Tokyu Hands

You may have heard about a store named Tokyu Hands in Japan. Many articles have been written about this store. Mostly positive.

It is my favorite department store.

On this trip, I took my friends to the Shinjuku branch of this department store located in the Takashimaya Times Square. I kept telling my friends that I would take them to Tokyu Hands and how much I enjoyed going there. We walked through Shinjuku searching for Tokyu Hands. I had never been to Tokyu Hands in Shinjuku. I have always shopped at the Ikebukuro or Shibuya branches. Based on my experiences at the Shinjuku and Ikebukuro Branch, I was looking for a large stand alone building. As we searched around Shinjuku, we could not find it. Looking at the map, I thought that we were in right place...but the only buildings I could see were office buildings....., and the Takashimaya Times Square. Well it turns out the shop is located in the Takashimaya Times Square.

I kept this side trip to Tokyu Hands as one of the highlights of my trip but neglected to explain to my friends what it was. Since we were five guys travelling in Tokyo, I assured my friends that they will enjoy Tokyu Hands. Little did I realize that my friends expectations of what Tokyu Hands was quite different. Anyway, they kept asking me why I wanted to go there and how much do I spend. My reply was that every trip to Tokyu Hands was a special place that I go to in Japan and I often spend more than I expected....,Well, needless to say they were quite surprised when when we arrived......, at a Department Store.

We spent an hour at Tokyu Hands, it was six stories stocked with things of interest to us. It is definitely counter to the ritzy and often times expensive / luxurious department stores in Japan selling brand name goods.

We started at the top floor which was the stationery section. It was stocked with every type of pen,mechanical pencils, art supplies and office supplies that you could think of. Te selection was extensive. I bought several pens..., models that most likely will not be released in the US. I love Japanese pens.., even the cheap ones.

There is a floor for home improvement that includes tools, lighting and plumbing fixtures for the do-it-yourself scene.

As we went down the levels, we saw an extensive Halloween section with costumes, masks and party favors. The Japanese really take their Halloween or is Cosplay seriously. This is where we found one of our targeted gifts....the Hachimaki for our friend Steve's golf tournament on December 7.

There was a section on cel phone accessories, travel goods and a huge section of sporting goods. One floor had sporting goods and camping accessories galore. Rafts, bicycles, tents, packs and flashlights galore.

Clothing carried at the store is simple, sporty and comfortable. No suits or dresses. Casual wear for the weekend.

The travel accessories section was interesting. They had portable foot rests for the plane seats that fit over the tray in front of you. Travel slippers and pillows for comfort. Bags, passport/ticket holders and luggage galore.

Other than omiyage, my big purchase there was a belt pouch for my Sony camera. It fits perfectly and has all the pockets I need and in small compact design...I use it all the time now.

Of curiosity was the HPD Shirts for sale....? Did you really see that Rich?

This is definitely one place I shop at on every trip. But perhaps they should change the name. It is misleading to some until you get there.