Antiques & Curios -- In recent years, it has become a buyer-beware market in Japan, with fake antiques produced in China infiltrating the Japanese market. You shouldn't have any problems with the reputable dealers listed, but if you're buying an expensive piece, be sure to ask whether there are any papers of authenticity.

In addition to the listings, other places to look for antiques include the Oriental Bazaar and Tokyo's outdoor flea markets.

Art Galleries -- The Ginza has the highest concentration of art galleries in Tokyo, with more than 200 shops dealing in everything from old woodblock prints to silk-screens, lithographs, and contemporary paintings. In addition, Japanese department stores almost always contain art galleries, with changing exhibitions ranging from works by European masters to contemporary Japanese pottery. Check the free giveaway Metropolis for exhibition listings.

Books -- Yasukuni Dori in Jimbocho, Kanda (station: Jimbocho), is lined with bookstores selling both new and used books, with several dealing in English-language books. Keep in mind, however, that English-language books are usually more expensive in Japan than back home. Still, no bibliophile should pass this street up, especially if your interest is in books related to Japan. Oriental Bazaar also carries books on Japan.

Cameras -- You can purchase cameras at many duty-free shops, including those in Akihabara, but if you're really serious about photographic equipment or want to stock up on film, make a trip to a shop dealing specifically in cameras. If a new camera is too formidable an expense, consider buying a used camera. New models come out so frequently in Japan that older models can be grabbed up for next to nothing.

Interior Design -- The department stores listed have furniture and interior-design sections: Ikebukuro's Seibu has an especially well-known and popular department, but my favorite is the Design Collection on the seventh floor of Ginza's Matsuya.

Japanese Crafts & Traditional Products -- If you want to shop for traditional Japanese folk crafts in the right atmosphere, nothing beats Nakamise Dori (station: Akasaka), a pedestrian lane leading to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. It's lined with stall after stall selling souvenirs galore, from wooden geta shoes (traditional wooden sandals)and hairpins worn by geisha to T-shirts, fans, umbrellas, toy swords, and dolls. Most stalls are open from 10am to 6pm; some close 1 day a week.

Another good place to search for traditional crafts is department stores, which usually have sections devoted to ceramics, pottery, bambooware, flower-arranging accessories, and fabrics.

Kimono -- The Oriental Bazaar has a good selection of new and used kimono, including elaborate wedding kimono. In addition, the Antique Mall Ginza has an entire floor devoted to used kimono and traditional clothing. Department stores also sell kimono, notably Takashimaya and Mitsukoshi in Nihombashi and Isetan in Shinjuku. They also have yearly sales of used, rental wedding kimono. Flea markets are another good option for used kimono and yukata, particularly the antiques market at Togo Shrine.

Kitchenware & Tableware -- In addition to the department stores and interior design shops listed, the best place to shop for items related to cooking and serving is Kappabashi-dougugai Dori (station: Tawaramachi), popularly known as Kappabashi and Japan's largest wholesale area for cookware. Here, approximately 150 specialty stores sell cookware, including sukiyaki pots, woks, lunch boxes, pots and pans, aprons, knives, china, lacquerware, rice cookers, plastic food (like the kind you see in restaurant display cases), and disposable wooden chopsticks in bulk. Although the stores are wholesalers selling mainly to restaurants, you're welcome to browse and purchase as well. Stores are closed on Sunday but otherwise open from about 10am to 5pm.

Pearls -- Mikimoto, on Chuo Dori not far from Ginza 4-chome Crossing, past Wako department store (tel. 03/3535-4611), is Japan's most famous pearl shop. It was founded by Mikimoto Koichi, who in 1905 produced the world's first good cultured pearl. Open daily 11am to 7:30pm, closed occasionally on Wednesday. Otherwise, there's a Mikimoto branch (tel. 03/3591-5001) in the Imperial Hotel Arcade of the Imperial Hotel (station: Hibiya), where you'll also find Asahi Shoten (tel. 03/3503-2528), with a good selection in the modest-to-moderate price range; and K. Uyeda Pearl Shop (tel. 03/3503-2587), with a wide selection of pearls in many different price ranges.