A Travel Hack for Gift Shopping Right Before your Flight! The Ultimate Ekinaka Souvenir Guide

Gransta Tokyo is the largest ekinaka under the JR East umbrella, found conveniently inside Tokyo Station.
You’ll know you’re here when you find the larger-than-life digital sign marking Square Zero, home to over 150 different shops and brands to explore.
With so many different eateries, confectioneries and shops under its arm, the sheer variety of brands at this shopping space almost feels like a self-contained town.
As a bonus, there’s even beauty brands like Cosme Loft and Biople to love.
For souvenirs, there’s spot-on options at TOKYO!!!, HANAGATAYA and more, all covered in the round-up below.
No matter what your fancy, pop in for charming little discoveries and sweets that double as perfect little gifts to go.
For the hungry traveler, you’ll be happy to know there’s also plenty of cafes and eateries to help you unwind or fill up before heading home.

ecute is the branded ekinaka space that’s designed with wall-to-wall goodies that are sure to make you smile.
Of the total 8 locations in Omiya, Omiya North, Akabane, Nippori, Ueno, Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Tachikawa, 7 of which are located inside stations under the label ecute “station name” so they’re easy to find.
The ecute brand is a staple for regional goods and names, meaning you’re bound to find exclusive items or local-made goods you can only buy here.
Depending on the time of year there are even special events and event corners launched alongside well-known brands where you can find especially rare items.
Many of the ecute shops are set inside stations with easy airport access, making them even more easy to swing by before you head home.

HANAGATAYA is a shop for select items and bites that, true to the name, are intended to add a little “pizazz” and dazzle to your days.
There are some 20 different shops inside of JR stations, including major stations like Ueno, Tokyo and Shinagawa Stations.
Step inside to find anything from veteran classics to all new vibrant names that are sure to carry something fit for your special someone.
For classic Tokyo names, this is the spot to find Tokyo Banana, CARAMEL WICH and so much more.
Many travelers in the know love HANAGATAYA for its reliable and eclectic line up of bento boxes.
In addition to famous bento styles, the HANAGATAYA originals are a perfect lunch to pick up along with some souvenirs before heading to the bullet train.

TOKYO!!! Is the shop to find oodles of different Tokyo-themed goodies and cultural items.
The store is themed after time, organized so you can find the perfect gift in “3 seconds”, “3 minutes” or “3 hours” depending on your sense of time.
Special items themed after the iconic Tokyo Station building, or the Suica IC card character Suica penguin are just some of the adorable discoveries that make for great souvenirs.
As an added bonus, there’s even rare items you won’t find elsewhere like JR East all original goods and railway items you can only find here.
This particular spot is located near the same Gransta Tokyo spot located above, just steps from the Central Exit of Yaesu North Exit so you can easily swing by.
There’s always something special available on the 3rd day of each month so keep a pin on this spot, especially if the timing is right.

GENERAL STORE RAILYARD'', operated by the JR East Group, is a store specializing in original railway goods. Currently, there are two stores open, one inside the ticket gate at Omiya Station and one just outside the ticket gate at Akihabara Station.
This is one spot that draws on the long-loved history behind JR East to bring a one-of-a-kind worthwhile space filled with railway-centric culture and technology.
Step inside to find train-centric original goods and items in all shapes and sizes, as well as limited-number goods to grab as a memento before they’re gone.
Tickle your inner train enthusiasts with stickers, keychains, toys and knickknacks that feature adorable miniature prints of timetables and station signboards that you’re sure to love.
Warm your heart with a lineup of tried-and-true items that are sure to make you smile.

KENELESTAND is the go-to spot for miniature “gachapon” capsules that’s aimed at adults.
One of the main reasons all the big kids flock to this spot is for the colorful lineup of latest, new-released miniatures made to light up your heart.
There are so many cool and quirky items that are sure to turn you into a collector, making even just a quick stroll through the different baubles an undeniable adventure.
It's great that new items are released every month, so no matter when you visit, you can always enjoy something fresh.
In addition to the Gransta Yaekita shop in Tokyo Station, there’s even a super-sized corner with over 150 different capsule stands at KENELESTAND Akihabara, plus at Ueno Station for more.

