Top Antenna Shops in Tokyo

Experience the charm and flavors of Japan’s diverse regions without leaving Tokyo—welcome to the world of antenna shops. Antenna shops are stores operated by local governments to promote regional specialties from across Japan in central Tokyo. They were originally named for their role in “putting out feelers” to gauge consumer interest and demand. These shops are the perfect places to source souvenirs, known as omiyage, or to learn more about Japan’s prolific culture. 

Tokyo is undoubtedly one of the most well-known cultural hubs of Japan, drawing visitors from all over the country and the world. There’s so much to do and see in Tokyo, but if you’re a resident from another prefecture, you may still have cravings for delicacies from home. For tourists visiting Japan for the first time, you may wish to experience more of what the country has to offer without straying too far from the metropolis. Touring Tokyo’s antenna shops is a great way to travel all around Japan without leaving the city. Here’s a list of some of our favorites.

Washita

This antenna shop is hard to miss. Washita is marked by a traditional temple gate and Okinawan shisa (a half-dog, half-lion creature). Inside you can find popular snacks, fresh produce and sake. Traditional Okinawan foods are made and sold for eating inside the shop, including mozuku tempura, a type of deep-fried seaweed that’s popular in Okinawa. Other oceanic delicacies from Okinawa include “sea grapes,” a type of seaweed popular for its bubble-like texture. For dessert, the iconic Blue Seal ice cream is a must. This shop is loved for its authentic Okinawan feel. Washita is located in Ginza, which has a record number of antenna shops to browse from.

Address: 2 Chome−10−1, Yurakucho, Chiyoda City
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8HGaKt5VwZngK3PX6
Closest station: Ginza-itchome Station

Hiroshima Brand Shop TAU

With its chic interior and plethora of goods, this antenna shop provides a taste of Hiroshima in Ginza. Its name, “TAU,” means “to reach” in the Hiroshima dialect, and for those hoping to reach Hiroshima, it couldn’t be more aptly named. Four floors make up this shop, and each floor offers different sections and goods. Wine lovers must head to the “sake studio” for a tasting, and seafood delicacies aplenty can be enjoyed at their dining establishments. Maple and lemon are the staple flavors for sweets sold at TAU, and fresh citrus is often available. Whether shopping for makeup items or looking for a meal, TAU is sure to please.

Address: Ginza Ueichi Building, 1-6-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qWp3xBKDwTJXpJiJ6
Closest station: Ginza-itchome Station

Ginza Nagano

One of Ginza’s more modest antenna shops, Ginza Nagano is the best place to source Nagano specialties, including kakigori, milk bread and local fruits such as apples and grapes. The fruit on sale here changes with the seasons, so you can experience different specialities of Nagano throughout the year. The bar counter is perfect for a tasting, during which you can enjoy a selection of snacks exclusive to the shop. In addition to the variety of foods, regional lacquerware is also for sale. Be sure to get there early, as their famed milk bread sells out quickly.

Address: 1F/2F SMBC Building, 5-6-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Cjc8D38Xp7qGsBNU7
Closest station: Ginza Station

Hokkaido Foodist

One of the top Hokkaido antenna shop delicacies is melon soft serve—an homage to Hokkaido’s delicious milk and its valuable yubari melon—and you’ll find no shortage of it at Hokkaido Foodist. This shop in the Yaesu shopping mall carries a wide variety of foods and snacks from the Hokkaido region. If you’re after something more savory than soft cream, the shop sells plenty of mutton, which is key in the specialty grilled mutton dish “Genghis Khan.” Hokkaido locals get their fix of Guarana soda at Foodist, since the drink is not as popular outside of the prefecture, and thus often not readily available in other parts of Japan.

Address: Underground Shopping Center, 2-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KYPrjoG3JcU8SH6z7
Closest station: Tokyo Station

Za Gamoru 2 (The Gamall)

This antenna shop nestled in a Sugamo shopping street is a collaboration of Taisho University with the municipalities of different prefectures. Their “Za Gamoru 2” shop is a store specializing in wares and omiyage from Kyoto. While many antenna shops cater to nostalgia and the homespun nature of local food and items, this store is geared more towards artisan goods. They continually feature new one-of-a-kind wares, from Kyoto-famous coffee with handmade cups to brightly colored Zuikou Kiln pottery. They also offer a fair selection of snacks and sake for those looking for an authentic Kyoto flavor.

Address: 3-38-1 Sugamo, Toshima-ku
Closest station: Sugamo Station

Nara Mahoroba

If you’re hoping to source goods from Nara or learn more about traveling to the area, Nara Mahoroba in Shimbashi is the place to go. Their aim is to help customers “experience the charm of Nara in every season,” from ruby red strawberries to high quality pottery and utensils. The store is separated into three parts: shop, restaurant and cafe and bar. The cafe and bar is perfect for a quick taste of Nara’s sake and craft beer, or to refresh yourself with some shaved ice. The restaurant TOKi on the second floor uses ingredients that highlight Nara’s cuisine for a unique and sophisticated dining experience. Their shop carries carefully selected goods that show off the craftsmanship of the prefecture, as well as snacks such as warabimochi and pudding adorned with a smiling Buddha.

Address: 1F/2F SMBC Shinbashi Building, 1-8-4 Shimbashi, Minato-ku
Google Maps:https://maps.app.goo.gl/yUyEWFNzp6D1qBrF6
Closest station: Shimbashi Station