Hunting for (affordable) Home Goods in Tokyo
Hunting for (affordable) home goods in Tokyo: My favourite design shops
On a recent trip to Tokyo, I carved out time for one of my favorite kinds of exploring—wandering through the city’s design-forward home goods stores. There's something incredibly satisfying about finding pieces that feel like souvenirs and staples all at once. From the serene shelves of Muji to the curated corners of small shops in quiet neighbourhoods, Tokyo’s interiors scene didn’t disappoint. With a recently renovated kitchen and more projects underway, I had a long list of items I was saving to browse in Tokyo.
Here are some of the places I loved most—and what I found along the way.
1. Lost and Found (Nakameguro)
Ahead of my trip, I really enjoyed browsing their online shop top to bottom, my wish-list expanding, but it was their BELMONT Fire Square Kettle that I knew I just had to have. It’s design was stunning and I loved how it brought the outdoors in. A couple weeks before my trip, I saw the kettle was out of stock online. I emailed them inquiring if they’d be getting more stock anytime soon and they responded within 2 days that while they were out of stock online, their physical store had them - I was elated.
The brick and mortar did not disappoint either. Tucked into a quiet corner of Nakameguro, Lost and Found felt like stepping into a minimalist time capsule. This beautifully curated shop specializes in "tools for life"—practical, understated items designed to last. I was instantly drawn to their Japanese-made enamelware and kitchen utensils, each with an origin story. It’s the kind of place that makes you rethink everything you own, in the best way possible. The store is very comfortable to browse, even if you’re just window shopping their well curated store. The staff were incredibly kind, knowledgeable and very helpful.
What I brought home: BELMONT Fire Square Kettle (1.6L), ICHENDORF MILANO Cilindro Oil Bottle, a set of Kajitonya condiment bowls, and a NIKKO #Single use Planet cup.
To me, this kettle was the epitome of Japanese craftsman ship. Well made and well designed - to last. The 1.6L option felt whimsically disproportionate but practical for both the outdoors and indoors.
2. PukuPuku (Kichijōji)
If Lost and Found was quietly refined, PukuPuku was delightfully eclectic. Located in vibrant Kichijōji, this Japanese antiques shop was the biggest surprise on the trip. I didn’t expect to find so many beautiful antique small plates and bowls at such reasonable prices either, with just the right amount of wear. They ranged in prices depending on wear with many small-medium hand crafted plates starting at ~¥600 (around $4.25). This was also one of the few shops I went into that carried a large variety of rice bowls with matching lids (in hindsight, wish I got a few. I couldn’t find any when I went to Kappabashi Kitchen Street). This is a great spot to pickup a few souvenirs as each item is unique and has it’s own story - without breaking the bank.
What I brought home: Various small plates and bowls - some for my own collection and some for friends.
Still had the price sticker on a few of them, the ones I picked up ranged from ¥550-¥880 ($3.80-$6.11). Each was so beautifully unique and really elevate your table game.
3. フリーデザイン (Free Design) (Kichijoji)
Free Design in Kichijoji is a dream for fans of Scandinavian-Japanese design blends. Think: simple, functional, and cheerful. Brands like Kinto, Hasami, and Marimekko sit side-by-side here, and every shelf is pleasingly color-coded and inviting to browse. The staff were friendly, and the store felt calm despite being quite popular.
What I brought home: A set of Stamp Chopstick Rests (Azumaya)
There were 10 options to choose from in the store and I picked out 4. Love how minimal and understated they are.
4. Muji (Various Locations)
No list of Tokyo home shopping would be complete without Muji. Even though it’s available globally now, there’s something about shopping at Muji in Japan that feels like coming back to the source. The product range is broader, the prices better, and the selection more localized.
I went in for "just a look" and left with a suitcase full of goods. Their home section always reminds me how simplicity can be so satisfying. What stood out the most was their Interior Room Fragrance (Woody) and their recent line of Essential Oil Aroma products (particularly the Japanese Cypress & Lavender).
The Woody scent instantly evokes a sense of calm and I’m transported back to serene vacations where I was most connected to nature. It’s exactly the scent I want my home to be.
I couldn’t even tell you what other scents are offered with their Essential Oil Aroma products as I was obsessed with the Japanese Cypress & Lavender scent the moment I got a whiff of it in their Shibuya store. Japanese Cypress (Hinoki) is one of my absolute favourite scents in the world. It’s calming and weighty, yet never overpowering. Their bottles are aesthetically pleasing with refill pouches available. With products in this line priced between ¥1,082-1,490 (around $7.50-$10.50), it offers a very affordable alternative to the irresistible lotions and soaps from the likes of Aesop or Le Labo.
My only complaint - the body wash only comes in a refillable pouch and not in the same bottling as the others. For those looking to have everything matching on the same countertop or shower niche… you’ll have to find a similar bottle elsewhere or go for the contrast using one of Muji’s many refillable bottles.
Pro tip: Head to one of the flagship stores (like in Ginza or Shibuya) for the full Muji experience—complete with cafes and entire furniture showrooms.
What I brought home: Japanese Cypress (Hinoki) & Lavender scented Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash and Body Milk; Woody Interior Fragrance Oil, PET refill bottles, various kitchen items
The Muji Japanese Cypress & Lavender Shampoo and Conditioner bottles sitting in my shower niche. The bottles are aesthetically pleasing and the scent ever so calming.
5. Nitori (Various Locations)
I hadn’t expected to love Nitori as much as I did—it’s often referred to as the Japanese version of IKEA, but I found it had a slightly softer, more homely charm. Their styling leans into cozy and functional, and they have some genuinely great deals on bedding, storage, and kitchen goods. I was short on time and only made it to their second floor (fortunately for my wallet and suitcase space) but I was really impressed with what was available.
I had been on the search for wipeable placemats. I previously owned ones from Crate & Barrel that I absolutely adored but I was struggling to justify the price point again for 4-6 mats. I had just about given up my search when I popped into Nitori on my last day in Tokyo. I picked up a few that sit nicely in my suitcase for ¥399-499 ($2.75-3.50) each. I’ll be honest, my main reason for going to Nitori was because I had heard about this viral cutting board. It felt a bit silly to bring this all the way home but I’m excited to try it.
What I brought home: Placemats, kitchen timer, bowls, 4in1 cutting board
A set of Faux leather wipeable place mats (¥499/$3.50 each) and soft cotton washable place mats (¥399/$2.75 each)
Nitori’s 4 in 1 board: Chopping, defrosting, grater, and knife sharpener
There’s just something about a simple kitchen timer with big numbers and buttons!
Final Thoughts
What I love most about shopping for home goods in Tokyo is how it turns even the most everyday object into something intentional. Whether it’s a mug, a spatula, or a stool, everything feels crafted with care and design at the forefront. The pieces I brought home are small, but they now carry the memory of walking Tokyo’s quiet streets, popping into shops, and imagining a cozier, more beautiful home. I loved browsing Kichijōji and Nakameguro for smaller shops and Shibuya and Ginza for the bigger ones.
While I visited quite a few more than the 5 mentioned above, they stood out the most for me. If you're planning your own trip and love interiors, don’t skip these spots. Your suitcase might be a little heavier on the way home—but your home will thank you. I can’t wait to return to Tokyo again soon and explore more.
