When visiting Japan, the search for the perfect souvenir is an exciting adventure. An excellent tip for souvenir hunting is to look for items unique to specific regions of Japan. However, it’s not always possible to visit as many places as you’d like during your trip. So, if you’re short on time but eager to find souvenirs from all corners of Japan, visiting antenna shops is a great way to experience regional flavors and craftsmanship all in one convenient location.

Antenna Shops in Tokyo: Why They’re Perfect for Hunting Souvenirs

Operated by different prefectures and local governments across Japan, antenna shops offer an array of souvenirs, such as snacks, traditional crafts, sake, and unique goods typically only available if you visit the area. You can even find an antenna stop with a hot onsen foot bath to refresh your tired feet! Many of these shops are located in Tokyo, providing a convenient way to experience the diversity of Japan’s prefectures without leaving Tokyo. In particular, the Ginza, Yurakucho, and Shimbashi areas, all easily accessible from HOTEL TAVINOS Hamamatsucho, are prime destinations for souvenir hunters. Let’s take a quick look at some of the shops in these areas.

Discover Japan’s Regional Souvenirs at Ginza Without Leaving Tokyo

While well-known for its high-end stores, Ginza is also a great place to hunt for unique souvenirs from different prefectures. For example, you can discover Nagano's renowned apples and miso products at Ginza NAGANO. There are many other antenna shops in Ginza, including those with goods from the Tohoku and Kyushu regions, so be on the lookout as you stroll through the area.

Ginza NAGANO

Introducing Ginza NAGANO, reopened in October 2024!

This delightful shop brings the best of Nagano Prefecture to the heart of Tokyo, offering seasonal specialties and exquisite crafts that make perfect souvenirs. On the first floor, you'll find a selection of Nagano's famous fruits, along with delicious jams and honey.

These make great gifts—or a treat for yourself! Don’t miss out on another Nagano specialty: miso. If you like miso soup, definitely give it a try.

Nagano’s soba is also famous—take home some dried noodles for an authentic taste of Japan. You’ll also find a variety of handcrafted items that reflect the skill and artistry of Nagano’s artisans.

On the second floor, there's a tasting space where you can sample Nagano’s renowned wines and sakes using easy-to-use coin-operated servers.

Discover your favorites and take them home to savor.

On weekends, snacks are occasionally provided to pair with your tastings. The second floor also hosts fun events.

Address: NOCO Building 1F, 2F, 5F, 5-6-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours:
(1/2F) 10:30 am – 7:00 pm
(5F) 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
Access: 7-minute walk from Yurakucho Station on the JR Yamanote Line
Website: https://www.ginza-nagano.jp/en

Iwate Ginga Plaza

Welcome to Iwate Ginga Plaza, where a variety of Iwate products are on display, from delicious snacks to traditional crafts!

Iwate Prefecture, with its beautiful mountains, clear waters, and abundant nature, is famous for its fresh seafood and agricultural products from the Sanriku Coast. In addition to popular local products, the craftsmanship is also remarkable.

Here are some must-try items you’ll find.
●　Troika’s original Baked Cheesecake – So rich and creamy
●　Gomasuri Dango (black sesame rice cake) – Fragrant sesame molasses wrapped in a chewy dumpling
●　Nambu tekki (Nambu ironware kettles) – Functional and stylish!
●　Mayu craftsmanship – Folk art with a lovely zodiac theme
●　Koiwai soft serve ice cream – A rich yet clean aftertaste!
●　Senbei soup – Iwate’s local cuisine!
●　Ryusendo Cave lotion – Lotion created from natural mineral water springing from Ryusendo Cave in Iwaizumi, Iwate Prefecture
Pop in and enjoy the charm of Iwate. You’re sure to discover something new.

Address: Nankai Tokyo Building 1F, 5-15-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:30 am – 7:00 pm (closes at 5:00 pm on the last day of every month)　
Closed: End-of-year/New Year’s holiday from 31st December to 4th January
Access: 1-minute walk from Higashi-ginza Station on the Toei Subway Toei Asakusa Line or 15-minute walk from Shimbashi Station on the JR Yamanote Line
Website: https://www.iwate-ginpla.net/language/en.html

Ginza Washita Shop

“Washita” means “we” in the Okinawan dialect. As a place where people who love Okinawa gather, Washita Shop recreates a “machiguaa” (market) that delivers the atmosphere, smells, and buzz of Okinawa, including its products, sightseeing, and culture.

