Camera Shopping in Tokyo – Eastside (Updated for 2022)
By now you should have already read the Westside guide, if you have not then go and read it now, it has everything you need to know about buying a camera on the Westside of Tokyo.
In this section we have decided to combine the old Ueno and Ginza guides into one handy page with all the information on the camera stores that we recommend for the East side of Tokyo. Let’s get to it.
Ginza is one of Tokyo’s most upscale areas, and it is famed for having some of the most expensive real estate on earth. Here you will also find some of the best camera shops in the world. You can spend all day walking around this place and there is something for everyone.
Sukiya Camera, Ginza
The head store of the Sukiya group, this shop is on the same street as Shimizu camera. It is in a tiny little recessed doorway and you would miss it if you were not specifically looking for it. The store has some beautiful items and the guys there are very pleasant. They mainly cover the German cameras, but there is a little bit of everything in here. They also handle repairs for Leica cameras (non digital) at very reasonable prices. I try to stop in here often, as there is always something nice to look at.
Hours: Tues-Fri 11:00 – 19:00, Sat-Sun, Holidays 11:00-18:00, closed Mon, 1st Tues and 3rd Wed of each month
TEL: 03-3571-5555
Good for: classic Japanese and Leica cameras and lenses
Lemon, Ginza
The original Lemon store is located in Ginza and just a short walk down the street from Nikon House. It is deceptive though as you might just walk past it. It is located on the 8th floor of a building that houses a church. Once you are inside you will know you have found the right place.
As mentioned in the previous article, Lemon is a consignment shop. As a consequence of this you are going to find that some of the prices are a bit silly and some of the items in there are not accurately described. Make sure that you check anything completely before leaving the store as they will not refund under any circumstances.
This Lemon store is the biggest and has a superb selection of most brands. There is even a large selection of large format cameras.
Well worth checking out, but just be sure to check everything you are intending to buy.
Sadly in recent years Lemon has seen an increasing amount of fake rare cameras, so make sure you know your stuff if you are looking to buy something they have listed as rare.
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00-20:00, Sun and holidays 11:00-19:00
TEL: 03-3567-3131
Good for: classic Japanese and Leica cameras and lenses, medium format
Shimizu Camera, Ginza
Shimizu is one of the older stores in Ginza, and used to have an amazing stock. Sadly over the years they have faded and they are now a store that I often just peek in the window as I am passing by. They still have some nice items, but their prices are not really in touch with reality. They don’t do discounts either. You can sometimes find some interesting stuff in here, so it is always worth a look. If you are walking past you should have a look in the window and check out a slice of camera history.
Good for: classic brand name cameras and lenses
Katsumido, Ginza
For those of you that don’t know, Katsumido is the Harrods of the camera stores. Its selection is fantastic, they have classic Leica and Nikon that would make your eyes water. And their prices would make everything else water. This place is seriously expensive.
The staff can be rather standoffish and definitely judge the level of attention they lavish on you on how rich they perceive you to be. An interesting store to stop by, but if you are looking for a bargain then you should be looking somewhere else.
Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-19:00
TEL: 03-3571-0468
https://www.katsumido-camera.com/
Good for: high end cameras and lenses, mint condition items, collectors
Sankyo Camera, Ginza
Now, Sankyo is a bit of a legend in Ginza, as it is one of the oldest stores here. This is where you go to find Leica, Rollei and other German/European cameras. And the cameras that they have a fine indeed. The prices are reasonable for Ginza and sometimes they might offer you a discount if you are charming enough (and speak Japanese). This is a store that you simply have to see if you are in Ginza.
Hours: Mon-Fri 10: 00-19: 00, Sat 10: 00-18: 00, Closed Sun and holidays
TEL: 03-3543-3951
Good for: Leica, Hasselblad, Rollei, Japanese classics
Diamond Camera, Ginza
Diamond camera is tucked out of the way in a shopping mall underneath Ginza and if you are not specifically looking for it then you will definitely not find it. But it can be worth searching out. The owner is very pleasant and very knowledgeable. They often have rare Nikon and Leica, but the prices can be eye watering. They have some cool old memorabilia in the shop. Definitely worth a visit, if you can find it.
