This is the first part in a complete guide series for LOFT Shibuya, breaking down each floor strategically with a focus on which are the best gifts to buy, so you can shop efficiently whether you only have 30 minutes or 3 hours.
You can easily buy a good quality gift from 300 yen (~$2) to ¥3,000 (~$20), making LOFT the sweet spot between the DAISOs (100 yen stores) and luxury department stores.
What is LOFT ?
LOFT is a leading Japanese lifestyle and household goods specialty department store with 177 branches nationwide. LOFT Shibuya first opened in 1987 with the opening of the LOFT Annex of Seibu Shibuya. It is now interconnected as part of the Seibu Shibuya shopping annex with MUJI on the B1 floor as well. You are sure to see the big building with SEIBU in neon bold letters, once exiting through A6b/A6c.
The opening of Shibuya LOFT was followed by the opening of stores in Umeda, Osaka, Ginza, and Ikebukuro, which cemented their brand image. Today, LOFT operates across Japan with stores in major cities throughout out Tokyo, and other regions of Japan, like Hokkaido, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Tochigi, Gunma, Ibaraki, Tokai, Koshinetsu, Hokuriku, Kinki, Chuukoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu areas (Okinawa).
Big LOFT branches in Tokyo:
- Shibuya (flagship store)
LOFT in Comparison to Other Major Japanese Retail Stores
Unlike the chaotic sensory overload of Don Quijote, the LOFT stores are carefully curated. Every item feels intentional, high-quality, design forward (clean, cute, or modern), and distinctly Japanese. You won’t find cheap plastic junk here.
| Store | Type | Best For | Pros & Cons | Quality |
| LOFT | Lifestyle department store | Curated design items, stationery goods, seasonal items/cards, Japanese crafts | Clean and organized, but not super cheap | Mid to high/premium ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Don Quijote (Donki-hote) | Discount megastore | Everything & novelty items | Cheap for bulk buys; crowded and chaotic | Mixed (mostly mid) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tokyu Hands | Creative & arts store | DIY, hobby supplies, quality tools | Similar to LOFT, slightly more practical but can be expensive | Premium ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Daiso | 100 yen variety store | Stationery, kitchen, daily essentials | Well-organized, simple; not all items are ¥100 (bigger items up to ~¥300) | Good value / lasts long ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3COINS | 300 yen lifestyle store | Trendy home decor & accessories | Cute designs but limited variety | Mid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| MUJI | Lifestyle & household store | Minimal basics, clothing, skincare, home goods, groceries | Clean and zen but can be pricey | High ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Isetan Shinjuku | Luxury department store | High-end fashion, luxury brands, gourmet foods | Prestigious but expensive; very large (10 floors) | Premium/luxury ⭐⭐⭐ |
You might be interested…
The Ultimate Shinjuku Don Quijote Guide: Where to Shop and Save
Why Shop at LOFT Shibuya?
- Historical significance: It was the first and original LOFT that started it all in 1987!
- Size & Diverse selection: Unlike most of the other smaller LOFT branches, LOFT Shibuya spans seven floors (from B1F to 6F) with around 80,000 unique items. Almost every product category is represented here!
- Prime location: Just 4 minutes away from Shibuya station in the heart of Tokyo, a youth fashion and lifestyle hub with trendy cafes!
- LOFT Shibuya is directly connected to MUJI Shibuya on the B1F, allowing you to save on time and energy!
- Tax-free services with a dedicated tax free refund counter on the 6F. If you show your passport at the register, you can receive a 5% discount on purchases over 5000 yen or more. (Note: The name on your credit card must match the name on your passport).
Note: Tax free purchases can be returned and refunded in Japanese yen in cash but can only be done at the same LOFT store it was purchased at. Make sure to bring your receipt as well!
- LOFT Shibuya is open late, until 9 PM daily, accommodating after-work and evening shoppers.
Floor by Floor Shopping Guide
B1F : Stationery Heaven
🚻 All gender bathroom (*there are pads in the women’s bathroom for 100 yen)
🏧 Seven Bank ATM
Inter-connected to MUJI
- Ballpoint and fountain pens
- Erasers
- Notebooks and diary planners
- Paper products
- Office supplies
- Design and art supplies, like washi tape and stickers
- Print processing service
- Japanese seals
- Nameplates!
