Last updated: October 19, 2025
Quick Answer
You can buy good nori in four easy places: Tsukiji Outer Market (specialty shops and tastings), Nihonbashi (heritage brands and gift tins), GRANSTA Tokyo inside Tokyo Station (fast last-minute buys), and Asakusa Nakamise (simple snack packs near Sensō-ji).
At a glance
- Best time to shop: Late morning through evening. Tsukiji opens early. Department stores stay open all day.
- Best areas:
- Tsukiji Outer Market for specialists and tastings.
- Nihonbashi for clean gift sets.
- Tokyo Station (GRANSTA) for quick buys before catching a train.
- Asakusa (Nakamise) for casual snack packs near the temple.
- What to buy: Yaki nori (roasted sheets) for sushi and rice balls. Ajitsuke nori (seasoned) for snacking. Tins or canisters for gifts.
- Good to know: Sealed nori travels well. Tins protect sheets from bending.
Where to shop (by area)
Tsukiji Outer Market: easy tastings and many choices
Tsukiji has several nori shops in a small area. Many offer samples for you to taste. Look for labels that say “yaki nori” for plain roasted sheets and “ajitsuke” for seasoned sheets. Use the official Tsukiji store list to find shops like Maruyama Nori Honten. Go in the morning for fewer crowds.
Nihonbashi: trusted brands and tidy gift tins
Nihonbashi is best for reliable names. Yamamoto Noriten and Yamamotoyama both have long histories. Their shops are near Mitsukoshimae or Nihombashi stations. The Nihombashi Mitsukoshi basement food floor also sells premium nori. Gift tins are easy to pack and look neat.
Tokyo Station (GRANSTA): fast and convenient
Need a gift before your train? Go to GRANSTA inside Tokyo Station. Follow signs to the food hall. Look for seaweed counters or brand corners. It is quick, weather-proof, and simple to navigate with station signs.
Asakusa (Nakamise): simple souvenirs after the temple
After visiting Sensō-ji, walk Nakamise Shopping Street. You will find small packets and flavored nori. Check expiry dates. For formal gifts, buy in Nihonbashi or GRANSTA.
When to go (easy planning)
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| Area | Best time | What to expect | Nearby stations | Helpful notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tsukiji Outer Market | Early–late morning | Specialty shops, some tastings | Tsukiji, Tsukijishijo | Narrow lanes; go early for space. |
| Nihonbashi (brands + Mitsukoshi B1) | Late morning–evening | Heritage makers, gift tins | Mitsukoshimae, Nihombashi | Step-free basements; elevators available. |
| Tokyo Station (GRANSTA) | All day to evening | Quick buys inside ticket gates | Tokyo Station | Allow 20 minutes before trains. |
| Asakusa (Nakamise) | Mid-morning–late afternoon | Snack packs, souvenirs | Asakusa | Busy arcades; check dates on packs. |
Tip: Choose tins for protection. If you buy flat packs, place them between hard items in your bag.
Two simple routes
Half day: market to heritage
Breakfast at Tsukiji → Taste and buy at a shop from the official market list → Subway to Nihonbashi → Pick a gift tin at Yamamoto Noriten or Yamamotoyama → Walk through Mitsukoshi B1 for extras → Coffee break.
Full day: sights with easy pick-ups
Morning at Asakusa and Sensō-ji → Buy snack nori on Nakamise → Train to Tokyo Station → Final gifts at GRANSTA before your afternoon train.
What to buy (quick guide)
- Roasted sheets (yaki nori): Plain, crisp sheets for sushi and rice balls.
- Seasoned sheets (ajitsuke nori): Lightly flavored sheets for snacking.
- Gift tins or canisters: Best for suitcases and gifts.
- Vacuum flat packs: Good value. Pack them flat so they do not bend.
Accessibility
- Tsukiji: Streets can be crowded and uneven. Go earlier if you use a stroller or wheelchair.
- Nihonbashi and Tokyo Station basements: Step-free with elevators and clear signs.
- Asakusa: Walkways get busy. Step aside to browse.
- Wayfinding: Store and facility pages show maps and floor guides. These help you plan elevator routes.
FAQs
Where should someone go with only one hour near Tokyo Station?
Choose GRANSTA inside the ticket gates. Use the facility map to find seaweed counters. Leave a 20-minute buffer before your train.
What is the difference between roasted and seasoned nori?
Roasted sheets (yaki nori) are plain and crisp. They are best for sushi or rice balls. Seasoned sheets (ajitsuke nori) have light flavor and are better for snacks.
Can travelers use tax-free services at department stores?
Large stores often have tax-free counters with a minimum spend. Check the Nihombashi Mitsukoshi page for rules and bring your passport.
How much does a gift tin cost?
Prices vary by brand and grade. Pick a tin you like, then confirm the price on the brand page or at the counter.
Can nori go in carry-on luggage?
Sealed nori is shelf-stable and travels well. Tins prevent bending. Check your airline rules if you are unsure.
How do you keep nori crisp after opening?
Open only when ready to eat. Reseal with the included desiccant if provided, or move sheets to an airtight container.
Is Tsukiji good for sampling?
Many specialty shops offer small tastings. Use the official store list to plan two or three shops close together.
Key Takeaways
- Shop where it is convenient: Tsukiji for specialists, Nihonbashi for heritage brands, GRANSTA for quick buys, Asakusa for souvenirs.
- Choose yaki nori for cooking and ajitsuke nori for snacks.
- Pick tins for gifts and to protect sheets in your bag.
- Check official pages for hours, maps, and tax-free details before you go.
Sources used
- Tsukiji Outer Market — Store list and shop pages (incl. Maruyama Nori Honten): https://www.tsukiji.or.jp/english/shoplist/
- Yamamoto Noriten — Company site: https://www.yamamoto-noriten.co.jp/english/
- Yamamotoyama — Seaweed collection and pickup info: https://yamamotoyama.co.jp/en/collections/seaweed
- Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store — Hours and access: https://cp.mistore.jp/global/en/nihombashi.html
- GRANSTA Tokyo — Facility site: https://www.gransta.jp/en/
- Go Tokyo DMO — GRANSTA overview: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/834/index.html
- Asakusa Nakamise — Official street site: https://asakusa-nakamise.jp/e-index.html
