Top Best Japan Sneakers Must Buy Visit Tokyo Kyoto Shinjuku

Tokyo, the heart of Japan's vibrant sneaker culture, offers an unparalleled shopping experience for sneaker enthusiasts. From iconic international brands to unique local gems, the city is a treasure trove for anyone looking to elevate their footwear collection.

Top Sneaker Stores in Tokyo

Sports Lab by atmos

Located in Shinjuku, Sports Lab by atmos is a must-visit for any serious sneakerhead. This massive store, developed in collaboration with Nike, features a sleek and modern design. It carries a wide range of limited edition sneakers from Nike, Air Jordan, and atmos, making it a goldmine for exclusive finds.

• Address: Shinjuku 4-1-1-1F, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
• Phone: +81 03 6457 8755
• Hours: Monday–Sunday: 11AM–9PM

Mita Sneakers

In the bustling shopping district of Ameyoko near Ueno, Mita Sneakers stands out as a cornerstone of Tokyo's sneaker scene. Established in 1976, this store offers a vast selection of shoes, including unique collaborations and hard-to-find releases from both Japanese and global brands.

• Address: AMEYOKO Side Building 2F, 4-7-8 Ueno, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
• Phone: +81 3 3832 8346
• Hours: Monday–Friday: 11AM–7:30PM, Saturday–Sunday: 10AM–7:30PM

Kicks Lab

Located in the heart of Harajuku, Kicks Lab is renowned for its extensive inventory of hard-to-find sneakers. This store is a go-to destination for both casual everyday sneakers and collector's items, particularly for those seeking rare Jordans.

• Address: 4 Chome-32-5 Jingumae, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
• Phone: +81 3 6459 2124
• Hours: Everyday: 12PM–8PM

Worm Tokyo

Nestled in Harajuku, Worm Tokyo is a haven for those seeking exclusive and rare sneakers. The store's minimalistic interior showcases a curated selection of both established brands and emerging designers, making it a hotspot for limited-edition releases and collaborations.

• Address: Harajuku, Tokyo (exact address not specified)
• Hours: Not specified, but generally open during standard shopping hours

Adidas Originals

In the trendy Harajuku district, the Adidas Originals store offers a wide range of Adidas models, including cutting-edge designs and limited-edition releases. This store seamlessly integrates Japanese street culture into the Adidas brand.

• Address: Harajuku, Tokyo (exact address not specified)
• Hours: Not specified, but generally open during standard shopping hours

Other Notable Mentions

Jordan World of Flight Tokyo Shibuya

For basketball enthusiasts, the Jordan World of Flight store in Shibuya is a must-visit. This flagship store features a basketball court-style decor and offers athletic wear, shoes, and merchandise inspired by basketball culture. You can even personalize your purchases with embossings and patches at the workshop area.

• Address: Meiji-dori street between Shibuya and Harajuku, Tokyo
• Hours: Not specified, but generally open during standard shopping hours

Fool’s Judge

Located in Shibuya, Fool’s Judge is geared towards the more discerning shopper. This store is known for carrying the latest Yeezys and other exclusive sneakers, although the prices can be steep.

• Address: 4 Chome-3-13, B1, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
• Phone: +81 3 3796 6664
• Hours: Everyday: 1PM–8PM

Neighborhoods to Explore

Harajuku

Harajuku is a sneaker lover's paradise, with numerous stores lining its streets. From Worm Tokyo to Adidas Originals, this area is perfect for a day of sneaker shopping. The side streets and Cat Street are particularly dense with sneaker shops, making it easy to find something unique.

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is another hub for sneaker enthusiasts, with Sports Lab by atmos being a standout destination. The area around Shinjuku station also boasts a decent selection of shoe stores.

Ueno

The Ueno area, particularly around Ameyoko, is known for its diverse shopping scene, including a variety of sneaker stores like Mita Sneakers.

Tips for Shopping

• Size Availability: For larger sizes (13/14 US), it's best to check stores like ABC Mart Grand Stage, which often carry a wider range of sizes.
• Tax-Free Shopping: Many stores in Japan offer tax-free shopping, which can be a significant advantage for tourists. Be sure to ask about this when making your purchases.
• Secondhand Options: For rare and unique finds, consider visiting secondhand stores like Bring Kicks in Osaka or similar shops in Tokyo.

Additional Recommendations

• Onitsuka Tiger Omotesando: This store in Omotesando showcases the heritage and innovation of Japanese craftsmanship, offering timeless designs and meticulous attention to detail.
• Pistacchio Daikanyama: Located in the trendy Daikanyama neighborhood, this store presents sneakers as works of art, offering high-quality products with unique flair.
• Dover Street Market Ginza: For exclusive sneakers from brands like Nike, Bapestas, and Supreme, Dover Street Market is a must-visit, although it may take a couple of hours to explore.