Japan is home to some of the most incredible shopping malls and districts that house a variety of fashion styles and trends. These massive complexes are often situated near major train stations of the country and easily go over the hundreds in number.
The shopping industry of Japan is highly competitive. As such, the majority of stores make it a point to focus on certain target markets and only carry specific items. This not only works well for the businesses but also allows customers to instantly identify which places they have to visit for their needs.
The most popular items purchased in Japan include electronics, unique apparel, and shoes, which have proven to be attractive to both locals and foreign travelers. Another aspect that has been continuously contributing to Japan’s economic growth is the sports industry.
Given the country’s many attractions where visitors may trek, hike, ski, and surf, it is not surprising that several stores specializing in sports goods have emerged to create entirely separate shopping centers. The presence of these local and international brands make it easier for foreign travelers to include sports activities in their itineraries without having to think about the amount of stuff they have to bring throughout the travel. Furthermore, many of the items sold in Japan cannot be found anywhere else which make them great collectibles.
Regardless of whether a tourist is in need of a thick winter coat for his ski trip or simply wants to do some rainy-day shopping in July, Japan’s sports stores are absolutely worth a visit.
International Sports Brands in Japan – Nike, Saturdays, Sports Authority, Etc.
Although Japan’s local sports brands make use of high-quality materials, it is perfectly understandable for foreign travelers to only purchase brands they are familiar with. Fortunately, several international brands have made their way into the country such as:
Nike
Nike is among the famous sports brands known all around the world. They specialize in running shoes, apparel, and accessories. The brand has a large number of stores in Japan that can be found either in large shopping malls or in a separate building, entirely.
One of the highly recommended Nike stores in Japan is the Nike Harajuku, located in Shibuya, Tokyo. Aside from carrying the brand’s wide array of styles and designs, the store itself provides a pleasant experience, with its use of soft lights and wooden accents. Furthermore, Nike Harajuku has an in-store studio called NIKEiD, which allows customers to add personal touches to their purchased items.
Address: 1-13-12, Jingumae, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo, 150-0001
Store hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
Adidas
Adidas is another well-known sports brand that closely competes with Nike. Their products are easily recognizable through their signature three stripes. Aside from carrying a wide array of running equipment, they are also popular for producing iconic everyday sneakers such as the Stan Smith.
Just like Nike, Adidas stores can also be found all over Japan either nearby or in massive shopping centers. Their most popular branch is also located in Shibuya, Tokyo and is known as the Adidas Originals Flagship Store.
Unlike its other stores that simply carry the brand’s existing collections, the Tokyo store is proud to be the place where inspiration and originality are born. The place is often jam packed with locals and tourists looking for different kinds of sports goods. Many customers also commend the store’s efficient service and highly assistive and friendly team of staff.
Address: 5-17-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Store hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
Saturdays
Saturdays is a sports brand from New York that was established by three surfers. They made their way to Japan in the year 2011 and have since become a popular sports store focused on providing the community with casual and sports apparel.
According to the founders, their home city and Tokyo resemble each other in more ways than one. They have found that both cities give great importance to food, art, music, and style. As such, their store serves as a lifestyle space where locals and foreign travelers may freely gather and engage in uplifting conversations.
The Saturdays store is situated in the Daikanyama district of Tokyo, Japan. Tourists may locate it by looking for a spacious store with whitewashed walls, a built-in espresso bar, and a pleasant gallery. The place also features a stunning wood-decked patio that effortlessly blends in with Tokyo’s ambiance.
Address: 1-5-2 Aobadai, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo, 153-0042
Store hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
Rapha Performance Roadwear
Rapha Performance Roadwear, or simple Rapha, is a sports brand that focuses on road bicycle racing equipment and accessories. It was founded in 2004 by Simon Mottram, a bike enthusiast that wanted to combine functionality and style to create outstanding products.
After building a reputable name in the sports industry, he branched out into the lifestyle industry and combined the concepts of cafes and retail spaces together to form Rapha Cycle Clubs. These places are specifically designed to answer the needs of cyclists.
Rapha’s branch in Japan is situated in the Kitasando area, just north of the Daikanyama district. Although the store features different aesthetics such as steel, glass, and concrete, it is more often considered as a Rapha Cycle Club than an ordinary Rapha retail store.
Address: Common Garden Harajuku Kitasando 3-1-6, Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0051
Store hours: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM from Monday to Friday; 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
Sports Authority
Sports Authority was once among the largest sports retail outlets in America, so much so that they even spread across Japan. However, in 2016, the company took a turn down south and soon filed for bankruptcy.
At present, the Sports Authority stores in Japan are owned and operated by a local company known as Mega Sports Co. Ltd. Although the ones in America have closed, the branches in Japan continue to serve various areas of the country including Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu.
Address: 1-3-1 Nishihara- cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-0046
Store hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Patagonia
Patagonia is a clothing brand from America that dates back to the year 1973. They carry a sustainable line of outdoor apparel ideal for surfing, mountaineering, and skiing. Unlike other international brands that just recently built a home in Japan, Patagonia has been a part of the country for more than a decade.
Its branch in Shibuya is a multi-story building that features a glass-front façade. Patagonia is one of the best places tourists can visit to buy equipment for impromptu sports adventures in Japan. A visit to the Shibuya store’s top most floor is also highly recommended as it is designed to make guests feel as if they were at sea.
