Motomachi, Yokohama (Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)
From Yokohama’s Chinatown, a walk to Motomachi, a high-end shopping district, is about a five-minute walk away.
We took a post-meal walk in the area and found a couple of stores worth a look.
First, we went into Humidor, a small tobacco shop selling collectibles like Zippo lighters, wood pipes and more.
They also sell the normal tobacco products you can get from a convenience store and have a small smoke area inside.
I didn’t buy anything, but was allowed to smoke with other customers in a warm environment where it’s okay to light up.
Next, we stopped in Itoya, a small branch of the big stationery store chain with a flagship in Ginza. The selection at this location included many kawaii items for artists and office workers. They sell lots of pens, colorful notebooks and some small DIY items which can be perfect for those who work at a desk or like to doodle.
During our stop, I grabbed some playing cards that had fish logos for myself and a new notebook with pens for my wife as a usable souvenir. The nicest part, the items were inexpensive.
Motomachi has many luxury brand stores. It personally wasn’t as attractive to us (99% mostly me) since almost all stores were expensive. I saw designer watches reaching thousands of dollars in and shirts costing over $200. Yeah, enlisted pay is not at that level of luxury for me.
However, you will find a few shops in Motomachi that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. All in all, it’s still worth checking out if you’re in the area.
To those who are searching for luxury gifts to give to loved ones, this place is an option and it’s not as painful as visiting Ginza.
*There are street coin-operated parking spots.
Humidor
Humidor (Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)
Address: 1F Hyakudankan, 3-115 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Yokohama 231-0861
Hours: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily.
Other info: No parking is available.
Cash and card are accepted.
Itoya
Itoya (Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)
Address: 3-123 Motomachi, Naka ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0861
Hours: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily.
Other info: Cash and card are accepted.
