Best Tokyo Camera Stores – Ultimate Guide For Photographers

Tokyo, a photographer's paradise, offers a plethora of camera stores that cater to every need, from vintage film cameras to the latest digital equipment. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the best camera stores in Tokyo.

Lemon Inc Shinjuku and Other Locations

Lemon Inc is a standout for its extensive selection of preloved film and digital cameras, lenses, and equipment. This store is particularly popular among Leica enthusiasts, offering a wide range of Leica models and a dedicated Leica repair service. You can also find used camera bags, tripods, and even GoPros. The store has a dedicated corner for film and instant cameras, featuring color and black-and-white film rolls, as well as single-use cameras. Defective camera models are available at steep discounts for those interested in DIY repairs. Lemon Inc has multiple locations in Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Ginza.

Kitamura Camera

Located in the Marui shopping center just outside Yurakucho Station, Kitamura Camera is another highly recommended store. It is known for its extensive selection and is also a trusted photo lab, although processing times can be lengthy. Kitamura Camera is particularly noted for its ability to handle film development and scanning with high quality.

Fujiya Camera in Nakano

For those looking for a combination of excellent service, competitive prices, and a wide selection of cameras, Fujiya Camera in Nakano is a must-visit. Located just west of Shinjuku, this store is praised for its friendly staff and comprehensive inventory. It is especially appreciated for its willingness to purchase used equipment, even if it's in rough condition, making it a go-to for both buying and selling.

Shimizu Camera in Ginza

Shimizu Camera, situated in the heart of Ginza, is a small but well-stocked corner shop. It features a large selection of mainly film cameras, with some digital models also available. The store's well-arranged window display showcases classic cameras, making it perfect for casual browsing and window shopping.

Sukiya Camera and Sankyo Camera

Sukiya Camera and Sankyo Camera are both located in Ginza and are known for their extensive collections of film cameras and lenses. Sukiya Camera specializes in Leica and Nikon equipment, while Sankyo Camera has a significant selection of Leica and Voigtländer items. These stores are ideal for those seeking vintage and rare photography gear.

Navigating Camera Stores in Tokyo

For visitors, especially those from Western countries, finding these stores can be challenging. Many camera shops in Tokyo are located on higher floors of buildings or in unobtrusive locations with minimal signage. Using Google Maps and translating your needs into Japanese can be very helpful, as English-speaking staff are rare in smaller stores. Additionally, Japan is predominantly a cash-based society, so it's wise to have cash on hand, especially for smaller stores.

Tips for Shopping

• Communication: While many salespeople may not speak English, they are generally very friendly and willing to help. Using translation tools can be very effective.
• Pricing: Haggling is generally not accepted in Japan, and prices are usually final unless you are a frequent customer.
• Payment: Only larger stores typically accept card payments, so it's advisable to carry cash.

By visiting these stores, photographers can find everything from vintage film cameras to the latest digital equipment, ensuring that their photography needs are fully met in this vibrant city.