This is where stationery addicts lose track of time!
1F - Craft Goods, Souvenirs & Seasonal Items
- Japanese craft goods (keychains, handkerchiefs, etc)
- Smartphone accessories
- MoMA Design Store corner
- Jewellery & accessories
- Wristwatches
- Eyeglasses
- Gift wrapping foods
- Seasonal decorations and greeting cards, like for Christmas/New Years
2F: Health & Beauty
- Organic and natural cosmetics
- Make-up goods
- Body care
- Hair care
- Skincare products (men and women)
- Oral care
- Bath items
- Wellness items
Lots of pop-up events on the 2F with make-up/skin-care lines collaborating with K-pop idols!
3F: Cooking & Kitchen
🚻 All gender bathroom
- Cooking and baking utensils
- Table goods
- Coffee making vessels
- Vessels for alcoholic beverages
- Chopsticks
- Bento boxes
- Tea making vessels (ex; tea pots, matcha whisk etc)
- Matcha powder
- Other Japanese household and lunch goods!
4F - Home Decor & Interior
♿Disabled bathroom
- Room decorations
- Room fragrances and aroma products
- Small furniture pieces
- Towels
- Laundry supplies
- Green interior
- Desk goods
- Storage goods
- Shoe care
- Bedding & cushions
- Slippers
- Cleaning supplies
- Japanese calendars
- Soft toys and keychains
- Flower miscellaneous goods
5F: Travel & Entertainment
🚻 All gender bathroom
- Casual bags
- Suitcases
- Business bags
- Caps
- Leather goods
- Fashion goods
- Umbrellas
- Raincoats
- Travel accessories
6F: “Zakka” Miscellaneous Goods, Graphic Art & Character Items
🚺 Women’s only bathroom
There is a tax refund counter on this floor, as well as the seasonal character exhibitions (forums section).
- Posters
- Figurines
- Graphics
- Character goods
- Light hobby goods
- Party goods
- 3D character/figure printing service
Smart Shopping Tips
- Timing: Avoid weekend afternoons/evenings and aim to shop during weekday mornings when there are minimal crowds
- Budget for 2 to 4 hours depending on your priorities
- Utilise the free wifi which is available throughout the Shibuya Seibu Annex
Wifi name: SEIBU-Free-WIFI
Password: seibu123
- Always bring your own bags and cash with you in case your credit card doesn’t work
- Bring your passport to utilise tax free services and save on money!
- Start from bottom to top (the stationary B1 floor is the most popular and where you can buy unique, light weight items)
- MUJI is interconnected on the B1 floor so head to MUJI after shopping at LOFT (you can shop for basics/essentials here)
Is LOFT Worth Your Time?
LOFT is worth visiting if you:
- Really want authentic Japanese designs and aesthetics (especially lifestyle souvenirs, decorations, and stationery)
- Want quality items and gifts that last
- Enjoy curated shopping experiences
- Want to also to shop at MUJI, as it is interconnected on the B1F floor
However:
- If you are shopping on a tighter budget and really want to save money, go to Daiso or Don Quijote instead
- For high fashion or luxury items, head to nearby Shibuya PARCO or ISETAN Shinjuku
- For basics/essentials that are quintessential Japanese or yummy packaged Japanese food items, head to MUJI
Key Information
- Name｜ LOFT Shibuya
- Address｜21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042 ｜Google Map Link
- Tranportation｜4 minute walk from Shibuya Station (closest exit: A3c/b)
- Opening Hours｜11:00 – 21:00
- Official Website｜ https://www.loft.co.jp/en/
- Social Media｜ https://www.instagram.com/LOFT_SHIBUYA/
- Paying Methods｜Credit cards (i.e American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club International, Saison Card International, JCB, UC, UFJ Card, DC, & Nicos), cash (only accept JPY), and digital payments (i.e China Union Pay)
Explore The Guide Series
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I’m a travel and content writer, occasionally publishing pieces and short stories on Medium. I love to travel within and outside Japan as well as eat good food, dance, and read!
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