asking for trouble

Tokyo Shopping Guide: Sky Tree Solamachi

aranzi aronzo sky tree - marcelinesmith

If you’re visiting the Sky Tree (and it’s really worth it!) save some time, energy and cash for nearby Tokyo Solamachi. It’s a big complex with shopping, dining and entertainment and will keep you occupied for quite a few hours.

If you arrive in the area by subway, you’ll have to find your way through the mall to the Sky Tree entrance and you’ll also be deposited back there when you exit. It’s one of the larger malls I’ve visited and can be difficult to navigate all the different areas so make sure to pick up a free floor guide map. Here’s some of my top picks.

aranzi aronzo sky tree - marcelinesmith

Aranzi Aronzo

One of my favourite independent character brands has a new store at Solamachi. It stocks a huge range of products including toys, homeware, stationery, accessories and craft books, all featuring their hilarious and adorable characters. There’s actually so much that it’s really hard to decide what to buy! Unsurprisingly, all my purchases featured the bunny character, Usagi. There’s also a range of very cute Sky Tree souvenir products that were impossible for me to resist. See my full post »

rilakkuma storesky tree - marcelinesmith

Rilakkuma Store

Having already visited two branches of the Rilakkuma Store and two branches of Kiddyland before visiting the Sky Tree, I didn’t really need to go here too, but obviously I did anyway. It was worth it just to see the Sky Tree theming! While you can buy Rilakkuma Sky Tree themed merchandise all over Tokyo, there’s a bigger selection here and the bags are themed too. See my full post »

pon de lion park sky tree - marcelinesmith

Pon de Lion Park

Mister Donut cafes are everywhere in Japan and great for a quick break or a sweet treat to take back to the hotel. Solamachi has a very special Mister Donut cafe called Pon de Lion Park. It’s adorably decorated with their lion mascot and painted murals – look at those chairs! You’ll find the usual range of donuts and cupcakes plus some Sky Tree exclusives.

nanoblock sky tree - marcelinesmith

Nanoblock Store

Lego is awesome but Japan has managed to go one better and make a tiny version of Lego for miniature builds. You’ll find kits to make everything from a simple cat to the London skyline and everything in between. The Solamachi store has lots of models to enjoy plus you can pick up some Japanese icons for gifts including Pokemon, Mario and the Sky Tree itself.

More Shopping

Also worth visiting are Hello Kitty JapanPokemon Center, Loft, Daiso, Donguri Kyowakoku (Ghibli), Candy Show Time (handmade rolled sweets) and Q-pot (food-themed jewellery).

dog dept cafe sky tree - marcelinesmith

Dining

The Solamachi website has a helpful page that lists all restaurants with English menus and vegetarian options (scroll right down). That makes it a great place to try any cuisines or dishes you’ve been feeling intimidated by as they’ll be used to foreign tourists. There’s also a big food hall.

For fun eats, look out for the MoominHouse Cafe, Marion Crepes (Harajuku style) and Dog Dept, a dog-friendly cafe and shop!

Entertainment

Solamachi also hosts an aquarium, planetarium and Postal Museum so there’s plenty to do on a rainy day.

Last updated: 12 June 2017


japan guides and books

Want more Japan tips? Check out my Japan guides and ebooks.

marceline

Hello! I’m Marceline Smith, the designer and owner of Asking For Trouble. I create illustrated stationery, accessories and gifts using my cute characters inspired by Japanese kawaii. This is my business and personal blog where I write about my creative doings, inspirations, travels, Japan trips and daily life. Read more »


Browse the archives

Buy my stuff

other things I Do

COPYRIGHT

All text, photos and illustrations are © Marceline Smith 2007-2024 unless credited otherwise. You may repost my images with full credit and link. However, do not reproduce full posts without my permission or use my images or writing for commercial purposes. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER

All opinions are my own and I am not compensated or sponsored for writing about any products or services featured unless stated in the post. Links to shops and websites may be affiliate links – I receive a small commission from your orders at no cost to you, which helps me fund this site. I do not accept advertising.