And Discovering Souvenirs from All Over Japan

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, I recommend visiting antenna shops. 

Operated by different prefectures across Japan, these 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 are prime destinations for souvenir hunters. Let’s take a quick look at some of the shops in these areas. 

Enjoy Hunting for Local Souvenirs in the Ginza Area

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 Tohoku and Kyushu, so be on the lookout as you stroll through the area.

Ginza NAGANO

Address: 5-6-5 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
Hours: 10:30 am – 7:00 pm
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
Website: https://www.ginza-nagano.jp/en
*Closed for renovations from July 2024. Scheduled to reopen in late October 2024.

Yurakucho and Shimbashi: More Antenna Shops to Explore

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

Hokkaido is famous for seafood and many agricultural products like potatoes, but consider focusing on some of their snacks that make great souvenirs. For example, Hokkaido is home to ROYCE’ chocolate brand, so I suggest picking up some of their chocolate-covered potato chips for 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!  

Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza

Address: 1F, Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan, 2-10-1 Yuraku-cho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo Hours: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
Website:  https://www.maruiimai.mistore.jp/common/dosanko.html


In Shimbashi, you can enjoy a selection of the finest products from Nara Prefecture at Nara Mahorobakan. 
My personal recommendation is the sweet called satsuma yaki. 

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 look like a sweet potato! Stock is replenished every other Saturday.

While at Mahorobakan, I highly recommend dining at their restaurant and bar, TOKi, on the second floor.

TOKi collaborates with farmers and growers from Nara to create delicious modern Spanish meals made with seasonal ingredients that reflect the history of Nara. At the restaurant, you can enjoy one of their lunch or dinner courses or head to the bar to order à la carte while sipping on sake or fruit drinks from Nara or a glass of one of their Spanish wines. 
 

Nara Mahorobakan

Address: 1F-2F, SMBC Shimbashi Building, 1-8-4 Shimbashi, Minato City, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm （Shop）
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays (shop)
Website: https://nara-mahoroba.pref.nara.jp/
 

Tavinos: A Convenient Accommodation Choice

If you’re staying at Tavinos, you’re in an excellent location to explore these antenna shops. Tavinos provides a comfortable and central base from which you can venture out to Ginza, Yurakucho, and Shimbashi. 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.