Tokyo's Notable DIY Shops

Tokyo offers a plethora of DIY (Do-It-Yourself) shops catering to various needs, from beginners to seasoned hobbyists. Below is an in-depth guide to 15 notable DIY shops in Tokyo, detailing their average price ranges, strengths, weaknesses, specific product offerings, and multiple locations to help expatriates familiarize themselves with where to procure DIY supplies.

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1. Tokyu Hands

• Average Price Range: ¥500 – ¥10,000
• Strengths: Tokyu Hands is renowned for its extensive selection of DIY materials, tools, and kits. Beyond DIY supplies, the store offers a vast array of household goods, stationery, and unique gadgets. Each floor is dedicated to different categories, making it a one-stop-shop for various needs.
• Weaknesses: Prices can be on the higher side compared to other DIY stores. The vastness of the store can be overwhelming for first-time visitors.
• Recommendations: Ideal for those seeking high-quality materials and unique DIY kits. The store also offers workshops and demonstrations, which are great for learning new skills. For example, Tokyu Hands provides leathercraft kits and supplies for those interested in creating custom leather goods.
• Locations:
  • Shibuya: 12-18 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo
  • Shinjuku: Times Square Building, 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya City, Tokyo
  • Ikebukuro: 1-28-10 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo

Website

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2. Shinjuku Do-It-Yourself Center

• Average Price Range: ¥500 – ¥10,000

• Strengths: Established in 1946, Shinjuku Do-It-Yourself Center is a long-standing history in the community. Despite its compact (approximately 99 square meters) space, the store offers an impressive selection of over 12,000 items, including DIY supplies, renovation materials, and daily necessities. The knowledgeable staff, led by a veteran manager with nearly five decades of experience, provides personalized advice to customers.

• Weaknesses: The store's smaller size compared to large chain home centers means limited stock quantities for certain items. Additionally, being closed on Sundays may be inconvenient for some customers.

• Recommendations: Ideal for DIY enthusiasts seeking a wide range of materials and tools in a central Tokyo location. The store's extensive inventory includes tools, wood, paint, hardware, plumbing supplies, and interior materials. They also offer processing and delivery services, catering to both individual and corporate clients.

• Location:

  • Address: 1-7-17 Okubo, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

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3. WALPA Store Tokyo

• Average Price Range: ¥2,000 – ¥10,000
• Strengths: Specializing in imported wallpapers, WALPA offers a vast selection from around the world. They provide large slide panels to help customers visualize wallpapers in different settings.
• Weaknesses: As a specialty store, their focus is primarily on wallpapers, which may not cater to all DIY needs.
• Recommendations: Perfect for those looking to revamp their living spaces with unique wallpapers. They also offer workshops on wallpaper application for beginners.
• Location:
  • Ebisu: 1-15-9 Ebisu, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Website

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4. Keiyo D2 Home Center Mita Store

• Average Price Range: ¥500 – ¥20,000

• Strengths: Keiyo D2 is a well-established home center chain in Japan, offering a comprehensive range of DIY materials, tools, gardening supplies, and household goods. The Mita store is particularly noted for its impressive urban garden section, catering to gardening enthusiasts in the city.

• Weaknesses: Due to its urban location, the store's size may be smaller compared to suburban counterparts, potentially limiting the variety of large-scale building materials.

• Recommendations: Ideal for urban DIY enthusiasts seeking a convenient location to purchase tools, materials, and gardening supplies. The Mita store's urban garden section is a highlight, offering a variety of plants and gardening tools suitable for city dwellers.

• Location:

  • Mita: 5-38-1 Shiba, Minato City, Tokyo

Website

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5. P.F.S. PARTS CENTER

• Average Price Range: ¥500 – ¥20,000
• Strengths: P.F.S. PARTS CENTER offers a curated selection of industrial-style furniture, hardware, and daily goods. Their products range from large furniture pieces to small imported hardware items, appealing to those with a taste for industrial aesthetics.
• Weaknesses: The industrial style may not suit everyone's preferences, and some items can be pricey.
• Recommendations: Great for sourcing unique hardware and fixtures to add an industrial touch to DIY projects. Their enamel lamp shades and brass doorknobs are particularly popular.
• Location:
  • Ebisu: 1-22-3 Ebisu, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Website

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6. NOTEWORKS

• Average Price Range: ¥5,000 – ¥50,000

• Strengths: NOTEWORKS specializes in handcrafted picture frames, furniture, and miscellaneous goods made from recycled materials. The shop offers original designs and provides interior design suggestions, catering to customers seeking unique, eco-friendly decor items.

• Weaknesses: The focus on handmade, custom items may result in higher prices and longer production times compared to mass-produced alternatives.

• Recommendations: Ideal for individuals looking to enhance their living spaces with personalized, handcrafted decor. NOTEWORKS offers custom-made frames in various sizes, allowing customers to choose materials and designs that complement their interiors.

• Location:

  • Setagaya: 2-31-12 Wakabayashi, Setagaya City, Tokyo

Website

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7. DIY STORE Mitaka

• Average Price Range: ¥1,000 – ¥5,000

• Strengths: DIY STORE Mitaka offers a stylish and accessible space for DIY enthusiasts. Located in a renovated traditional house, it provides a cozy atmosphere where individuals can work on projects at their own pace. The store offers a variety of materials and tools, and features a rental workspace equipped with necessary equipment.

