Shibuya is one of the must-visit spots in Tokyo so there’s no doubt you’ll check out the famed Shibuya Crossing / Scramble in one way or another when visiting the city – but did you know that just a few steps from the iconic crossing there’s this unique store where you can find just the perfect gift or souvenir with that unique Japanese flair?
The name of the store I’m talking about is Shibuya Loft – a department store that has been an icon for shoppers (locals and tourists alike) in Shibuya. It’s a treasure trove of trendy, quirky, and most of all high-quality items that capture the essence of contemporary Japanese design.
Shibuya Loft spans 7 floors (basement included), showcasing a wide variety of home and personal essentials that’s highly curated to only include items that contribute to Loft’s unique brand and aesthetic. Browsing through the store makes it more of an experience and a feast for the senses, really.
Do note that there are several Loft stores in Tokyo and the rest of Japan, but their Shibuya branch is their largest so far. They also have their flagship store in Ginza just in case you want to visit their flagship.
I went to Shibuya Loft which is no less than the largest Loft store in Japan – to show you all the cool stuff you can get at Loft.
The Shibuya Loft Experience
It’s busy and just like Don Quijote, it seems like they’re never gonna run out of products to offer at Shibuya Loft, having all seven floors where you can find anything from stationary, bags, home and kitchen supplies, food, health and beauty products, as well as bags and toys.
The difference Shibuya Loft has with the nearby Don Quijote I feel like, is that Shibuya Loft’s product offerings are more curated unlike Don Quijote where they literally got it all (which is also what I love about Donki 🙂 ). Both Shibuya Loft and Donki have their own unique charms.
There’s a lot to cover here, so to give you a full rundown of what Shibuya Loft has in store, let’s start from B1 going up. *Note: My favorite level is the top most (level 6) so don’t skip that part.
Basement 1 – The Stationery Section
Just in case you didn’t know – stationery is a big thing in Japan and they’re popular with tourists due to their high quality make and design – not to mention A LOT of their stationery are very kawaii.
At Shibuya Loft’s stationery section you’ll find paper products and notebooks as well as writing tools, office supplies and seals and nameplates. For arts and crafts enthusiasts, you’ll fall in love right here with their vast selection of design and art supplies.
Floor Level 1 – Gift Goods
Now this floor is a bit all over the place – literally – because gifting goods is such a broad category so you’ll find random items at this floor. From wrapping supplies and accessories, to perfumes, smartphone accessories, this is the place to get ’em.
For design enthusiasts, this is also where you’ll find a small corner dedicated to the MoMA Design Store where they have artsy accessories and crafts on display.
Floor Level 2 – Health & Beauty Section
Now this entire floor is a wonderland for those looking for cosmetics that are popular in Japan – whether you’re a man or a woman, this store has all the best local beauty items in town – you’re just gonna have a little bit of trouble finding out which one to buy because there’s just too many options to choose from (and that’s a good problem to have). 😉
Floor Level 3 – Cook and Dine Section
All things “Japanese kitchen and dining” that you’ll need, you’ll find here at the level 3 of Shibuya Loft. From Japanese-inspired dinnerware to quality kitchen tools as well as seasonings and beverages such as wine, beer, and sake, you’ll find carefully created and unique products for your kitchen needs at this floor.
Floor Level 4 – Home & Interior (Space Design)
Shibuya Loft’s 4th level is dedicated to home and interior design. Think Nitori, but more curated with different Japanese home brands in one floor, showcasing home items such as bed and bath, calendars, clocks, photo frames, slippers, furniture and storage items, shoe care, clothing care and laundry products, cleaning products, room warmers – literally anything related to home and interior design.
Check this out: Planning a visit to Shibuya Sky? Check out my Shibuya Sky guide for tips on getting that perfect view of the city.
Floor Level 5 – Fields & Streets (Outdoors, Bags, and Travel Section)
If Japanese bags are what you’re looking for, be it a travel bag, casual bag, or a business bag, you’re definitely in for a treat because Shibuya Loft’s 5th floor showcases local Japanese brands that produces masterfully crafted bags.
There are also bags from mainstream international brands, but if you’re a tourist visiting Japan, definitely keep an eye on the locally made ones – they just have that finely crafted and elegant finish with a simple yet imposing effect. Aside from bags, they also have disaster protection bags and outdoor goods at this floor.
Floor Level 6 – Tokyo Zakka Culture / Arts & Culture / Tax Refund Counter
Probably my most favorite section of them all, Shibuya Loft’s level 6 is my kind of place where I could just spend an entire day looking at all the products on offer. It’s almost an entertaining experience on its own.
First they have most of the space dedicated to Tokyo’s Zakka culture. What’s Zakka anyways? “Zakka” is a Japanese fashion and design phenomenon that focuses on everyday items that improve one’s home, life, and appearance. The term zakka translates to “miscellaneous goods” in Japanese, so you can expect to find a variety of items at this floor.
I found that the products showcased featured mostly toys and home decorations that are too cute to handle. They have a variety of toys ranging from those coming from the west as well as offbeat local toys and even Japanese traditional toys that are worth a second look.
As for the home decorations, I don’t even know where to start but I definitely spent a lot of time looking at the variety of their miniature plants and bonsai because they’re just so kawaii! I could almost imagine having my own mini Japanese garden lol. They also have Japanese lanterns and daruma dolls in various designs and sizes.
The Arts & Culture section featured modern Japanese anime and manga art, then goes back to the olden eras featuring Japanese traditional Ukiyo-e art, which makes for a great souvenir. The store’s Tax Refund Counter for foreigners is on this floor as well.
Location Map
Shibuya Loft is located at 21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042. It’s right in the heart of Shibuya amongst the city’s many popular spots, so it’s very easy to find. Check it out in the map below:
