As expected, most department stores and boutiques carry a wide range of hats and hat-related accessories such as hatpins. Hats are available throughout the year, and selections vary with the seasons. Isetan has a particularly good selection on the first floor of the Shinjuku men’s department (by designers like Takeo Kikuchi or Paul Smith) and the accessories floor of the main Shinjuku building. The hats are a bit pricey, so you might want to look at some of the high-street brands in department stores such as Parco, Tokyu Hands or 01CITY (Marui City).

Loft also carries hats in the accessories and bags section. Many of these are knitted caps and are less formal, and are friendlier on the wallet. If you have something specific in mind, Mama’s Parade custom-make fabulous hats – allow at least two weeks. Prices vary, but expect to pay ¥10,000 and upwards for your new hat, depending on the work involved and materials used.