Here are some recommendations for such products from Washita Shop.
●　Yukishio Chinsukou – A new type of chinsuko (crunchy cookies) with an elegant sweetness enlivened by Miyakojima snow salt
●　Okinawa soba – A local Okinawan dish of braised pork ribs, topped with ingredients like stick fish cake, leek, and red ginger. Although it’s called soba, no buckwheat flour is used at all; wheat flour is used.
●　Habu Curry – A slightly sweet curry made with habu (venomous snake) extract. It doesn’t contain habu meat.
●　Orion Ichiban Sakura – This seasonal beer is made with cherry blossom petals that bloom in Okinawa and is only available at this time of year. In Okinawa, cherry blossoms start blooming in January.
●　Sanba – A percussion instrument that enlivens Okinawan folk songs
●　Sanshin – A stringed instrument that has been passed down through the ages in Okinawa Prefecture; an instrument that represents Okinawa
●　Ryukyu glassware – Beautiful, brightly colored glassware that makes a great gift
●　Chinsuko Chocolat – Crispy baked diced chinsuko covered with chocolate. It pairs well with coffee or black tea.

Address: Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan 1F, 2-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm (excluding 31st December, 3rd January) (10:30 am - 6:30 pm for dine-in space)
Closed: 1st January
Access: 1-minute walk from Yurakucho Station on the JR Yamanote Line
Website: https://www.washita.co.jp/info/shop/ginza/

Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza Yurakucho Store

Yurakucho, the Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza offers many products from Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido.

Hokkaido is famous for its seafood and abundant agricultural products, including potatoes. However, visitors should also consider Hokkaido's unique snacks, which make excellent souvenirs. For example, Hokkaido is home to the ROYCE' chocolate brand, and their chocolate-covered potato chips offer an irresistible salty-sweet treat.

There are also a variety of cheeses to choose from, and if you start feeling snackish while you shop, pick up a freshly fried croquette made with potatoes from Hokkaido!

Address: 1F Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan, 2-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
Access: 1-minute walk from Yurakucho Station on the JR Yamanote Line
Website: https://www.maruiimai.mistore.jp/common/dosanko.html

Nara Mahoroba-kan

Visitors to Shimbashi can enjoy a selection of the finest products from Nara Prefecture at Nara Mahoroba-kan.

A particular highlight is the satsuma yaki sweet. Made from red bean paste and wrapped in a thin skin made from wheat flour and eggs, this Instagram-ready baked treat is hand-shaped by confectioners to resemble a sweet potato! Stock is replenished every other Saturday.

While at Mahoroba-kan, dining at their restaurant and bar, TOKi, on the second floor is highly recommended. TOKi collaborates with farmers and growers from Nara to create delicious modern Spanish meals made with seasonal ingredients that reflect the history of Nara. Guests can enjoy one of their lunch or dinner courses at the restaurant or head to the bar for à la carte options while sipping on sake or fruit drinks from Nara, or a glass of one of their Spanish wines.

Address: 1F-2F SMBC Shimbashi Building, 1-8-4 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Hours:
(1F) 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
(2F Bar) 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Last Order 1:30 pm), 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm (Last Order 9:00 pm)
(2F Restaurant) 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm (Last Order 1:30 pm), 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (Last Order 7:30 pm)
Closed:
(1F) Year-end and New Year’s holidays
(2F) Mondays, Sundays, Obon period, and New Year's holidays
Access: 3-minute walk from Shimbashi Station on the JR Yamanote Line
Website: https://nara-mahoroba.pref.nara.jp/

HOTEL TAVINOS Hamamatsucho: A Convenient Accommodation Choice

If you’re staying at HOTEL TAVINOS Hamamatsucho, you’re in an excellent location to explore these antenna shops. HOTEL TAVINOS Hamamtsucho provides a comfortable and central base from which you can venture out to Ginza, Yurakucho, and Shimbashi areas conveniently by the JR Yamanote Line.
After a day of shopping and sightseeing, returning to a comfortable and convenient accommodation will enhance your overall experience. So, as you explore Tokyo, be sure to visit the antenna shops in Tokyo for a memorable souvenir-hunting experience!

Writer

Rachael Aoki
Originally from the East Coast of the United States, Rachael has called Japan home for over a decade. She enjoys discovering destinations that are popular with locals from quaint cafes to hole-in-the-wall eateries and sharing that information with visitors from overseas. She also loves taking trips to onsen and is always up for a trip to Hakone, Kanagawa.