Translated by Emily Dempster
Shopping In Shibuya? Check Out These 9 Shops Near The Station!
Written by Miku Yasuda
Shibuya is jam-packed with so many shopping outlets that it will have you reeling. Don't fret as we deliver you some that outshine the rest.
Shibuya: A Treasure Trove for Souvenir Hunting
Even by Tokyo standards, Shibuya is one of the best places to shop, and the shoppers aren't all tourists either; many Japanese people also make the trip to Shibuya to get their shopping fix.
The great thing about Shibuya is the sheer amount of shops to visit. While Shibuya is renowned for its youth fashion culture, recent years have seen a boom in adult fashion as well, transforming the district into a shopping paradise regardless of age. What's more is Shibuya also has a number of traditional Japanese shops and shops selling otaku goods, so no matter what you're looking for, it's the perfect place.
In this article we'll have a look at nine shops that sell fashion, discount products, Japanese and otaku goods that make great souvenirs.
The Holy Land of Fashion! Three Great Spots for Clothes Shopping
First off are some fashion buildings that are incredibly popular with the local Japanese. Shibuya station is surrounded by fashion-oriented department stores, but each building has its own target audience and themes. Taking a good look in some of these buildings will help you discover your fashion sense.
1. SHIBUYA 109
Overwhelmingly popular with female students is SHIBUYA 109. This huge building lies in the centre of Shibuya and is immediately visible once you cross the scramble crossing from the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station.
Even if it's your first time visiting Shibuya, it should be very easy to find. 109 is at the heart of Shibuya shopping and is the origin of many of Japan's fashion trends, so you can check out the latest cutting-edge youth styles here. It is great spot for sightseeing as well as shopping.
2. Shibuya Hikarie
Shibuya used to have this image of being a "youth city", but this image has been changed thanks to the construction of Hikarie (ヒカリエ). Hikarie's fashion floors feature global brands like Marc by Marc Jacobs and SEE BY CHLOE alongside upper-end Japanese brands, giving their product line-up a very sophisticated, city girl vibe.
Besides fashion, the complex also features interior and cosmetics stores, design exhibitions and even a theatre, so there is plenty to keep you busy. The paths are wide, and the building is designed to feel spacious so there is plenty of room to even bring a baby stroller along. Hikarie is linked to Shibuya station itself, so it is incredibly easy to access.
3. For Japanese Fashion Brands: Shibuya Marui
Shibuya Marui (渋谷マルイ) is a shopping complex popular among working women in their 20s and 30s. It mainly comprises Japanese brands, and you can often find brand items at bargain prices.
Here you can find not only casual clothing, but also a lot of formal wear such as suits, high heels and formal gowns.
For those of you who love Japanese fashion, it's a great place to check out.
