“I want to buy an Hermès bag for the first time, but I don’t know which store to go to…”
“I’ve heard they can be cold to customers, so I’m worried… I’d like to choose a store where it’s easier to buy a bag if possible.”
Many people have these kinds of concerns.
In reality, whether you feel a store is “easy to buy from” depends on various factors such as the chance to encounter inventory, how easily you can get assistance, and the overall atmosphere of the store.
In this article, we compare the characteristics of the main Hermès stores in Tokyo and organize their “ease of purchase.”
Additionally, we introduce some “unspoken rules” you should know and explore the resale market as an option if you can’t find what you want at an official store.
Whether or not you feel a Hermès store is easy to buy from depends largely on the store’s atmosphere, how approachable the staff are, and the opportunities to encounter inventory.
Here, we outline the main conditions that shape this ease of purchase.
The first important factor is the breadth of items carried.
Large stores like the Ginza flagship carry a wide variety—not only bags but also small goods and accessories.
While you may not always find Birkin or Kelly bags, stores with a large selection often feel like places where you have a higher chance of being shown something.
At Hermès, the bags shown to customers can vary depending on the relationship with the client and purchase history.
However, it’s not always the case that “only regular customers can buy.” Chances can also depend on the rapport with the sales staff and the stock available on the day.
Stores where the service feels gentle may offer positive guidance even to first-time visitors.
The most nerve-wracking part of visiting a store for the first time is often the atmosphere.
Stores like the Ginza flagship, which have a very exclusive feel, can seem intimidating, while those inside department stores or in busy areas may feel more accessible and easier to drop in.
Whether the environment lowers psychological barriers is an important factor affecting how easy it is to shop there.
Tokyo has several Hermès stores, including the Ginza flagship, Ginza Mitsukoshi, Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, as well as locations in Shibuya and Shinjuku. Each differs in location and atmosphere, which is said to affect impressions and how easily you can get assistance when visiting.
Note: The information here was collected at the time of the article update. Actual inventory and service may vary depending on the store and timing.
Image source: Hermès
Located on Ginza Chuo-dori, this flagship store is a symbol of the brand and attracts many fans from Japan and abroad. It boasts one of the largest selections, but due to crowding, entry restrictions often apply, which might make first-time visitors feel a bit intimidated.
However, the selection of small goods and scarves is extensive, making it a must-visit for those who want to experience the Hermès world firsthand.
Image source: Hermès
Located inside a department store, this store offers a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for first-time visitors to drop by naturally. The interior is relatively calm, and it’s often praised by those aiming for their first Hermès as an “easy to enter” location.
While the availability of bags depends on timing, there are also reports from customers who have encountered “off-list bags” like the Picotin or Evelyn here, making it one of the stores easier to challenge for a purchase.
Image source: Hermès
Situated in a historic department store, this location is known for its calm and relaxed atmosphere. It tends to be less crowded than the Ginza flagship, and some customers have noted the staff’s softer approach when guiding buyers.
With convenient access within walking distance from Nihonbashi Station, it is sometimes considered a hidden gem. For those who tend to feel nervous on their first visit, it might be a psychologically easier choice to make.
Image source: Hermès
Though somewhat smaller in scale compared to Ginza or Nihonbashi, these stores are conveniently located, often directly connected to stations, making them easy to stop by during daily errands or after work. They also attract a younger clientele, and many start by purchasing items other than bags.
Inventory varies by day, but these locations are noted for the possibility of finding staple daily models like the Picotin or Evelyn.
It is said that Hermès has certain “unspoken rules” that are not officially stated but are helpful to understand, especially if you aim to purchase popular bags such as the Birkin or Kelly. Below, we summarize key points.
Note: This section is based on customer experiences and general consensus and may not apply uniformly across all stores.
At Hermès, long-term purchase history and building trust with the staff often lead to being shown special bags.
If you are suspected of buying for resale, you might face more cautious treatment, so showing respect for the brand is crucial.
Further Reading:
Understanding these unspoken rules—covering dress, manners, building relationships with staff, and purchase history—can be very helpful when aiming to get popular Hermès bags. In all cases, showing respect for the brand through elegant behavior and politeness creates opportunities.
Here we address common questions about Hermès stores, focusing on points that first-time visitors often worry about.
The Ginza flagship is the largest in Japan, offering a rich variety of items beyond bags. Stores inside department stores (like Ginza Mitsukoshi and Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi) also tend to have relatively broad selections. However, the bags shown to you depend on current inventory and customer conditions.
Not necessarily. There are cases of first-time visitors being shown Birkins, but generally, purchase history and trust with staff are important. In other words, it’s not strictly limited to existing customers, but inventory and timing play major roles.
At the Ginza flagship, entry restrictions may apply depending on how crowded it is. Department store locations are generally easier to enter casually.
Arrival times are not publicly announced. Some say new stock comes in the morning or late afternoon, but this is based on anecdotal information. There is no guaranteed way to know exact times, so regularly visiting the store is the best approach.
Related Reading:
When Do New Items Arrive Online at Hermès? Tips and Checklists for Buying [2025 Edition]
Finding popular bags like the Birkin or Kelly at an official Hermès store is not easy. In fact, many people share stories of visiting repeatedly without ever being shown these models.
In such cases, the resale and secondhand market becomes a viable option.
XIAOMA is a resale store specializing in Hermès, boasting a unique collector network spanning over 50 countries worldwide. They carry a wide range of rare models and popular colors.
Even if you don’t find what you want at an official store, using a trusted resale market like XIAOMA can greatly expand your chances of meeting your ideal first Hermès bag.
What makes a Hermès store feel “easy to buy” differs from person to person. Some prefer stores with abundant inventory, while others prioritize a welcoming atmosphere.
Tokyo’s main stores each have their own character — from the special, flagship feel of the Ginza Maison to the calm, accessible settings inside department stores in Nihonbashi or Ginza Mitsukoshi.
While there are unspoken rules and purchase restrictions to be aware of, understanding the brand’s philosophy and approaching the process with respect significantly increases your chances of finding your first Hermès bag.
And if you don’t have luck at official stores, combining that with a trusted resale market is a smart approach. The quality guarantees and wide selection offered there provide a different kind of reassurance.
By identifying the store and purchasing route that suits you best, you can enjoy the journey of discovering your Hermès piece step by step.
▶︎ Explore the official XIAOMA Hermès specialty online store to find your perfect item.
