Loft and Hands in Tokyo: What to Buy and Four Locations

Loft and Hands overlap in stationery, cosmetics and household goods. Start with what you want to buy rather than a chain-wide winner: a branch that fits your route is a useful first choice, unless you need a specific item.

You do not need to visit both chains to make a good choice. For a particular nib, ink or after-sales service, a specialist pen shop may be a better starting point.

A note on the name: Hands was formerly called “Tokyu Hands” (東急ハンズ). In 2022, it was acquired by Cainz and rebranded to just “Hands.” Tokyu Hands is the chain’s former name; still check the exact branch address.

Pens, washi, and gifts

Stationery (The Main Event)

Compare the details that affect how you will use the item. The following brands are examples to look for; current models, stock and prices vary.

Use only designated sample pens and paper. A test pen can help you judge grip and line width; for a fountain pen, also think about how you will refill it at home. If you have a specific model in mind, confirm stock before traveling to a branch or a specialist store such as Itoya in Ginza.

Beauty and Cosmetics

Browse the current beauty floor for face masks, hand cream, lip products, bath products and grooming items. The mix can overlap with drugstores, so compare the same product and size before assuming a store-exclusive selection or a better price.

For gifts, check fragrance, packaging and the recipient’s preferences. Use designated testers only. Check ingredients or ask staff when a particular ingredient matters.

Gift Ideas

• Handkerchiefs: Compact gifts; compare fabric, dimensions and care instructions.
• Tenugui (手ぬぐい): Thin cotton cloths with many patterns. Check the size and intended use.
• Chopsticks: Compare length, material, finish and care instructions rather than judging quality by the shop name.
• Phone accessories: Check the exact phone model or connector before buying a case or cable accessory.
• Seasonal goods: Look for current displays, but confirm whether an item is store-exclusive if that is part of its appeal.

Choose a branch on a day you already plan to spend nearby. Shibuya Loft and Hands Shibuya Scramble Square are separate Shibuya stops; Ginza Loft fits a Ginza shopping day, while Hands Shinjuku fits the Times Square side of Shinjuku. If you need a particular pen, refill or craft item, confirm that branch’s stock before making the journey.

Shibuya store change (26 October 2026): the older Hands Shibuya store at 12-18 Udagawacho is scheduled to end trading on 15 November 2026, according to the official closure notice. If visiting before then, check that store's hours and stock. For later trips, use a different branch, such as Shibuya Scramble Square above. The two Hands Shibuya locations are separate stores; do not assume the same range or services at both.

Plan a focused visit or leave time to browse

Choose a focused visit if you need a particular item, or allow more time to browse several departments. These are planning estimates:

The focused approach (15–20 minutes):

• Use the floor guide at the entrance to find your department

• Go directly to your target category (stationery, beauty, gifts)

• Set a budget based on the number and type of gifts you need

• Leave time for checkout and any gift-wrapping request

The exploration approach (45–60 minutes):

If you have time, use the branch's floor guide to pick several departments and browse in a convenient order. Some stores occupy several floors; others, including Hands Shibuya Scramble Square, are on one floor. Choose your spending limit before browsing.

If you have a fixed departure time, decide when to leave before browsing and allow time for checkout or tax-free procedures.

Checkout and product questions

• Tax-free: Check whether the branch participates, the required passport documentation, the minimum eligible purchase before tax and the counter’s hours. The purchase-date rules below apply.

• Payment: Check the payment methods accepted at your chosen branch before shopping, especially if you rely on one card or mobile wallet.

• Hours: Use the branch page for opening hours, holiday changes and the tax-free counter's closing time.

• Product questions: Save the product name or model number when you need a particular item. For ingredients, compatibility or care instructions, use the label and ask staff rather than relying on the product's appearance.

For purchases from 1 November 2026, the scheduled refund-based tax-free system requires eligible shoppers to pay the tax-inclusive price first. The goods must receive the required customs confirmation when leaving Japan within 90 days of purchase; the shop refunds the tax after that confirmation. Ask the shop about its refund method and timing. For earlier purchases, the previous procedure applies. See the National Tax Agency.

For a wider souvenir comparison, put Loft and Hands alongside our MUJI in Tokyo guide and UNIQLO and GU guide.

Common questions

How do Loft and Hands differ from MUJI?

Loft and Hands let you compare multiple brands in one visit. MUJI is useful when you want its own coordinated range of stationery, storage and household items. Check the specific product rather than assuming the ranges never overlap in function.

Can I test products in store?

Use only designated testers or samples, and ask before opening packaging. Testing a pen can help you judge grip and line width, but not every pen or notebook will have a sample. Compare the final price with an online alternative if cost is your main concern.

Keep exploring

Planning the rest of your day or choosing a hotel base? These neighborhood guides cover Shibuya, Ginza and Shinjuku:

Shibuya

Plan the Shibuya part of your trip around your shopping stop.

Shibuya guide

Ginza

Explore Ginza beyond the store, or compare it as a hotel base.

Ginza guide

Shinjuku

Plan your wider Shinjuku visit or compare places to stay.

Shinjuku guide