Shopping In Tokyo

Akihabara for Otaku

Akiba!

Otherwise known as Electric Town.  A haven for geeks and all things Otaku.  If you are not staying in Akihabara, you will likely make at least several trips here during your stay in Tokyo.  There is A LOT to see and do here.

Ikebukuro for Fujoshi

Ikebukuro

Also known as Otome Road or where women (and some men) go to shop for BL.  Although, Ikebukuro is also for dating and lovers as it’s very vibrant and youthful at night.  Even if you’re not fujoshi, Ikebukuro holds many attractions for all who enjoy games and romance.

Shinjuku for night life

Shinjuku

Shinjuku must be experienced more than once at night.  If you think Shibuya is spectacular at night, and you are attracted to all things shiny, you have to go to Shinjuku.  And if night-life is really your “thing”, then you have to stay in Shinjuku.  Home of the famous Kabuki-cho and more entertainment establishments than you could possibly partake of in a lifetime.

Tokyo is massive — do not underestimate this.  However, it’s dead simple for navigating by train and is quick and efficient.  You can travel much further in Tokyo than you can in Vancouver for the same amount of time using public transit.

If possible, stay in a region that’s on the JR Yamanote line, and a hotel that is within walking distance from the nearest train station.  Most major shopping hubs are on the JR Yamanote line, and as much fun as it is to ride the smaller train lines, the main purpose of your visit (if you’re using this site) is… shopping.  Also, when you do need to venture off the beaten path, even the smaller train lines end up at a line connected to the JR Yamanote line station sooner or later.  The point is — for the sake of efficiency, stick close to the train stations at Ikebukuro, Akihabara, Shibuya or Shinjuku (depending on your shopping preferences).