Everyone knows that one of Singaporeans’ favourite pastimes is visiting Japan. In fact, in 2024, a record-breaking 691,000 Singaporeans visited Japan that year, a 16.9% increase from 2023 (which was also a record-breaking number for that year). From matcha, to Tokyo street-style, to entertainment, it’s easy to see why so many travellers love Japan.
Other than the broad themes of food and entertainment, Japan is also known for its fashion. From ready-to-wear brands like GU, to the host of Japanese streetwear brands like Comme des Garcons and Yohji Yamamoto, to thrift gems, the average traveller has plenty of spots to hit up.
For the Tokyo-bound fashionista, these shops don’t just sell fashion- but highly personalised custom pieces for something truly one-of-a-kind. From custom jewellery, to denim jeans, to fragrances, scroll on for our curated list of shopping spots for the Tokyo-bound fashionista.
BETTY SMITH TOKYO
What to expect: Just a few minutes away from Ebisu Station in Shibuya is a Japanese denim lover’s dream: Betty Smith. Founded in 1962 as Japan’s first manufacturer of women’s jeans, the factory has evolved since then. Doubling as a retail store and workshop, you can opt to either buy a pair of high-quality denim jeans, or make your own- literally.
On an appointment-only basis, you can either make a pair of jeans from scratch, or customise a pre-made pair with buttons, rivets, patches, and even stitching details- all using denim made from their own factory. It’s perfect for those who can never find a pair of jeans that fit their style exactly. You’re not limited to jeans either; jackets, vests or skirts are up for personalisation too. Overall, a great time for those looking for something DIY and fashion-forward.
Find them on: Instagram
Address: Japan, 150-0021 Tokyo, Shibuya, Ebisunishi, 2 Chome−4−7 ＮＮステーツビル 5F
KENSSCRACH
What to expect: Other than denim, Tokyo is also known for its jewellery game. The city boasts both established Western brands and Japanese craftsmen and artisans. For those looking for something sculptural with a personal touch, visit KensScratch in Shibuya. With over 30 years of experience in jewellery making and design, each piece is handcrafted in-house by the drippiest uncle and store founder, Kenji Shimizu, and his team of craftsmen.
You can find a range of pieces from rings, earrings, necklaces, and anklets, in silver, gold, and platinum. A tip from Shimizu himself: don’t enter the store with a specific piece in mind. He believes that if you enter with an open mind, you’ll find a piece that truly speaks to you.
Find them on: Instagram
Address: Japan, 150-0001, Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 5 Chome-28-7
TOKYO KIMONO SHOES
What to expect: Did you know that Japan generates over 1.5 million tonnes of textile waste per year? Located in Taito City, this shoe store is all about balancing fashion with sustainability. Tokyo Kimono Shoes offers both eco-conscious consumption and traditional Japanese craftsmanship: sneakers made with old kimonos. Each pair is handcrafted with upcycled kimono and obi fabric, and cowhide leather, making each shoe one-of-a-kind.
While the store offers ready-made pairs, you can opt for a custom pair where you can select your preferred fabric and design- although custom orders take up to three months to complete. Its shoes are even handmade by an Asakusa-based manufacturer that’s been making shoes for over 70 years. Basically, you’ll be getting some quality new kicks and a piece of Japanese art and history. What’s more unique than that?
Find them on: Instagram
Address: Japan, 111-0033, Tokyo, Taito City, Hanakawado, 2 Chome-16-3
MIYUKI FACTORY
What to expect: For those who want the ‘y’ in D-I-Y, Miyuki Factory is like the Mecca for those who love crafts and beads. From simple round beads, to larger heart-shaped beads, to bugles, to briolettes, and more, this store has literally every shape you can think of, in virtually every colour. With three stories for your perusal you’ll have your pick of shapes, colours, and designs. You can purchase your beads by the gram or by piece, so you can stock up on a specific design or get a mix of beads you love.
As for its quality, the store’s history speaks for itself. Founded in the 1930s, The Miyuki Factory began by making glass beads in Hiroshima. While they definitely weren’t the first bead-makers in Japan, they prided themselves in their precision as they made each bead as uniform as possible. Over the years, their technology has only improved, even inventing a new technique. It’s the perfect souvenir for those who love doing their crafts and customisations themselves.
Find them on: Instagram
Address: Japan, 111-0053, Tokyo, Taito City, Asakusabashi, 1 Chome-3-9
THE FLAVOUR DESIGN
What to expect: Ever heard of the Prous Phenomenon? It’s when a scent evokes vivid and emotional memories from experiences- like when we get a whiff of our childhood homes, or our mother’s old perfume. If you’re looking for something sentimental and personal, why not get a custom scent to remember your Tokyo trip by?
With locations in Shibuya, Kyoto, Osaka, Kanagawa, and Kobe, the Flavour Design blends a minimalist, lab-like style with scent innovation. Customise your signature scent: a fabric mist, the ‘Flavor Shake,’ or a perfume, the ‘Fragrance Shake.’ With over 100 fragrances to choose from, all you need to do is reserve a session, choose your base scents, come up with its name, and choose your bottle, and the store’s perfumer will do the rest. It’s personal, sentimental, and makes for the perfect souvenir.
Find them on: Instagram
Address: Japan, 150-0002, Tokyo, Shibuya, 3 Chome−5−1 グランドハイツ 101
NANAGU
What to expect: If simple and elegant everyday jewellery is your shopping vice, this jewellery store should be on your radar. Originally a showroom in an Asakusa apartment, Nanagu has finally opened a store in Shibuya. Each piece is handcrafted, from its slim rings, to pendant necklaces to ear cuffs, made of high-quality sterling silver. Unlike most jewellery stores, almost everything is made-to-order and customisable down to its size (even in half-size increments); you can get even get your jewellery engraved.
Whether you’re looking for a new addition to your ring stack, hunting for a meaningful gift, or just want something that’s wholly yours, Nanagu’s understated pieces offer just the right mix of sentiment and style. It’s poetic, personal, and the kind of souvenir you’ll get maximum use from.
Find them on: Instagram and TikTok
Address: Japan, 151-0053, Tokyo, Shibuya, Yoyogi, 2- Chome-44-13 アスティラハウス
ANN FRAGRANCE
What to expect: Another custom fragrance spot- Ann Fragrance is a perfume atelier that offers both an olfactory and aesthetic experience. With two locations in Shibuya and Asakusa (both are in Tokyo, if this is your first time in the city), either location offers a hands-on curated fragrance experience. Where its Shibuya atelier has a dreamy and intimate feel, while its Asakusa atelier has a charming Wes Anderson vibe.
With over 38 curated base scents, you can mix up to five scents, test, and tweak your fragrance to get your perfect perfume. You can even pick your bottle and give it a cute name. From floral to woody notes, to Japanese-inspired scents like sakura and osmanthus, there are over 100 final combinations, making your scent one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir, or a Tokyo date idea, Ann Fragrance is an ultra-aesthetic stop that smells as good as it looks.
Find them on: Instagram
Address: Japan, 150-0001, Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 3-31-17 Villa Rosa 101 and Japan, 111-0032, Tokyo, Asakusa, Taito City, 2-32-10 Yamazaki Building 101
AloJapan.com