Souvenir Shopping in Asakusa

It's fun shopping in Asakusa though the prices may not necessarily be cheaper than in the Omotesando district. There are hundreds of stalls on side streets and on the main alley leading to Sensoji Temple. But it's hard to get close to some stalls (like the cookie shops) on Sundays when it seems a third of Tokyoites are congregating in the area.

No wonder the cookie stalls are mobbed. Check out these goodies which are wrapped so attractively. Who wouldn't be thrilled to receive a box of these freshly baked treats?

The cute knick knacks above are cell phone accessories or possibly something you can put into your key ring or hang from the handle of your handbag. I like the miniature wooden Japanese dolls best though I didn't buy any.

These cloth made dolls are beautiful to behold. Note the price for each doll - from 2,000 yen to 5,250 yen or US$24 to $64.00 at $1 to 82 yen. Behind the dolls are paddles with two feather shuttlecocks.

There are also many kimono and fabric shops in Asakusa but my personal choice for buying vintage kimono is the Oriental Bazaar in Omotesando where the selections are better, the fabrics are of good quality and prices are reasonable.

After a long day of "window shopping", here's my reward:

The best shopping I experienced in Tokyo is at the food sections of department stores. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed in these places so I can only dream about it till my next visit.

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Images by Charie

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