Where to Buy Ukiyo-e in Tokyo: 5 Must-Visit Shops

If you're visiting Tokyo and looking to purchase authentic ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints), you're in luck!
The city is home to several excellent shops that offer a wide selection of traditional and contemporary prints.

Whether you are a collector or a first-time buyer, these five stores provide a great place to explore and purchase beautiful ukiyo-e artworks.

1. Hara Shobo (原書房)

Location: Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Website:https://www.harashobo.com/
What to Expect:
Hara Shobo is a long-established bookstore specializing in ukiyo-e, shin-hanga (new prints), and reproduction prints.
With a vast collection ranging from affordable pieces to high-end artworks, this store is a great place for collectors and casual buyers alike.

2. Yamada Shoten (山田書店)

Location: Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Website:https://www.yamada-shoten.com/
What to Expect:
Founded in 1936, Yamada Shoten is a well-respected shop that deals in ukiyo-e, shin-hanga, and modern prints.
They have a wide variety of prints, from affordable pieces for beginners to rare, high-value items for serious collectors.

3. Gallery Soumeidou (ギャラリーそうめい堂)

Location: Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Website:https://soumei.biz/
What to Expect:
Gallery Soumeidou specializes in ukiyo-e and has gained trust from collectors and museums worldwide.
The store offers a range of prints, ensuring both beginners and seasoned collectors can find something that suits their tastes.

4. Sakai Koukodo (酒井好古堂 - Yamato / Shouga, 山藤・正雅)

Location: Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Website:https://www.ukiyoegallery.net/
What to Expect:
Located in the historic Asakusa district, this ukiyo-e gallery operates two stores: Yamato in Nakamise Street and Shouga on Denpoin Street.
These shops are popular among tourists and locals alike, offering a mix of affordable and premium ukiyo-e prints.

5. Shukado (秋華洞)

Location: Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
The nearest Station and Exit:
- Ginza Station, Exit C2 on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi, Hibiya, and Ginza Lines
- Yurakucho Station, Exit Yurakucho Marion on the JR Line
Website:https://www.syukado.jp/
What to Expect:
Shukado is a reputable art dealer specializing in ukiyo-e, hanging scrolls, and folding screens.
If you're looking for high-quality Japanese art pieces, this store is worth visiting.
They also offer online services and international shipping for overseas buyers.

 

Tips for Buying Ukiyo-e in Tokyo:

 

Check Authenticity: If you're looking for antique ukiyo-e, ensure that the piece is authentic.
Reputable stores will provide certificates or detailed explanations about the print’s history and condition.

 

Ask About English Support: Some stores may have English-speaking staff, but not all. It’s a good idea to check their website or bring a translation app.

 

Budget Wisely: Prices vary significantly depending on the age, rarity, and condition of the prints.
Some affordable reproductions start at around ¥2,000, while rare originals can cost hundreds of thousands of yen.

 

Consider Shipping Options: If you’re traveling, check whether the shop offers international shipping, especially for delicate or high-value purchases.

 

By visiting these stores, you’ll not only get to purchase authentic ukiyo-e prints but also experience a fascinating part of Japan’s cultural history. Happy shopping!