Walking along Koshinzuka Street is like taking a step back in time. This area is sometimes called “the grandma and grandpa’s Harajuku” because it sells goods geared toward the over-60 set and lots of stuff that hasn’t been available in the rest of Tokyo for years. The best time to go is on days thatContinueContinue reading “Koshinzuka Street Market”
Tag Archives: Only-in-Japan shopping
Asakusa Area
The Kaminari-mon (Thunder Gate) – gateway to Senso-ji temple and the Nakamise-dori shopping street This is where I take people on their first day in Tokyo. It’s everything you think Japan should be – traditional festivals, a secret garden, temples & more. It’s also a great place to see the big festivals during pretty muchContinueContinue reading “Asakusa Area”
Shibuya Area
Shibuya is a shopping paradise, home to my three favorite stores in Tokyo, that iconic scramble intersection, a thought-provoking museum, the famous Tokyo Toilets and an excellent skatepark. Even on Coming-Of-Age day, girls head over to Shibuya to party as soon as their family duties are over! The best time to see the famous ShibuyaContinueContinue reading “Shibuya Area”
Where to get the best foodie souvenirs in Tokyo
If you’re longing to bring home the amazing tastes of Japan to share with your nearest and dearest, you need to know about antenna shops! Many regional governments sponsor “antenna” outlets in Tokyo where they sell their most famous wares at the same price you’d pay if you visit the hometown maker. In one stop,ContinueContinue reading “Where to get the best foodie souvenirs in Tokyo”
Do you know about the currency converter on your iPhone calculator?
Today I learned that there’s a super handy currency converter built right into my iPhone! If you have iOS 18 or later, it’s in the calculator app. Here’s how to use it: See this button? Tapping it takes you to this: Toggle the “Convert” slider… and you’ll see this: You can change the currencies byContinueContinue reading “Do you know about the currency converter on your iPhone calculator?”
Setagaya Boroichi, the most legendary flea market in Tokyo
The Setagaya Boroichi is the grand old lady of Tokyo flea markets. It’s so ancient and so revered, in fact, it holds Intangible Cultural Treasure status! On December 15-16 and again on January 15-16, it fills every street and alleyway for BLOCKS In classic style, there is loads of crap studded liberally with actual finds. From lacquerContinueContinue reading “Setagaya Boroichi, the most legendary flea market in Tokyo”
Tokyo’s best-kept shopping secrets: The Shimojima gift, paper & packaging emporium
I used to drag everyone who came to visit me to Ito-ya, the legendary 9-floor stationery shop in Ginza. But when they renovated and got rid of 90% of their merchandise, turning it into an over-designed boutique selling expensive stuff nobody needs, I had to fill the aching hole in my heart with a newContinueContinue reading “Tokyo’s best-kept shopping secrets: The Shimojima gift, paper & packaging emporium”
Jonelle Patrick writes about Japan 