- Attraction: I Go Tokyo
- Location: 34 Frazier Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37405
- Industry: Gift Shop
- Website: https://www.igotokyostore.com/
I Go Tokyo creates magic on Frazier Avenue in Chattanooga’s charming North Shore district.
And this isn’t just another gift shop with a few imported knickknacks thrown together.
Owner Margaret Armour travels to Japan twice a year for weeks at a time, handpicking every single item from artisans, family workshops, and independent craftspeople throughout the country.
The result?
A boutique that feels less like a store and more like a carefully curated love letter to Japanese culture, where kawaii meets sophistication and every shelf tells a story.
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Keep Exploring →Since opening in December 2018, I Go Tokyo has become a beloved destination for anyone seeking something truly special.
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift, decorating your home with authentic Japanese aesthetics, or simply want to immerse yourself in a different culture for an afternoon, this cozy space delivers an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the Southeast.
Treasure Trove of Authentic Japanese Goods
Exclusive Koransha Porcelain: You’ll discover one of the most extraordinary items in the store—delicate porcelain crafted by the same family for over 300 years.
Originally created exclusively for the Japanese Emperor, this is the only place in the entire United States where you can purchase Koransha porcelain. The pieces are feather-light and translucent, with a quality that truly must be seen to be believed.
Stationery Paradise: Prepare to lose yourself in the extensive stationery section at the back of the store. From corgi-shaped sticky notes to carrot-shaped pens, you’ll find writing implements and paper goods that transform mundane tasks into moments of joy.
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Discover MoreThe selection includes everything from elegant journals to whimsical erasers, all featuring that distinctive Japanese attention to detail and quality that makes even the simplest notebook feel special.
Ceramics and Kitchenware: The ceramic collection showcases beautiful teapots, sake cups, bowls, and serving dishes that blend functionality with artistry. You’ll spot tiny ceramic cats and dogs hidden throughout the store, each one a miniature work of art.
High-quality linen aprons, hand towels featuring charming designs, and traditional tea sets make these items perfect for elevating your everyday cooking and dining experiences.
Adorable Plushies and Toys: Floor-to-ceiling shelves display an irresistible array of soft toys that appeal to all ages.
From anime characters to kawaii creations like smiling dust balls in pink cars, these plushies embody the playful side of Japanese culture. You’ll find everything from Hello Kitty items to character merchandise from popular anime series.
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Keep Exploring →Specialty Japanese Snacks: Those sample bags of exclusive Kit-Kat flavors are absolutely worth trying. These aren’t your ordinary chocolate wafers—Japan is famous for creating unique flavors you simply cannot find anywhere else in America.
Whether you’re treating yourself or bringing back an unusual gift for a friend, these specialty snacks offer a delicious taste of authentic Japanese confections.
Textiles and Fabrics: Beautiful hand-woven scarves shimmer with rich colors reminiscent of sunset and eggplant.
The fabric selection includes reusable wrapping cloths in bright prints, demonstrating the Japanese art of furoshiki. You’ll even find adorable pet kimonos if you want to dress up your four-legged friends in traditional style.
Exclusive Local Art: The boutique features watercolor anime artwork by Chattanooga artist Kat Hackler, sold exclusively at I Go Tokyo.
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Discover MoreThese pieces showcase characters from popular series and represent a wonderful fusion of Japanese inspiration with local talent, making them unique souvenirs that celebrate both cultures.
Jewelry and Accessories: Hand-painted earrings come in sets of five different studs that you can mix and match to create your own combinations.
The jewelry collection offers elegant pieces alongside fun accessories, cosmetics packaged like an artist’s kit, and other decorative items that add Japanese flair to your personal style.
Shopping Experience and Store Layout
Maximized Small Space: Don’t let the cozy size fool you—this boutique packs an incredible amount into every square inch.
Floor-to-ceiling shelving maximizes the vertical space, and you’ll easily lose track of time wandering through the carefully arranged aisles discovering new treasures around every corner.
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Keep Exploring →Bright and Inviting Atmosphere: Natural light floods through the windows and reflects off white walls, creating an airy, welcoming environment.
The storefront windows offer a preview of what’s inside, with plushies displayed on one side and elegant kitchenware showcased on the other, immediately conveying the store’s diverse range.
Thoughtful Curation: Photos of Japanese artisans are displayed throughout the store with brief notes about their work, connecting you directly to the craftspeople who created these items.
This personal touch reminds you that you’re just one degree of separation from fascinating creators and centuries-old traditions.
The front table rotates with seasonally curated selections, currently featuring back-to-school items but changing throughout the year to keep the shopping experience fresh.
Cultural Immersion: The entire space radiates the atmosphere owner Margaret Armour experienced in Japan—safety, fun, serenity, and happiness.
Walking through the door genuinely feels like stepping into a Japanese boutique, with that perfect balance of whimsy and sophistication that defines Japanese retail culture.
Practical Details for Your Visit
Price Range Considerations: While import costs mean prices reflect the authentic nature and quality of the merchandise, you’ll find items at various price points.
There’s truly something for every budget, from affordable stickers and small accessories to investment pieces like the exclusive Koransha porcelain.
The exceptional quality and uniqueness of these Japanese-made goods make them worthwhile purchases, especially considering you won’t find most of these items anywhere else in the United States.
Perfect for Gift Hunting: Whether you need a last-minute birthday present, a graduation gift, or something special for a loved one, I Go Tokyo delivers.
Past shoppers have successfully found travel journals, fabric for sewing enthusiasts, embroidered hand towels with nature motifs, and countless other thoughtful presents that recipients actually appreciate and use.
Family-Friendly Browsing: Kids and adults alike find plenty to love here.
The mix of adorable kawaii items, mystery boxes, and quirky stickers appeals to younger visitors, while the refined ceramics, textiles, and home goods attract serious gift-givers and collectors. The variety means everyone in the family will discover something that catches their eye.
Cultural Connection: For Japanese Americans or anyone with ties to Japan, this boutique offers a genuine taste of home.
You’ll find traditional items alongside modern creations, from bonsai and garden tools to contemporary anime merchandise.
It’s also a wonderful resource for anyone interested in learning about or practicing Japanese language and culture.
Regular Inventory Updates: Since Margaret travels to Japan multiple times each year, the selection continuously refreshes with new seasonal items.
Frequent visitors love stopping by to see what treasures have arrived since their last visit, and the rotating inventory means you’ll always discover something new.
I Go Tokyo
📍 34 Frazier Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37405
