Travel bucket list idea:
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
Bucket List Experience
Harajuku district
Credit Shutterstock.com/Sean Pavone
As the capital of a country where shopping counts as a legitimate hobby, Tokyo has all the retail bases covered.
When it comes to fashion, many boutiques and department stores carry imported goods, but to get a sense of local trends head to youthful fashion hubs like Harajuku or Shibuya.
Or take a shopping deep-dive into otaku culture in the Akihabara district – the place to pick up manga and anime-related goods, or gadgetry.
For something traditional, Japan produces superb crafts, such as Edo kiriko glassware, Wajima lacquerware and Bizen pottery.
And don’t skip the slick urban complexes – Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown were the forerunners, but from its design through to its stores, Ginza 6 epitomizes contemporary Japanese style.
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
Experience
This buzzing district in north-east Tokyo is the centre of otaku (geek) culture, with hundreds of shops for anime, manga and gaming fans.
Good for age: 8+
Duration: 2-3 hours
When: March, May and Sept
Freq: annually
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
Experience
Tokyo’s most bustling street market under the train tracks in Ueno is full of energy and sells a range of things, from teas and discount clothing. It’s a great place to try some street food. In an expensive city, this is one place you can find bargains.
Good for age: 18+
Duration: 2-3 hours
When: March, May and Sept
Freq: annually
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
Experience
Called ‘donki’ by most, this cluttered discount chain with near cult-like status sells all sorts – snacks, tee shirts, cosmetics, fancy dress and even adult toys.
Good for age: 13+
Duration: 2-3 hours
When: March, May and Sept
Freq: annually
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
Experience
A swanky retail complex in Ginza – a plush district in the heart of the city, home to high-end department stores and boutiques.
Good for age: 18+
Duration: 2-3 hours
When: March, May and Sept
Freq: annually
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
Experience
Pick up chopsticks, knives or even chef outfits at this street between Asakusa and Ueno, serving Tokyo’s catering industry.
Good for age: 18+
Duration: 2-3 hours
When: March, May and Sept
Freq: annually
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
Experience
The place to come to discover the latest urban street fashions on Cat Street, as well as the colourful teen trends on the narrow and frequently ram-packed Takeshita-dori (street).
Good for age: 13+
Duration: 2-3 hours
When: March, May and Sept
Freq: annually
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
Experience
The best one-stop option for fine crafts, with ceramics, lacquerware, ironware, and many other traditional products from around Japan.
Good for age: 18+
Duration: 2-3 hours
When: March, May and Sept
Freq: annually
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
Experience
Shibuya has the youthful boutiques of 109 Building, but also the slick Hikarie mall, department stores, and fun variety stores like Tokyu Hands.
Good for age: 13+
Duration: 2-3 hours
When: March, May and Sept
Freq: annually
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Kanto, Japan
Destination guide
A dizzying mixture of old ways and modern style, crowds and calm, and arguably the best food scene on the planet.
