Tokyu Hands, Ikebukuro. Photo by louisemakesstuff.

If you could only go to one shop in Japan then it would really have to be Tokyu Hands, not least because they sell just about everything. They call themselves a Creative Life Store which includes art and craft supplies, homeware, stationery, party goods, luggage, cookware, furniture and DIY tools. Whether you’re after a spanner or a kawaii bento box, you’ll find it at Tokyu Hands.

The crafts and stationery sections are especially good, with cute stampers, papercraft stickers, washi, mizuhiki, pens and more, plus cute diaries, letter sets, invitations, deco tape and stickers galore. I’m also fond of the soap section which has the most amazing flavours like Strawberry Milkshake and Melon! But don’t miss the Party Goods floor, where you’ll get an overview of Japanese crazy – costumes, puzzles, ramen flavoured sweets and many more inexplicable things.

Tokyu Hands is a bit more hit and miss than Loft, but there’s a certain madness to the stock that means you’re sure to find many many bizarre things you never knew you needed until now. This makes it perfect for gifts and souvenirs – much of it is very much ‘only in Japan’ and will amaze and baffle your friends!

If you can, try and make it to the Ikebukuro branch which is the biggest and also has an extra floor called Nekobukuro, the Cat’s House. Not only does it sell a range of cute pet supplies and cat things from stickers to phone charms, but there is a room where you can pay ¥600 to pet some cats!

Amazingly cute cookware

Felted crafts display. Photo by fletcherjcm.

Cute toys. Photo by Abu & Abu.

Crazy flavoured sweets. Photo by bm.iphone.

How to get there

We went to the three main branches of Tokyu Hands – Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Shibuya. The Ikebukuro branch is right next to Sunshine City – see my post for directions.

The Shinjuku branch is in Takashimaya Times Square. Take the New South Exit at JR Shinjuku Station, cross the road and up on to the South Terrace past Starbucks and Krispy Kreme. Takashimaya is across the bridge to your left and you’ll see the big Tokyu Hands sign.

The Shibuya branch is close to the main Shibuya Crossing. Take the Main or Hachiko Exit from JR Shibuya station and cross at the main crossing where Starbucks is straight ahead. Work your way to the left and ahead and you will hit it eventually. It’s kind of along the street from Loft and opposite Freshness Burger.

Last updated: 23 April 2011

[origami paper photo by Nicolette]

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All content in this blog post is by Marceline Smith, unless stated otherwise. Licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

Posted by Marceline Smith on Tuesday, November 20th, 2007 at 4:50 pm in Japan, Tokyo Shopping Guide.