10 Best Places to Buy Japanese Fans in Tokyo

by Jessica Esa | TRAVEL

A traditional Japanese craft that has its roots in fashion, theatre, and etiquette; the fan is a piece of Japanese art that is so iconically Japanese that it has become fully entwined in the aesthetics and even the popular culture of Japan.

In Tokyo, there are shops that offer fans of all kinds: traditional fans, unique designs, fans for both women and men, and more besides. All in vibrant colors and breathtaking designs making each handcrafted item a piece of art in itself. These 10 Tokyo stores are where to buy the best traditional Japanese fans in the city if you’re shopping for this most authentic of Japanese crafts.

You can also find out more at 5 Things You Should Know About Traditional Japanese Fans.

1. Kyosendo

A specialty heritage store (that can be found in both Tokyo and Kyoto) that has sold handmade exquisite folding fans for over 170 years, opening their doors in 1832. They have, by far, one of the widest selection of fans in Tokyo as they stock everything from traditional hand fans for summer to fans specifically for tea ceremonies, fans more suited to male or females, and even elaborate decorative fans that can be placed on a stand or hung up around the home. For particularly unique gift options you can choose from their elaborately designed range of mai-ogi fans made with ten sticks traditional dance. The designs are pure art so it’s worth visiting just to see the sheer craftmanship and passion behind this craft.

Address: 2-4-3 Nihonbashi Ningyocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (see map)

Website: kyosendo.co.jp

2. Arai Bunsedo

This cozy, traditional shop is set in the historical Tokyo district of Asakusa near the famous Nakamise shopping street, making it a perfect stop while sightseeing. It is also perfect if you’re looking for affordable yet high-quality traditional fans. While they do offer a range of high-end handcrafted fans, they also provide a cheaper and more affordable range, making this place an ideal stop if you’re looking to buy several souvenir fans at once, for family and friends back home. Some of their more fascinating designs include yokai designs and sumo wrestling scenes. There are some really unique pieces here if you are looking for something a bit different, and something that breaks the mold of tradition while still keeping to the aesthetic which draws people to the design and artistry of Japanese fans in the first place.

Address: 1-30-1 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo (see map)

Website: see Tripadvisor

3. Ibasen

Ibasen is a name synonymous with traditional Japanese fans as they have been creating and selling their products for over three centuries, starting in 1590. The store is located in Nihonbashi, a neighborhood that is home to many of the best fan retailers in Japan so a perfect stop for anyone looking for a traditional Japanese fan in Tokyo. Ibasen’s unique images and designs draw from famous ukiyo-e prints and have been displayed in art museums around the world. Every fan here is something truly special, both sensu and uchiwa styles are available and the vibrant colors used throughout their work will astound you. You can make custom orders with them and also have names engraved into the wooden handles - an Ibasen fan makes the ultimate gift or souvenir from Japan.

Address: 4-1 Nihonbashi-Kobunacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (see map)

Website: ibasen.co.jp

4. Sensu Senmonten Manyo

Here you will find an extensive range of traditional Japanese fans including ceremonial fans, fans for dance, and smaller hand fans. You will find fans with stunning art featuring Mount Fuji or cherry blossoms designs that will fit right in with the Spring foliage, all vibrantly colored and high quality. One of the specialties of Sensu Senmonten Manyo is that they will paint a name on any of their fans in calligraphy which makes for a stunning and personal gift or souvenir from Japan. They will also wrap any of the fans bought here in scattered gold and silver paper

Address: 2-15-2, Kaminarimon, Taito, Tokyo (see map)

Website: asakusa-manyo.com

5. Haibara

Stepping into this colorful shop, you will quickly notice the immense and precise expertise that has been put into making this one of the most well-regarded shops in all of Tokyo, since way back in 1806! Reams of vibrant gampi washi paper line the walls of their store in Nihombashi. Haibara is also famous for its paper products, which are decorated with traditional handprinted woodblock designs (and is why they’re also noted in our 7 Fabulous Places to Buy Washi Paper in Tokyo). They have been favored even by imperial family members - these designer products include uchiwa, Japanese oval-shaped fans which have been popular souvenirs since the Edo period. From muted tones to elaborate paintings, the traditional Japanese fans in Haibara are uniquely spellbinding and truly captivating in their artistry.