This retail hub is housed inside the revamped former Manseibashi Station, a spot built at the end of the Meiji Period as the mainstay of the Chuo Line until Tokyo Station opened. It’s located under the Manseibashi Viaduct, the elevated rail tracks that now support the JR Chuo Line.
The current location is designed under the concept of a “Manseibashi Station Salon”, offering a glimpse into the historic remains of the station, red-brick architecture, arch-shaped ceilings throughout the interior, old stairs that once lead to the station platform and other relics of old.
Stroll through here for a walk the local tradition and history on trip that feels stopped in time.

If you’re talking about the best ekinaka to explore in east Japan, there’s no way to go without mentioning Tokyo Station.
Tokyo Station serves as a major travel hub for many in Japan, complete with the ekinaka spaces Gransta, ecute and HANAGATAYA as mentioned above.
With so many shops there’s no doubt it’s the best spot for shopping options, but if it’s your first time finding so many spots at once it may even seem a little daunting.
If that’s you, rest assured, as we’ve rounded up 3 top-notch, exclusive picks to inspire your quest at Tokyo station.

The Ueno Station area is a tried and true hub for travelers on their way to popular spots like Ueno Park, the National Park Museum and Ameyoko Shopping Street.
What makes it even better is its impeccable access to both Narita and Haneda airports from the station. Step inside to find ecute Ueno, the sprawling shopping network across the 3 floors inside the ticket gates and 1st and second floor outside the park gates that feel as if you’ve walked into a museum lobby.
While inside you’re sure to notice one face, the staple “panda” known around Ueno Station and Ueno Zoo as it makes a few special cameos across exclusive gifts and products.
If you’re unsure where to kick of your shopping, start with the 3 easy picks we’ve included below.

Shinagawa is the station that sits just a 20 minute express train from Haneda Airport, making it an easy stop if you’re visiting Tokyo.
From here you can easily make it to famed Tokyo destinations like Asakusa, Shibuya and Shinjuku in just 30 minute.
The station is even a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train, meaning you’re bound to see plenty of foot traffic at this stop.
At ecute Shinagawa inside you’ll find two different floors with cafes, restaurants and sweets, ass well as a bakery and deli, cosmetic shops, boutiques and more.
This all-in-one shop is an excellent spot for food and shopping, making it easy to swing by if you’re on your way in or out of town.
Below are 3 of our favorite gifts and souvenirs just waiting for you at ecute Shinagawa.

Omiya Station is a terminal station for the Tohoku Shinkansen and Joetsu Shinkansen, as well as 12 lines including JR and private railways. The number of passengers each day is well 500,000 travelers, putting this station on the map as the northern gateway into the city.
Many travelers here tend to step out and focus on the shopping and sightseeing outside, but sure not to miss the hidden treasures that wait inside the doors.
Step into ecute Omiya/ecute Omiya North to find a glitzy network of 80 stores, including restaurants, cafes, and cosmetics stores.
There’s even a newly launched food court inside coined National Local Gourmet Court Omiya Yokocho where you can feel like travelling all across Japan without leaving the floor.
Below are our 3 select items from ecute Omiya and ecute Omiya North to bookmark before heading to the store.

Shibuya Station is nearly synonymous with a hub for youth, serving as the city’s epicenter for trends that drink that latest fashion and brands.
Complete with great train access, the area is constantly buzzing with a full variety of businessmen, tourists, students and more.
If you’re looking for ekinaka here, swing by Hikarie or Mark City.
Even inside Shibuya’s newest iconic landmark, Shibuya Scramble Square you’ll even find the ecute Edition Shibuya awaiting on the 1st floor.
Here’s the spot to find buzz-worthy, seasonal sweets and limited items you can only find in Shibuya.
If you’re in the area, check out our 3 favorites below for souvenirs to try.

First, start your sightseeing at Ueno Park (official name: Ueno Onshi Park), which is a 2-minute walk from the park exit of JR Ueno Station. Ueno Park, known as a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing, is a park rich in nature with seasonal flowers and trees in full bloom throughout the year. If you visit in the summer, the lotuses at Shinobazu Pond create a picturesque scene by the water that you simply won’t want to miss.
The sprawling grounds here are dotted with plenty to see, including museums, shrines and temples such as Shimizu Kannon-do and Ueno Toshogu Shrine, and the iconic Ueno symbol Saigo Takamori Statue. Among them, Ueno Zoo, the oldest in Japan, is a popular spot visited by many tourists.
Swing by here for a chance to see rare furry friends like the giant panda, one of the world's three most rare animals.
With so much to see, try not to expect to catch everything in one morning so be sure to mix and match the favorites you want to try.

