Must-see shopping in Central Honshū

  • Komehyō

    Nagoya

    Enjoy the genius of Komehyō, Japan's largest discounter of secondhand, well…everything. Housed over seven floors in the main building, clothes, jewellery…

  • Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

    Nagano Region

    Just outside the south exit of JR Karuizawa Station, this gargantuan outlet shopping mall has most of the big names. Shopaholics should allocate plenty of…

  • Sakuda Gold Leaf Company

    Kanazawa

    Here you can observe the kinpaku (gold-leaf) process and pick up all sorts of gilded souvenirs, including pottery, lacquerware and, er...golf balls. It…

  • Road Station Suzunari

    Kanazawa & the Hokuriku Coast

    In the former Suzu train station (and attached to the current Suzu bus station), this shop sells well-priced crafts and products from around the Noto…

  • Sakaida Eikichi Honten

    Central Honshū

    This high-end maker of wagasa (oiled-paper parasols/umbrellas) is a 10-minute walk from JR Gifu Station. Turn left from the south exit, then right at the…

  • Miya-gawa Asa-ichi

    Takayama

    Stalls here are primarily produce-centric, with seasonal fruit (don't miss the apples in autumn), vegetables and traditional snacks. Permanent storefronts…

  • Nakamachi Kura-chic-kan

    Matsumoto

    A pun on 'classic' in English, 'kura (storehouses)' in Japanese and 'chic' in French, Nakamachi Kura-chic-kan showcases locally produced arts and crafts…

  • Belle Amie Doll Shop

    Matsumoto

    Temari (embroidered balls) and dolls are found here, about 500m east of the station. Doll styles include Tanabata and oshie-bina (dressed in fine cloth).

  • Jinya-mae Asa-ichi

    Takayama

    In front of Takayama-jinya, this market has stalls selling everything from farm-fresh produce to local arts and crafts.

  • Loft Department Store

    Nagoya

    The Nagoya branch of one of Japan's coolest department stores has a definite design bent. You can't miss the yellow-and-black livery.

  • Takashimaya

    Nagoya

    Atop Nagoya Station you'll find one of Japan's favourite department stores.

  • Meitetsu

    Nagoya

    Above Meitetsu Nagoya Station you'll find this sprawling department store.

  • Mitsukoshi

    Nagoya

    The Nagoya branch of the high-end Tokyo-based department-store chain.

  • Kintetsu

    Nagoya

    The Nagoya HQ of this Osaka-based railway and department-store chain.

  • Ozeki Chōchin

    Central Honshū

    Find beautiful paper lanterns here, by Higashi Betsuin temple.

  • Maruei

    Nagoya

    One of Nagoya's largest department stores, in Sakae.

  • Matsuzakaya

    Nagoya

    One of Nagoya's largest department stores.

  • Murakami

    Kanazawa

    If a flowering tree made of candy excites you, head to Murakami. At this handsome wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop you'll also find fukusamochi (red-bean…

  • Suzuki Chōkoku

    Takayama

    Helmed by the one-time head of the local ittobori (woodcarving) association, this studio and shop sells find figurines from ¥750 to how much?

  • Washi no Yamazaki

    Takayama

    This wonderful family-run store sells washi (handmade Japanese paper).

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