• Weaknesses: The focus on providing a comfortable and beginner-friendly environment may result in a limited selection of advanced tools or materials for more experienced DIYers.

• Recommendations: Ideal for those new to DIY or individuals seeking a relaxed environment to work on small to medium-sized projects. The rental workspace is available at ¥600 per hour, and staff members are on hand to provide advice and assistance.

• Location:

  • Address: 2-9-3 Shinkawa, Mitaka City, Tokyo

Website

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8. D&DEPARTMENT TOKYO

• Average Price Range: ¥1,000 – ¥50,000

• Strengths: D&DEPARTMENT TOKYO specializes in "Long-Life Design" products, focusing on sustainable and locally crafted items. The store offers a curated selection of furniture, everyday essentials, books, and CDs, emphasizing durability and timeless design.

• Weaknesses: The emphasis on sustainability and design may result in higher prices compared to mass-produced alternatives. Additionally, the store's location in a residential area might be less accessible for some visitors.

• Recommendations: Ideal for individuals interested in sustainable living and design. D&DEPARTMENT TOKYO provides a range of products that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal, making it a valuable destination for those seeking quality items with a focus on longevity.

• Location:

  • Address: 8-3-2 Okusawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Website

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9. Joyful Honda

• Average Price Range: ¥500 – ¥50,000
• Strengths: Joyful Honda is a comprehensive home center offering a vast selection of DIY materials, tools, and home improvement products. The store includes specialized sections for arts and crafts, gardening, and pet supplies.
• Weaknesses: Some locations may be situated outside central Tokyo, requiring additional travel. The size of the store can make it time-consuming to find specific items.
• Recommendations: Ideal for large-scale DIY projects, home renovations, and specialized crafts. Joyful Honda's extensive inventory ensures that both basic and specialized tools are readily available.
• Location:
  • Nishitokyo: 3-1-10 Tanashicho, Nishitokyo City, Tokyo

Website

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10. Royal Home Center

• Average Price Range: ¥500 – ¥10,000
• Strengths: Royal Home Center offers a wide range of DIY and home improvement products, including building materials, tools, and gardening supplies. The store is well-organized, making it easy to locate specific items.
• Weaknesses: Some specialized items may not be available, and certain locations may be situated in suburban areas, requiring a longer commute.
• Recommendations: Great for general DIY projects, home repairs, and gardening. The store's layout and product variety cater to both beginners and experienced DIYers.
• Location:
  • Minami-Senju: 1-12-6 Minami-Senju, Arakawa City, Tokyo

Website

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11. DULTON FACTORY SERVICE Machida

• Average Price Range: ¥1,000 – ¥15,000
• Strengths: DULTON specializes in retro-inspired DIY and interior goods. The Machida store is among the largest, offering everything from hooks and brackets to furniture and hardware.
• Weaknesses: The retro aesthetic may not suit all tastes, and prices for some items can be high.
• Recommendations: Perfect for adding vintage charm to spaces. Popular items include stencil oil boards for creating custom signs and embossed plates for personalized signage.
• Location:
  • Machida: 7-6-1 Tsuruma, Machida City, Tokyo

Website

12. Toolbox Showroom

• Average Price Range: ¥1,000 – ¥20,000
• Strengths: Toolbox features a curated selection of custom-made parts, kitchens, flooring, and paint. It is popular among professionals and beginners for its modern and sophisticated designs. Visitors can explore materials and even test combinations in their workspace.
• Weaknesses: The showroom does not sell items directly on-site, requiring online purchases. Reservations are also required for visits.
• Recommendations: Ideal for those planning home renovations or seeking modern DIY solutions. Recommended items include watercolor tiles for decorative accents and iron paint for creating industrial finishes.
• Location:
  • Mejiro: 3-14-16 Shimo Ochiai, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

Website

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13. minä perhonen materiaali

• Average Price Range: ¥1,000 – ¥20,000
• Strengths: This store focuses on textiles and soft decor items like cushions, rugs, and tablecloths. Their elegant designs, inspired by Scandinavian aesthetics, are perfect for home customization.
• Weaknesses: Limited selection for DIY needs outside of fabric and textile-based projects.
• Recommendations: Perfect for soft DIY projects such as curtains, sofa covers, or decorative throws. Popular fabrics include the embroidered "choucho" pattern and the floral "odyssey" design.
• Location:
  • Daikanyama: Sarugaku-cho 29-10 HILLSIDE TERRACE C Building 1F, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Website

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14. Tomoyasu Seisakusho Cafe

• Average Price Range: ¥500 – ¥5,000
• Strengths: Combining a cafe with a shop, Tomoyasu Seisakusho offers a relaxed atmosphere to browse and purchase items such as fabric boards, tile stickers, and wallpaper. Customers can see real-life applications of the materials sold.
• Weaknesses: The inventory focuses more on home decor than large-scale DIY projects.
• Recommendations: Great for small-scale projects like adding decorative tile stickers to walls or creating fabric art. The cafe setting also makes it a pleasant spot to plan projects.
• Location:
  • Asakusabashi: 1-7-2 Asakusabashi, Taito City

Website