Address: Tokyo Nihombashi Tower, 2-7-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (see map)

Website: haibara.co.jp

6. Matsuneya

Choosing which design to go for from Matsuneya’s wide range of high quality products is a genuine struggle. They have been creating traditional fans of astonishing quality, made from bamboo, wood, and washi paper, for over a hundred years, since 1914, and it certainly shows. First, you will have to choose from their sensu or uchiwa range of fans, with myriad detailed designs such as the zodiac animals, garden scenes, cherry blossom designs, or simple and bold colors that really make a clear and eye-catching statement. You will also be able to have your name painted on the fans in the store, which is something that really makes for wonderful, uniquely customized souvenirs.

Address: 2-1-10 Asakusabashi, Taito, Tokyo (see map)

Website: matsuneya.jp

7. Kougeihin (Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square)

If you want to explore the best of Japan’s handicrafts under one roof, and to also come out with some incredible traditional souvenirs, including fans, then Kougeihin is an absolute must-visit in Tokyo. The best of Japanese crafts represented here include lacquerware, washi, and hand-carved items; you can even explore each of these styles of traditional items by region. This makes shopping for traditional fans that much more dynamic and exciting since you will be able to choose from products like Marugame round fans from Chiba, a style of coated and ridged fan created in the 18th century by the Marugame clan; or Boshu Rigid Fans from the Boshu region of Chiba, traditionally made from bamboo and are one of the top three styles of fan in Japan. You will also find exquisite Kyoto round and folding fans with intricate handpainted designs that are difficult to resist. If you know and care about your Japanese history by era and region, this method of browsing and exploring really adds a layer of fun and detail to your fan shopping experience.

Address: 8-1-22 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo (see map)

Website: kougeihin.jp

8. The Cover Nippon

Gathering the most beautiful items from around Japan, The Cover Nippon a craft store in Roppongi thoughtfully selects the highest quality and unique items making it a perfect stop for souvenirs. Their special items, designed by craftsmen from around the country, include kimono, antiques, and furniture as well as a collection of beautiful traditional Japanese fans to choose from. All in striking bold colors, some are painted woodblock style designs and others with tassels, all made of the highest quality materials. Additionally, anything you buy here is wrapped with Noshigami, or Japanese gift wrapping paper making every purchase at The Cover Nippon a gift.

Address: Tokyo Midtown Galleria 3F, 9-7-3 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo (see map)

Website: thecovernippon.jp

9. Takashimaya

The infamous Japanese department store which opened in Kyoto way back in 1831 started its life as a kimono fabric store that served, at the time, as a purveyor to the imperial household. In keeping with that tradition, you will find kimono items on the seventh floor of the Tokyo Nihombashi store where you can peruse stunning silk kimono and accessories, including a wide collection of handcrafted traditional Japanese fans in sumptuous designs and a broad selection of color choices.

Address: 2-4-1 Nihombashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (see map)

Website: takashimaya-global.com

10. Mitsukoshi

Mitsukoshi is the oldest surviving department store chain in Japan, founded in 1673 and a great place to buy Japanese fans - just head up to the 4th floor in the main building of the Nihombashi branch or peruse their online store. With a selection of fresh and colorful designs, and both sensu and uchiwa fan styles available, you will find everything you need here. There are even some fun choices with panda and polka dot designs for a contemporary twist on a traditional design. If you shop here, you may be eligible to claim tax back from the instore tax desk, just take your passport with you and they also offer free delivery to your hotel if you do not want to be weighed down.

Address: 1-4-1 Nihombashi, Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (see map)

Website: mitsukoshi.mistore.jp