6 best museum and gallery shops in Tokyo

Not your ordinary museum shop, Souvenir From Tokyo offers more than the usual postcards and coffee-table books (though it’s got plenty of those, too). The well-curated shop lives up to its name with a diverse selection of Japanese-style accessories, clothes, crockery and pieces by feted local designers like Mina Perhonen and Anrealage. Whether you’re looking for a memento or an offbeat present for a friend, this is a good place to start.

The 8th floor museum in the towering Shibuya Hikarie building is all about spreading the love: each exhibition is devoted to showcasing a particular theme, as represented by all 47 of Japan's prefectures. The retail space also sells and supports a range of foodstuff and items focused on Japanese craftsmanship from each of the different prefectures as well as a design travel guidebook to the areas. 

Located on the third floor of Omotesando's plush Gyre building, the shop stocks over 1,800 goods, many of them exclusive to MoMA (including some featuring art works from the museum's permanent collection). Assuming that you aren't on a particularly tight budget, it's a good place for getting unusual gifts, whether you want children's toys, fashion accessories or high-tech kitchenware. Japanese designers are well represented amongst the lineup, be it Isamu Noguchi's 1950s paper lamps or Yousuke Shimizu's exquisite bamboo bowls.

Found on the National Museum's ground floor, this store carries a whopping 4,500 items – from paraphernalia related to ongoing exhibitions to original products inspired by the museum's permanent collection. You'll find bags, stationery, accessories, replicas of famed artworks... all superb souvenir/gift options. The art book section is almost like a small library; it stocks illustrated tomes recounting past exhibits alongside books published by the museum. On your way out, make sure to try one of the capsule toy vending machines that 'spits' out quirky collectibles. 

This gallery is connected to the Roppongi Hills Art & Design Store and hosts a variety of contemporary art exhibitions, ranging from pieces by world-class artists like Yoshitomo Nara to ceramics and more experimental works. The shop carries fun souvenirs and memorabilia from artists like Takeshi Murakami and Yayoi Kusama so that you can take a little piece of art back home with you. 

Located in Tokyo Midtown, this museum contains exhibits based on the theme of ‘Lifestyle Art’. It possesses the largest collection of Japanese arts and crafts in Japan, and also stages tea ceremonies in its dedicated room. While you're there, don't miss the gift shop that features a wide range of tableware, glasses, and cups with Edo Kiriko patterns. Items from the shop are specially designed and often incorporate motifs from the museum's collection.