The ultimate guide to Tokyo's skate shops and where to buy skateboard gear
Overview
Tokyo definitely has retail scene on lock. Everything you've imagined or you have never even heard of – it's in Tokyo. With that said, there's not really a single stop for skateboard gear.
Either a store has a very limited (but cool) selection or Zumies-like stock, which is disappointing for most skaters. In addition, skateboard gear in Tokyo is insanely expensive compared to the American retail.
Where to buy skateboards in Tokyo
Buying gear online makes sense if you lived in Japan but most guys come visit for a few days. Unless you are a pro doing a demo, the chances are – you have no idea where to go. The following are some of the skateshops that stood the test of time and provides cool items:
Tatsuymiya Bunguten in Yagumo, Tokyo
Without out a doubt, this is a true hidden gem and one of the OG skateshops only the locals knew about.
It's situated in a small stationery store across from an elementary school. It's a little store that mostly caters to local kids and elderly. For whatever reason, the guy who owns the shop is one of the most well-respected local skaters and he happens to have connections to provide goods at a signficant discount (compared to, say, Supreme and FTC).
It's about a 7 minute walk from Toritsu-daigaku station on Toyoko-line.
http://r-fskate.com/catalog000.htm
文房具店
The store is quite small so check the inventory on the website (it's web 1.0) and show him what you want when you arrive.
Might be a good idea to hit up Yagumo-Saryo while you are here. A next level membership only restaurant. Open for breakfast without membership.
Supreme
The OG cool guy store everyone knows about. They do carry a pretty interesting selection of decks. There are three locations in Tokyo.
http://www.supremenewyork.com/stores
FTC
This one is located off of a path that branches from the "cat street" in Tokyo. The guys here are very nice. The focus is primarily on their clothes and skateshoes but they have some decent stuff.
HUF
This one just opened up. I have never been so I can't speak for it.
California Street
This one has been around for a loooooong time. Good selection. Fair prices.
Located in Daikanyama.
スケートボード・スケボー用品専門通販・カリフォルニアストリート
カリフォルニアストリート
Address: 7-3 Daikanyamacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0034, Japan Phone:+81 3-3461-9725
Heshdawgz
Located on the cat street that extends from Shibuya to Omotesando. This skateshop is on the second floor of a small building. Pretty nice selection. This is another OG skateshop everyone knows about.
Heshdawgz ヘッシュドウグズ
Address: 4 Chome-25-7 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Phone:+81 3-3475-3475
Arktz
Another OG. I've actually never been here. I've heard good things.
アークティーズ
Address: Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 6 Chome−18−6, 神宮前大橋ビル 2F
Phone:+81 3-5466-1338
Stormy
Another store that's been around since I was a little kid. The selection is ok (as far as the high end stuff goes). The staff is extremely helpful. It's located close to W)taps GIP store and OIOI. This store is located close to Heshdawgz, FTC, and Arktz. You can knock out these four stores in one trip for sure.
STORMY Skateboard Shop
Address: Japan, 〒150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jinnan, 1 Chome−107, 第二工業ビル
Phone:+81 3-5456-9520
Murasaki Sports
This is a chain sports shop that focuses on extreme sports. Zumies equivalent of Tokyo. It's very accessible and they have workshops and etc. Most of the guys who work at the shop are not skaters and maybe hard to get your questions answered. I wouldn't necessarily recommend but worth a shot.
The following are the locations in Tokyo. There are two locations in Harajuku/Shibuya (bolded).
上野本店
東京都台東区上野4-6-10
アリオ北砂店
東京都江東区北砂2-17-1 アリオ北砂 3F
MURASAKI PARK TOKYO
東京都足立区千住関屋町19-1アメージングスクエア
神田小川町店
東京都千代田区神田小川町2-4-8
THE SUNS 神田小川町店
東京都千代田区神田小川町2-5-17
イオンモールむさし村山店
東京都武蔵村山市榎1-1-3-3007イオンモールむさし村山ミュー 3F
アリオ亀有店
東京都葛飾区亀有3-49-3アリオ亀有 アリオモール 3F
八王子店
東京都八王子市東町12-2
アリオ西新井店
東京都足立区西新井栄町1-20-1アリオ西新井 2F
京王聖蹟桜ヶ丘店
東京都多摩市関戸1-10-1京王聖蹟桜ヶ丘SC B館 5F
新宿南口店
東京都新宿区新宿3-35-18 新宿東南口ビル2F・3F
原宿明治通り店
東京都渋谷区神宮前3-22-9
池袋P´パルコ店
東京都豊島区南池袋1-50-35 池袋パルコ別館P´パルコ8F
渋谷スペイン坂店
東京都渋谷区宇田川町13-8千歳会館 1F
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide is helpful for those who are just stopping by and also ex-pat families in Tokyo.