After a blissful morning at the park its time to head back to Ueno Station for lunch.
The recommended spot to try here is T's Tantan, a spot located on the 3rd floor of ecute Ueno. Many travelers love this ramen for its vegan options, meaning you can trust there’s no meat, seafood, eggs, or dairy products used.
The texture of their soy faux meats are truly astounding, paired with heaps of vegetables and soy milk for a flavor that make the mouth and body happy.
With such a rich and deep umami you may be surprised its made without any animal ingredients, not to mention its photo-worthy appearance and taste.
If you’re not sure where to start, go for the signature Golden Sesame Tantan Noodles, piled high with vegan chashu and vegetable dumplings and a creamy peanut cream broth you’ll not soon forget.

Take a moment after lunch to swing by ecute Ueno, the spot for irresistibly cute panda-themed goods and more before heading for your flight home.
Below is our hand-picked favorite shops to help you find the utmost in gift and souvenir shopping.

With the end of this full-on day comes time to finally head over to the airport for your flight home.
Below we’ve added an easy guide on how to get to both Narita and Haneda Airports from Ueno Station. Be sure to count backwards from your flight’s check-in time and build your schedule from there.
Leave room for extra travel time as there’s always a chance of and weather or unforeseen incidents slowing down service on the trains.

Kick off your final day by heading to Yanaka Ginza, a street known for its downtown market atmosphere.
If you follow the signs and walk up the slope from the west exit of JR Nippori Station, you should arrive at the entrance in about 6 minutes.
The staircase at your feet is nicknamed the Yuyake Dandan (the “sunset stairs”), offering you the perfect spot and chance to snap a photo to commemorate your time.
From there you’ll head down to the some 60 stores that sit along the total street length of about 170 meters.
The area keeps a colorful repertoire of unique and eclectic shops that buzz with the hum of shop owners and their shoppers.
Grab a croquette or donut for some local street eats or pick up a local handcraft as a fun little souvenir. Also, keep your eyes peeled as Yanaka Ginza is nicknamed as Cat Town, meaning you just might see some funny items that keep with the cat theme.

After enjoying a walk around Yanaka Ginza Shopping District you’ve bound to have an appetite.
Take this chance to head back to Nippori Station in time for lunch. Our favorite is Sushikojikyo, a pick that’s located inside ecute Nippori just steps from the east exit of Nippori Station.
While a traditional sushi restaurant, this spot is welcoming for all walks of people, offering the chance to try an authentic taste of high-quality, Edomae sushi both quickly and with loads of great flavor.
The lunch nigiri is a menu favorite where the chef prepares fresh ingredients right before your eyes. Enjoy a taste of sushi, the true icon of Japanese cuisine at an intimate counter as the perfect way to seal your trip.
Craft beer and sake are also available if you’re looking for a luxe way to kick back over tasty sips and bites with sashimi.

Once you've had your fill, head to ecute Nippori for the final leg of your trip. ecute Nippori is often sought after for its beauty, featuring a blend of retro flair from olden-day Nippori and the glimmering flair of latest fashions.
This particular ecute branch is a bit more compact that its sister shops, meaning the selection is narrowed down to the best-of-the-best and easy to choose.
There’s even a free space to use for cozy vibes that always draw a crowd.
Look up to see high ceilings for an extra flair of openness to soothe your soul and mind.
Here are a few brands to lookout for at this spot in ecute Nippori. Treat yourself to something new or pick up a memento for a friend.

“Okashi Rakuichi” is a rice confectionery shop from Arakawa Ward, Tokyo that delivers gratitude in return. The signature ``Iki Arare,'' made with domestically produced sticky rice, has a nostalgic old-world feel but crispy texture for a new kind of feel.
The rice bag-shaped package is accompanied by messages often used by Japanese people, such as ``Thank you for your help'' and “Something from the heart?''.
The packaging sits as a perfect size to fit in the palm of your hand, making for a an easy small gift. There are a variety of flavors available, including dashi soy sauce, rich consommé, cheese curry, and kinako balls, so choose the flavor that suits you or whomever you have in mind.

After enjoying Nippori to the fullest, it’s time to head to the airport for the last chapter of your trip.
Below is a table to help you chart how to get to either Narita or Haneda Airport from Nippori Station.
Be sure to check the trains before you leave your hotel for the day to make sure you’re efficient and travel ahead of time.
Depending on the item you purchase, you may need to check it through customs or it may be overweight, so aim to arrive a little and avoid being late.