Michael Joseph BawarA bustling metropolis and the capital of Japan, Tokyo is a place where you can marvel at the unique structures, soaring skyscrapers, high-tech gadgets and amazing fashion scene. After the recently concluded Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week last October, I’ve come up with a list of fashion and retails spots in Tokyo to inspire all shopaholics out there!
1. Ginza
Image credit: Francisco Diez
Would you believe that this now posh shopping district was a former swamp during the 16th century?
Named after the silver coin mint establishment found in the area during the Edo Period, Ginza is now a location to many famous luxury fashion houses. Because of this, Ginza is considered as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world. Among the famous labels located at Ginza are Chanel, Prada as well as famed crystal house, Swarovski.
2. Shibuya
Image credit: Cegoh
Known as the “Time Square of Japan”, Shibuya is a shopping district located in one of Japan’s busiest railway stations.
One of Tokyo’s fashion hotspots, Shibuya is popular among the young crowds of Japan. As a matter of fact, one of Japan’s premiere fashion schools, Bunka Gakuen, is located here. Among the most famous spots in Shibuya is the mall Lumine where you can find items ranging from designer labels to one-of-a-kind goodies.
3. Harajuku
Image credit: Joe Mabel
Harajuku refers to the area around Tokyo’s Harajuku Station which is between Shinjuku and Shibuya on the Yamanote Line. It is the centre of Japan’s most extreme teenage culture and fashion styles.
The most popular area of Harajuku is Takeshita Dor or Takeshita Street, which is lined by specialty shops, fashion boutiques, thrift shops as well as crepe stands and fast food outlets to satisfy your food cravings.
Also read: Top 6 Flea Markets in Tokyo for Bargain Hunters
4. Asakusa
Image credit: kimishowota
For many centuries, Asakusa used to be Tokyo’s leading entertainment district. During the Edo Period when the district was still located outside the city limits, Asakusa was the site of kabuki theatres and a large red light district. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, modern types of entertainment, including movie theatres, set foot in Asakusa.
At present, one of Asakusa’s main attractions is Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple. Built in the 7th century, the temple can be accessed via the Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a range of traditional, local snacks and souvenirs for centuries.
Asakusa can easily be explored on foot. However, one can also have a guided tour on a jinrikisha (rickshaw), which will cost two persons around JPY 9,000 (SGD 103) for a 30-minute ride.
5. Don Quijote or Donki
Image credit: donki.com
Call it Japan’s version of Target and Walmart, Don Quijote or Donki is a chain of discount stores located throughout Japan with three shops in Hawaii.
Donki opened its first retail store in Suginami, Tokyo in 1980 under the name Just Co. It later changed into a wholesale outlet which became Don Quijote in 1982. Don Quijote is a popular shopping spot since it carries a wide range of items at surprisingly affordable prices.
Among the items that you can buy at Donki are clothing, souvenirs, as well as anime costumes.
6. Roppongi Hills
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Opened in 2003 at the heart of Tokyo’s Roppongi district, Roppongi Hills is a prime example of “a city within a city”. At present, Roppongi Hills features more than 200 shops, cafes and restaurants. Most shops at Roppongi Hills specialise in fashion, accessories, as well as interior design and household goods.
Interesting tidbit: Louise Bourgeois’s famous “Maman” sculpture was displayed here from 2012 to 2013.
7. Yebisu Garden Place
Image credit: James Willamor
Developed from a former brewery, Yebisu Garden Place is a shopping and cultural centre famous for its sloped promenade leading to a large central plaza covered by a wide glass arch. The area regularly hosts events and markets on weekends. A branch of famous department store Mitsukoshi is also located here.
Yebisu Garden Place is located at Ebisu, a major district in Shibuya, Tokyo, and is accessible via the Ebisu Skywalk (a fast-moving covered walkway) from JR Ebisu Station East Exit, which takes approximately 5 minutes on foot.
8. Omotesando Hills
Image credit: Kakidai
Designed by famed architect Tadao Ando and built in 2005, Omotesando Hills is a shopping complex located in Central Tokyo. Often referred to as Tokyo’s Champs Élysées, Omotesando Hills replaced the Bauhaus-inspired Dōjunkai Aoyama Apartments, which had been built in 1927 after the 1923 Kantō earthquake. At present, Omotesando Hills has 130 shops, most of which are designer labels.
Also read: Top 10 Places in Tokyo for Shopaholics to call Home
Shopaholic or not, when you visit these fabulous shopping spots in Tokyo, you’ll surely be tempted to buy something for yourself. If you have more places to add to the list, feel free to drop them in the comment box below.
