Photo: "Don Quijote Higashiguchi Honten"© Dick Thomas Johnson(Licensed under CC BY 2.0)
Don Quijote (ドン・キホーテ) is a large scale superstore where you can find pretty much anything at discount prices.
Also known as simply “DONKI”, These stores can be found all across Japan and are highly recognizable from far away for its flashy entrance with the penguin mascot. DONKI’s are highly popular among both Japanese people and foreign visitors.
It is very convenient because most DONKI’s are open 24 hours and you will find almost anything that you’re looking for. Food, snacks, souvenirs, cosmetics, skincare products, luxury items, travel goods, clothing, accessories, sports equipment, stationery, cleaning supplies, electronics, toys, party goods, etc… You name it, they most probably got it.
There are also tax-free cashiers for foreign visitors which is another attractive point for foreign visitors.
The interior is stuffed with goods in such a way that it can get overwhelming just walking around. It is definitely an experience.
If you want to buy a souvenir for a friend or family member, but are not quite sure what to buy, this is the perfect place to come.
All DONKI stores are quite big, but there are also “MEGA DONKI” stores which are especially huge! I will introduce to you 5 of the largest Don Quijote stores plus a Mega Donki store in Tokyo.
1. Mega Don Quijote Shibuya
Mega Don Quijote Shibuya (MEGAドン・キホーテ 渋谷本店) is one of the few Mega Donki located in Tokyo.
Shibuya used to have a regular Doki, but the store was relocated in made into a Mega Donki which opened in 2017.
The store is located just 5 minutes from Shibuya station and has 6 floors plus 2 basement floors.
What’s really convenient is that the B1 floor is a supermarket where many locals come to shop for their groceries.
Here is an article about this Mega Donki in Shibuya.
▶Don Quijote Shibuya: Shop All You Need at SHIBUYA MEGA DONKI!!
2. Don Quijote Ginza
Don Quijote Ginza (ドン・キホーテ 銀座本館) is not a Mega Donki, but still a larger Don Quijote store located between Ginza station, Higashi-Ginza station, and Shimbashi station.
Because of its location, it is heavily used by businessmen who work in the area as well as foreign visitors who are shopping around the Ginza area.
In comparison to the other Donki in this list, this one is only one story tall which makes it less work to look around the store.
3. Don Quijote Shinjuku Tonanguchi
Don Quijote Shinjuku Tonanguchi (ドン・キホーテ 新宿東南口店) is another large Donki, this one located near the southeast exit of Shinjuku station.
Actually, there are two large Don Quijote stores near Shinjuku station, the other one being located near Kabukicho which is one of the more popular Donki stores.
But Don Quijote Shinjuku Tonanguchi is a newer store that was opened in 2017 which is closer to the station and is more spacious.