Address: 1,2F 6-16-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
Store hours: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM from Monday to Friday; 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
List of Must-Visit Sports Stores in Tokyo, Okinawa, and Other Areas of Japan
Tourists who want to try out Japanese sports brands can purchase some of the best ones at these popular local stores:
1. Victoria Main Store
Victoria Main Store is considered to be the biggest sports store in Tokyo, Japan. It houses a large collection of apparel, shoes, equipment, and accessories needed for different kinds of sports. Tourists are advised to pay the shop a visit, especially when searching for the newest sports products. In addition, the staff members of the store can understand and speak a little English, which makes for a pleasant shopping experience.
Address: 3-4, Ogawamachi, Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0052
Store hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM from Monday to Saturday; 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM on Sundays and holidays
2. Sports Depo
Sports Depo is a massive shopping mall in Okinawa, Japan that carries an extensive selection of clothing and sporting goods. International brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Puma are also housed in the multi-level building.
Address: Nago, Nago-shi, Okinawa-ken 905-0012
Store hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
3. Art Sports
Art Sports is a sports retail store that carries outdoor equipment & accessories, running shoes, swimwear, and tennis apparel, among many other training items. Its most frequently visited branch is located in Shinjuku, Tokyo and is home to unique finds.
Address: 3-25-10, Ueno, Taito-Ku, Tokyo
Store hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
4. Odakyu HALC
Odakyu HALC is a large mall located right next to Shinjuku’s Odakyu Department Store. The building is so massive that its roof serves as a golf school field. Aside from sports stores, the center also houses numerous restaurants and electronics stores.
Address: 1-1-3, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Store hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
5. L-Breath (Ochanomizu Store)
L-Breath serves as a haven for outdoor camping enthusiasts. They carry a lot of gear and survival equipment that cannot be found anywhere else. Their most popular items include tents, waterproof rain gear, hiking boots, and sunglasses, among many other essentials. The store also offers a wide array of sporting goods.
Address: 2-4-14 Ogawamachi, Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0052
Store hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM from Monday to Saturday; 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM on Sundays and holidays
6. Victoria Golf
Victoria Golf is dedicated to selling all things gold-related and is the biggest of its kind in the metropolitan city of Tokyo. The store is conveniently located near the JR Shinjuku Station. They offer the most advanced golf equipment that will make any person take an interest in the sport.
Address: 4-1-10, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022
Store hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM from Monday to Saturday; 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM on Sundays and holidays
7. Super Sports Xebio
Super Sports Xebio has over 300 stores spread across Japan. They offer a wide selection of sporting goods which includes apparel, shoes, and equipment for soccer, table tennis, badminton, basketball, running, swimming, and other fitness activities. In addition, they are among the several sports stores that provide tax-free services for foreign customers.
Address: Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Minami-Ku, Nishikujō Toriiguchichō, Kyoto, 601-8417
Store hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
List of Other Notable Sports Stores in Japan
Lesser known Japanese sports brands that are also highly recommended for foreign travelers due to their long existence in the country and high-quality products include:
1. Wild-1
Wild-1 is an outdoor sports retail store owned and operated by Kanseki Co., Ltd, a popular Japanese company that also handles home center stores. There are about twenty Wild-1 stores scattered in the east section of Japan. Its flagship store is situated in Chiba, just outside of the central city. The brand primarily caters to camping enthusiasts and carries equipment such as kayaks, backpacks, and fishing rods.
Address: 1-2 Hara Inzai, Chiba
Store hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
2. Od-Box
Od-Box has been a part of the sports industry since 1967and has built a reputation for being one of the best outdoor gears stores in the country. Tourists that are unsure of what they need to buy are advised to pay a visit to Od-Box, as their staff members are incredibly knowledgeable in different sports activities.
Address: 5-26-1 Ueno, Taito-Ku, Tokyo, 110-0005
Store hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
3. B & D
B & D is a popular sports store that has several branches in Japan. Their Shibuya branch, alone, carries over 20,000 items including shoes, clothing, supplements, and accessories. They specialize in running equipment but also carry other goods meant for other sports. In addition, the store offers a unique service known as ADISERO Takumi Special which allows their clients to have custom footwear be made using special 3D instruments.
Address: 2-22-8 Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 1st Floor Natori Building
Store hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM from Monday to Friday; 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
4. myX
myX is unique in the sense that it is associated with Kanagawa Toyota, a popular car dealer. Their products are in no way associated with the automotive industry and mostly consists of camping, biking, fishing, and hiking gear.
Address: 7-1 Sakae-cho, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 221-0052
Store hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
List of Online Sports Stores that Ship to Japan
Tourists who do not have the time to pay a visit to one of Japan’s sports stores or cannot find a particular sporting good/accessory may opt to browse through the online inventories of several local and international brands that ship to the country. A credit card is needed to purchase items from these stores:
1. Coleman - http://www.coleman.co.jp/
2. Columbia - http://www.columbiasports.co.jp/
3. Helly Hansen - http://www.goldwin.co.jp/hellyhansen/
4. Marmot - http://www.marmot.jp/
5. North Face - http://goldwinwebstore.jp/ec/cmShopTopPage2.html
6. Patagonia - http://www.patagonia.com/home/
7. Base Camp Outdoor Shop - http://www.basecamp-jp.com/
8. ICI Sports - http://www.ici-sports.com/
9. Koujitusanso - http://www.kojitusanso.com/shop/default.aspx
10. Namche Bazar - http://www.namchebazar.co.jp/
11. Planet Green Real Outfitter - http://goldwinwebstore.jp/ec/cmTopPage.html
12. Sports Authority - https://www.sportsauthority.jp/ec/