the Heart of the City
Just a short walk from Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden offers a quiet, expansive break from the city’s pace — and is especially magical during cherry blossom season. Originally built as a feudal lord’s estate and later transformed into an imperial garden, the grounds now feature Japanese, English, and French-style gardens, plus sprawling lawns, ponds, and shaded walking paths.
It’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike for picnicking, slow strolls, or simply taking a breather after a day of shopping in Shinjuku. Seasonal highlights include cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant foliage in fall, and cozy greenhouse paths year-round.
Admission is just a few hundred yen, and it’s open most days except Mondays — making it one of Tokyo’s most accessible green spaces for a first-time visit.
⑨ Beams Japan – A Multi-Floor Showcase of Japanese Culture and Design
More than just a clothing store, Beams Japan in Shinjuku is a five-floor journey through modern and traditional Japanese culture. Each level is themed — from food and crafts to fashion and art — making it one of the most thoughtfully curated retail experiences in Tokyo.
On the ground floor, you’ll find zakka-style knick-knacks, ramen spoons, regional gifts, and even exclusive Beams gacha machines. It’s the perfect stop for compact souvenirs that feel personal and playful. Head upstairs for fashion by Japanese labels like Needles, evisen skateboard, and nanamica, or dive into displays spotlighting prefecture-specific products like apple juice from Nagano.
Whether you’re into streetwear, ceramics, or creative retail design, Beams Japan brings it all together in one iconic Shinjuku building.
⑩ Itoya Ginza – 13 Floors of Stationery and Design Inspiration
A dream destination for stationery lovers, Itoya Ginza offers an elegant, multi-floor shopping experience in the heart of Tokyo. Spanning 13 levels, this legendary store is packed with beautifully curated items — from fountain pens and planners to art supplies, greeting cards, and an entire wall of washi tape.
The second and third floors are favorites for paper goods and writing tools, while the main floor often hosts seasonal displays or events — like build-your-own eraser kits or artist showcases. Whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift, a unique souvenir, or just a peaceful spot to browse, Itoya delivers.
Don’t miss the top floor café if you need a break, and be aware that going down requires either the stairs or a slow elevator — so plan your exit accordingly!