The 13 best hidden shops you should visit in Hong Kong

Hidden inside a historic house along Tai O Market Street, Anchorage Store was founded by two artisans with great love for products from Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan. Inside the store, you'll find various handmade tie-dye and leather goods, along with an array of handicrafts, clothing, teas, and other lifestyle products.

Step into the cosy confines of Cat Garden on the far-flung island of Peng Chau. A delightful cat 'cafe' (sorry, no food or drink is available), visitors can browse through an adorable array of cat-themed knick-knacks and say hi to the shop's feline queens as they freely roam around the place.

Hidden inside an industrial building in Kowloon Bay, Douguya Hatcharea is a Japanese antique store that has everything from vintage furniture and ceramics to wooden antiques and trinkets. Apart from collecting antiques, shop owner Pete also collaborates with Japanese artists to turn old antique pieces into stunning artworks.

Float Captain is a one-of-a-kind surfing lifestyle and apparel shop set up by a small crew of friends in 2011. The owners are surf enthusiasts who source functional, comfortable, and minimalistic products with Californian and Hawaiian surf vibes as well as quirky takes on local culture. Their hip Wong Chuk Hang outpost is a treasure trove with a wide selection of surfboards, cases, wax, trendsetting apparel, bags, and even some home decorations. Their opening hours vary from week to week, so shoot them a message or check their website before dropping by.

Looking for stationery that is a little more unique and less mainstream? Gift Idea is the place to go for a hunt. The store carries a wide variety of imported brands including Japan and Europe and a dizzying collection of pens alone. If you like decorating your journal with washi tapes or want to dabble in some calligraphy, Gift Idea will more than meet your needs.

Hide & Seek pays homage to Japanese design and aesthetics by offering a tightly curated selection of both established and emerging Japanese brands. Step away from the busy streets of Causeway Bay to discover some of the most distinctive brands and styles at the store, ranging from military and denim looks to minimal and functional designs.

Tucked away on the quiet Peng Chau island, Hidden Collector Lam beckons photography enthusiasts with its treasure trove of vintage cameras. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a complete camera noob, shop owner Lam will be more than happy to chat you through his prized possessions.

Step into this hidden upstairs store for some of the best vintage finds in town. Originally located in Sheung Wan, the shop spans a massive 3,000sq ft and is filled with everything from vintage prints and toys to pre-loved electronics and furniture. A must-visit for antique collectors and treasure hunters alike.

Sourcing the majority of their products from Japan, including well-known brands like Nikon, Canon and Pentax, Showa stocks a wide collection of film cameras for mainly 35mm and 120mm film formats – great if you’re looking to pick out an affordable camera for the first time. The store also offers an array of camera films, from popular brands like Kodak and Fujifilm to lesser-known ones such as Cinestill and Fomapan. If you’re new to film photography, their friendly staff can help pick out the best gear for you and can even run you through some of the basics of film photography.

Simple Legend Shop specialises in minimalist Japanese-style fashion. Their collection includes products from Japanese brands such as Good On and Japan Blue, offering everything from simple white tees to denim shirts, each with unique details that make them suitable for everyday wear. Those looking for some fashion inspiration should also check out their Instagram @simple_legend_shop for ideas on how to style their outfits.

Take5 is a Japanese menswear store selling raw denim and leather accessories with a decidedly Americana feel. Stylishly decked out and populated with laidback and friendly staff, the shop dedicates one whole wall to high quality jeans and others to shirts, shoes, leather jackets, magazines, and various other male accessories. Come here for that great Japanese take on American casual style.

Imagine all your favourite Pinterest home decor and designs packed into a single shop. That’s what Thorn and Burrow is. This awesome concept store sources textiles and materials globally to offer Hongkongers a range of colourful and eco-friendly home essentials. Shop everything from locally-designed cushions to Turkish towels, as well as chalk paint in a whole spectrum of colours. 

Hand-painted ceramics and porcelain were once at the forefront of Hong Kong's industry. In particular, Yuet Tung China Works – established in 1928 – was one of the true propagators of the craft in Hong Kong. Sadly, it is now one of the last standing purveyors and makers. This could very well be the last generation that gets to see the intricate splendour of locally-made, intricate handicrafts such as this, so be sure to get your hands on one.