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00-18:00, Closed Sun and holidays
TEL: 03-3287-2866
Good for: Nikon Rangefinders, Leica and rare classics.
Ueno area
The next stop is the Ueno area in northeastern Tokyo. Ueno is dominated by the park and the zoo, but there is so much more here than a bunch of unhappy looking pandas. There are camera shops galore in the Ueno area!
It is a really nice area to explore as well, with the fantastic side streets and markets that are constantly packed with people, you are never going to be bored around here. Ueno is also conveniently serviced with several train and metro lines. There is a pletora of electronics stores along the backstreets, but they are mainly catering to the digital compact market.
In recent years a lot of the smaller stores in this area have gone. This is good and bad. It is sad that they have gone, but the stronger stores have flourished and have really upped their range and quality to cover the market.
As we head out from Ueno you can walk to Okachimachi and from there on to Akihabara. It is a nice walk and you can find some cool backstreets whilst you find your way.
Shimbashi Ichi, Okachimachi
Probably one of my favorite stores in Tokyo. Shimbashi Ichi is pretty easy to find, there is a Freshness Burger right next to it, so you can have a nice burger after you have been shopping. Shinbashi Ichi keeps a wide selection of gear, from Nikon and Canon, through Leica and Hasselblad. Probably the best place in Tokyo for medium and large format gear. They have a lot of their items CLA’d too, so they are really high quality. I fully recommend this store.
The owner is really pleasant and speaks excellent English. She also shoots large format as a hobby, so she really knows what she is talking about. They are very familiar with foreign customers, so you shouldn’t have any problems.
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-19:00, Closed Sun
TEL: 03-3833-4311
http://www.shinbashi-camera.com/
Good for: Large and Medium format, Hasseblad, Mamiya, Pentax, Leica and Nikon.
Syuukou Camera, Okachimachi
Syuukou is another tiny little store that is very old. It is tucked away down another little side street near to Okachimachi station on the JR line. It is a watch and camera shop, as you can see from the photo there is a fine clock in the window. They don’t have a massive selection, but the items that they do have are in fantastic condition. The prices are very reasonable and they sometimes knock a bit off too if you are polite.
Hours: Mon-Tues, Thur-Sun 10:00-19:00, Closed Wed
TEL: 03-5816-3081
Good for: rare Leica, other high end names
Kikuya Camera, Okachimachi
Obscurely prominent, this hidden in plain sight store is right next to an entrance to a Toei Ueno-okachimachi station entrance. This place is primarily a Leica specialist, but they also carry other classic brands. Not so cheap, but this place is where to go if you are looking for that special Leica body that you have always dreamed of. Fun fact, almost every time I go there they are closed for a holiday (just my luck).
Hours: Mon-Tues, Thur-Sun 10:00-18:55, Closed Wed
TEL: 03-3832-2331
https://kikuya-camera.shop-pro.jp/
Good for: Leica, rare items
Nissin Camera, Akihabara
Nisshin is one of my favorite camera shops in the whole of Tokyo. The staff are great, the selection is great and it is in a good location. They often have some great deals and they have a high turnover, so you can often find some really interesting items there. A good resource for classic Japanese medium format. I personally bought my Pentax 67 there. It is nice that it is in Akihabara too, so you can have a walk around after you have been there. They have increased the stock in recent years and do a very brisk online business. There’s even a whiskey selection next to film lol.
Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-20:00, Sat-Sun, Holidays 10:00-19:00
TEL: 03-3251-7504
https://www.nisshin-camera.com/
Good for: classic Japanese 35mm, medium format, lenses
From here you will have to start getting on trains again as things become a bit more spread out.
Hayata Camera, Asakusa
This is a small camera shop that is manned by a single person and mainly specializes in repairs for more unusual cameras. Hayata san is famous for his skilled repair of rare and unusual cameras. But the flip-side of this is that he don’t do idle chit chat, he prefers to be left to work. But, if you turn up with an unusual camera or have a very specific question he lights up and can be very engaged. Please note, he does not speak English.
Good selection of European cameras and the Japanese classics. Loads of rare stuff and knick knacks as well. The prices aren’t cheap but that’s because most items have been serviced and overhauled to perfect working order. Check the tags to see what has been OH’d. There is also a small selection of items on consignment as well.
