Antenna Shops in Japan
6/09/2016
Coming to Tokyo may make you feel like you’re in another world. Within that world, you can actually find many different stores that make you feel like you’re being transported all around Japan.
These delicious and interesting local-in-the-city stores are called antenna shops, and they are a great way to explore Japan without ever having to leave Tokyo.
So what exactly are antenna shops? These are special shops run by different Japanese prefectures. They serve the local specialties of that particular area in Japan and work as a sort of advertisement for those who wish to know more about areas in Japan outside of Tokyo.
Japanese company Kikkoman describes them best, “True to their name, Tokyo's antenna shops both send and receive information—and while these transmissions are intended to communicate, they also aim to transport visitors to the Japan that exists beyond Tokyo.”
So where does one find these shops? Here at AwesomeTokyo, we’ll introduce you some of the best antenna shops in Tokyo!
OKINAWA 沖縄
If you’re looking for an island getaway, you don’t have to go further than 2 minutes by train from Tokyo Station. The Okinawa Antenna Shop in Ginza not only sells delicious Okinawan sweets such as sata andagi (Okinawan sweet donuts) but beauty products and CDs with Okinawan music, as well. It’s a great way to give yourself a little piece of island paradise.
Okinawa Antenna Shop (Ginza)
OKINAWA 沖縄
If you’re looking for an island getaway, you don’t have to go further than 2 minutes by train from Tokyo Station. The Okinawa Antenna Shop in Ginza not only sells delicious Okinawan sweets such as sata andagi (Okinawan sweet donuts) but beauty products and CDs with Okinawan music, as well. It’s a great way to give yourself a little piece of island paradise.
Okinawa Antenna Shop (Ginza)
HOKKAIDO 北海道
If your interest lies in colder skies, this antenna shop in Yurakucho will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the snowy area of Hokkaido. What is especially popular at this shop is the ice cream, as Hokkaido is well known for its superior dairy products. Our recommendation is to get the Yubari Melon flavor, which may only be available in Japan, made from Hokkaido’s juicy orange melons.
MIYAZAKI 宮崎
Miyazaki is a prefecture in Kyushu, the southern island of Japan. Many people in Kyushu are well known for their strength for alcohol. As such, Miyazaki’s antenna shop has rare and delicious shochu. One of note is called hyakunen no kodoku which means, “Lonely for 100 Years.” There is also very famous BBQ sauce that makes even the cheapest cuts of meat taste great.
Miyazaki Antenna Shop (Shinjuku)
NIIGATA 新潟
If Japanese people hear the word “Niigata” the first thing that might come to mind is sake, and the antenna shop in Omotesando has over 100 varieties. And, of course, there are a number of snacks that pair well with alcohol, including the unique smoky beef tongue.
If you’re looking to travel all around Japan in one place there are many antenna shops in the Tokyo Kotsukaikan building in front of JR line’s Yurakucho Station (although there are many more scattered around Tokyo). There are more than 10 antenna shops in this building alone including the prefectures of Hakata, Akita and more.
Traveling around Japan is a great way to learn about the rich culture and history. However, if you are short on both time and money, antenna shops are a great way to get a little taste of the big picture.
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