The Ranking System is divided into the following five categories: Gourmet, Experiences, Shopping (Large Commercial Facilities), Shopping (Retail Facilities), and Tourism. The following are the results of the Retail Shopping Division:

U-treasure is a character jewelry brand established in 1981 by Japan's largest custom-made brand, K.UNO.

One of the largest in-house workshops in Japan, there are over 180 artisans housed here. There is a rare diamond cutter that uses a patented proprietary cutting technology. With their commitment to the production process, they have also created a brand-new, made-in-Japan technology. Because of their skilled craftsmanship, even those who are particular about details will enjoy these authentic character goods, jewelry, and accessories.

AWESOME STORE, a hot topic featured in television and magazines, is a lifestyle shop, known for all of its designs, quality, and prices being... AWESOME! Located in the center of Tokyo’s trendy Harajuku, Omotesando, the inside of this place reflects the atmosphere of New York’s Soho cityscape and garage-like spaces.

The average price range is around ¥200 to ¥400, with the lowest price being around ¥20. It may seem cheap, but all products are both functional and stylish, and you are bound to find an item or a souvenir you like.

A well-established second-hand entertainment shop with 10 stores nationwide, this shop is a dealer of toys, figures, games and trading cards (such as Yu-Gi-Oh).

Located in Ginza Chuo Dori, this shop specializes in bags and suitcases at very affordable prices. The suitcases are particularly popular, and sell for a flat price of ¥5,400, regardless of size. The shop staff is also skilled in English and Chinese, so even foreign visitors can enjoy shopping with ease.

When it comes to our Top 5 selections, the major keywords seem to be “anime” and "bargain."

Ameya Yokocho (Ameyoko for short) is located along the tracks of JR Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station. One of the most popular shops here is Niki no Kashi, a shop that has been in business for over 70 years. Japanese locals already know this place to be an inexpensive snack shop, so when we visited we decided to ask about products popular with foreign tourists.

There are three Nishi no Kashi shops in Ameyoko, each with their own different, special features. Nishi no Kashi First Store is the first shop. The second shop, Niki no Kashi Big-Kan, sells other food items in addition to sweets, such as seasonings and packaged goods, and the third, Niki no Kashi Specialty Shop, sells souvenir items.

The first shop has become super famous among foreign visitors, winning first place in the LIVE JAPAN Awards 2019 and known as “THE” place to buy sweets. No matter what day or time you visit, you will almost always find a crowd of tourists shopping here.

Niki First Shop is a duty-free shop, something you don’t normally see in a bargain store. The duty-free cash register is located on the second floor, so make sure to make your purchases to take advantage.

Please note that the other two locations, Niki no Kashi Big-kan and Niki no Kashi Specialty Shop, are also duty-free and located in Ameyoko.

A major feature of Nishi no Kashi is the wide variety of confectionery products, gathered by buyers who visit confectionery makers in various regions in search of new, local beloved products to sell. For this reason, you can purchase local sweets here that you might not be able to find at the airport shops or in local shops.

The idea of famous, local confectionery products might bring with it a rather high-class image, but when it comes to Niki no Kashi, only affordable and delicious products are to be found here.

We asked Mr. Nakagawa, director of the First Store, about the trends of their foreign visitors.

"There is a wide range of popular products. Many of these items they have never seen before, so people tend to buy whatever catches their interest. Matcha and local Hokkaido sweets are standard popular items."

"Soft sweets such as Baumkuchen and Castella are also popular. These handmade Castella cakes feel a bit heavy when you hold it, but that weight is the secret of its deliciousness. A less dense Castella will feel lighter when you hold it, but it will also be less satisfying."

Amidst the variety of popular sweets, there is one particular local product that seems to be purchased more than others!

The Matcha Mochi Monaka is a confectionary product by Bessho Saika, a confectionary company located in Nagano Prefecture. It is a thick matcha bean paste wrapped in a soft mochi. With over 10 pieces in a single bag, this product is a great value.

Kaminari-okoshi is a popular Tokyo confectionary product often bought as a souvenir. A product of the company Goto-Seika, Kaminari-okoshi is also fun to look at with its many color variations.

Fukumochi is a confectionery manufactured by the Kotobuki Seika company in Hiroshima Prefecture, and comes beautifully wrapped in Japanese patterned paper. The rice cakes inside have a chewy texture, with a simple, not-too-sweet taste, and make a great souvenir, even for people who have never tried them before.

The popular Niki no Kashi, with its unique lineup of sweets and duty-free service, is a favorite retail shop to many in Japan, from new visitors to repeat buyers. Enjoy the Japanese market atmosphere and take advantage of the great deals as you shop at Ameyoko!

Written by: Ran Tanaka. English translation by: Krys Suzuki.