Hours: Tues-Fri 12:30 – 16:30, Sat 11:30 – 19:00, Closed Sun, Mon and holidays
TEL: 03-3841-3035
https://www.hayatacamera.co.jp/
Good for: High end and rare European cameras (Alpa, Hasselblad, Rollei, Leica), rare lenses, serviced cameras, repairs
Fujikoshi Camera, Nihombashi
As you can probably tell from the sign they have outside they specialize in Leica. Not a huge selection but every now and then gems do turn up. Fujikoshi is a good stop for rare Leica accessories such as viewfinders and winders. They also have some other rare items and collectibles such as signage, pins, etc. A little off the beaten path but a worthwhile swing by if you happen to be in the area.
Hours: Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 10:00 – 19:00, Sat-Sun 10:00 – 18:00, Closed Wed and holidays
TEL: 03-3241-1635
https://www.fujikoshi-camera.com/
Good for: high-end classic cameras (mainly Leica, Hassy, Linhof and Rollei), rare collectible goods, lenses
So there we have it. What I would consider to be the essential list of stores to visit whilst you are in Tokyo. Now before some of you say “hey this is wrong, you missed so and so camera”, there is a pretty good reason why some stores are not on this list. They are simply not JCH recommended.
Tokyo is a great city to visit and it changes quickly. This is the most up to date list of stores available now and we will try to keep it that way.
Cheers
JCH
Is it me or the leicas’ are riduculously priced in Tokyo?!
I don’t think so. They are averagely priced. The thing about Japan is that it has more limited and rare Leica cameras than anywhere else, so these cameras are expensive, but they are worth the money. This is the only place that you can see unused original M4 MOT cameras in the box.
Thanks
Bellamy
Do any stores ship to the UK
Looking to buy
No they don’t, which is why I offer my camera sourcing service. Thanks.
I love Sankyo – very nice guys in there.
They are. Hosokawa san is a really good guy and always has a joke and a smile.
Cheers for the comment Charlie.
Bellamy
Thanks Bellamy, really interesting stuff. If I ever make it out to Japan it would be fun to wander around all these fabulous stores. Wish we had more of them here in L.A.
Cheers
~David
Thanks for these three articles Bellamy. I’ve just spent a week in Tokyo and visited almost every one of these shops and a few more too. Fascinating cameras at many of them. Had a very nice time talking and drinking tea with the owner of Chikuma Camera. Lemon at Ginza was also a highlight.
Anyway I couldn’t have done it without your excellent blog. Thanks once again
Thanks for this site Bellamy (in French they should write it as : bel ami, which means nice friend !).
I a told that Sankyo shop (where they have the Nikons) should move to another place, is this correct ? any idea what the new adress will be or is ?
Thanks
Chris
I’ve been in Tokyo few days ago. I would like to share some news with you, JCH’s followers:
Nikon House: great selection of Nikon stuff (mainly film cameras and F/AI lenses), the shop is close don Mondays!
Lemonsha: check every single aspect of each camera or lens; I asked to see four cameras which were stated as fully working and three of them have troubles. They have a very big and nice selections of different brands with some preatty rare stuff. They have the full lineup of Domke bags at unbeatable prices! Credit cards are welcome.
Sankyo Camera’s second store moved to the second floor of the first Sankyo’s store building.
I’ve found that Shinjuku stores are a little bit cheaper compared to Ginza ones.
Have a good amount of cash to be exchanged at the airpot: ATMs don’t accept foreigner cards! You may try at 7eleven and Japan Post ATM but there is no guarantee you will success!
Regarding ATMs and foreign cards I found that it depends on the ATM. I went to one which rejected all cards but then went next door to CitiBank and had no trouble with their ATM for my Australian Westpac card. I’m sure other major bank ATMs would be OK also.
Great site, Bellamy. I wi be going to Japan in a week. I am a sheer amateur who wishes was a professional and have loved Nikon since the first EF I bought when stationed in Germany 30 years ago.. Can you tell me about Leica? Is it superior to Nikon so that I should consider switching or is it just different in other ways?
Good Morning
Would you mind telling me if it is possible to find in Jpan a nikon 200 mm AIS F2 and Nikon 200 mm AFS VR I PLEASE?
Thank you and King Regards
Rieder
I am looking for used hasselblad 503cw + winder + pme.
Where would you recommend i shop for olympus micro 4/3’s cameras in tokyo ( Ginza ot Hiroo)?
Will also be in the shijo area of Kyoto.
Hi Steven, I’ll be in Tokyo in April and staying in the Chuo-ku area which I believe where Ginza is located . I plan to buy an Olympus camera either new or used one in good condition (PEN or OM-D series). Do you mind sharing your experience e.g store name, pricing structure, website? Thanks
Hi,
I live around Tokyo. I recently bought a lens from Sukiya – Nikon house shop in Ginza. I had unpleasant experience though I was so kind and very respectful. When I bought the lens I didn’t expect to be treated like a “king customer”. I know photography gear shops are not that kind. After few days, I returned bc of what I thought an issue with the lens, giving me the wrong aperture digits. Before entering their shop, there is an automatic door which also can be opened by a touch. Me and two ladies couldn’t get the door open (it was somehow manipulated by one of the two guys inside).. I walked to the other side away from the shop. Once I returned, I noticed the ladies are already inside (they were Japanese). I could enter when they were leaving the shop. Went to the seller, greeted him and asked him if it’s OK to explain my issue. No response (it was kind of he remembers me). I spoke to him all the time in Japanese (in their shop, they have a sign.. We don’t speak English among many other Donts). Anyway, the lens in question was set to infinity and that was why it doesn’t give its maximum aperture reading.. I went like “so desu ka, a rigatou gozaimasu.. shiranakatta desu”.. Ah that is it, thank you, I didn’t know.. The sellers face showed only anger as if I did something very bad to him.. His eyes were saying just leave my shop. I thanked him again to teach him a lesson in politeness…
If this shop would give lenses for free, I will never ever go.. Why spoil a good time by dealing with such rude people.. There are lots of shops in Ginza all around. I like mapcamera in Shunjuku..
Just about the Nikon House in the ginza corner.
I bought tons of second hand gears in Tokyo, I’m a big fan of film camera and shoot a lot with them, even for professional works. So we can say that I’m a really good customer for that service, the chuuko kamera shops.
I speak Japanese. I’m polite, passionate, and know what I’m talking about when it comes to lenses, and gears.
I came to that shop for a 28-70 nikon I’m searching this one. I found, I entered, and said, Konichiwa, le guy was reading the newspaper, and didn’t moved, even to look at me or say something, I continue saying in Japanese that I’ve an interest for this lens, he looked at me with that face like “you’re shit”, I want this lense, and thought that sometimes people get bored, I can accept if this guy had a really bad day so I continue to be polite. he answered, “you don’t know what you’re talking about, I’m sure you use canon”(in japanese). I didn’t answered and repeat my question to look at that 28-70, but in fact I have, Nikon EM, Nikon T3, Nikon D80, Nikon D700, Nikon D810, hasselblad adapter for nikon and then thousand dollars of lenses… Ok, he had a bad day I don’t know, I repeated then he said, “don’t buy it, you dont deserve this”, I take a step back, because getting nervous (I’m french, we have an expression my blood was boiling…) and he said “dete ! dete, mo ichi do konai, pssssh!” it means, go out, and don’t come again. I was really surprised, I answered, you should not say this, I’m a customer for this ! and he answered, “okyakusan to omowanai, dete !” it means, you don’t look as a customer ! go out !, ” He brings me to imagine hitting his face on the ground with the heel of my foot, I mean, it was my mood. DON’T GO THERE this man is racist, has violent words, is awful, even if you are about to buy, even if you speak Japanese, as soon as you don’t look like a Japanese It’s useless to go there until you like to be insulted.
Any way to contact Chikuma Camera by e-mail? I need a Fujifilm GX617 90mm viewfinder only.
hi, Bellamy. Is there any recommended place in Tokyo that sells point and shoot, amateurish analog cameras at cheap prices? thank you
thanks for the update! This will come very handy when I visit Tokyo this coming month. Is there also an updated guide to photo labs that does bnw/c41 developing, scanning, and darkroom printing?