The Homes Of Japanese Fashion: Harajuku, Shibuya, And Shimokitazawa

Shibuya: The Heart of Mainstream Youth Fashion

From: Shibuya Complete Guide: Access, Sightseeing, Hotels, Shopping and More!

Shibuya may be best known for its brilliant lights and packed Scramble Crossing, but it is also where the vast majority of Japanese mainstream fashion trends come from. Here is where some of the first youth-based shopping centers originated, and from them Shibuya-kei, or Shibuya fashion, took hold of Japan and slowly worked its way to celebrities all across the globe.

Vanquish, a store in Shibuya 109 Men's

A men's jacket inspired by Shibuya (Vanquish)

Shibuya is home to a diverse range of shopping spots, the main three of which are Center-gai, Shibuya 109, and the most recent addition, Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs.

Center-gai is a crowded, bustling street full of boutique and brand name shops and plenty of exciting restaurants and bars, while 109 is the place for young women to shop (and its related Men's 109, across from Shibuya Station is a must for men's fashion fans). Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs caters to a slightly more mature crowd, but still has the trendy factor that all shops in Shibuya invariably seem to possess.

Shimokitazawa: Vintage and One-of-a-kind Fashions

From: Shimokitazawa - Getting To Know The Favorite Town Of Japanese Youth

Shimokitazawa is less well-known than both Shibuya and Harajuku, but if you are a fan of vintage fashion, classic rock, ethnic fashion, or handmade, one-of-a-kind items, then this is the place for you. Here you will find an eclectic mix of shops selling modern clothes and ones offering vintage Western and Japanese fashions standing alongside confectionery shops from pre-and post-war Japan, a vast assortment of trendy little cafes and live houses, as well as restaurants serving an incredible assortment of dishes.

From: Shimokitazawa - Getting To Know The Favorite Town Of Japanese Youth

Because of its age as a district, you won't find most major stores or chains located anywhere near here, and there is very little parking to speak of, but the Odakyu and Keio Inokashira line trains are very convenient for those wanting to see both the Shibuya and Shinjuku areas. If you'd like to visit a historical, thoroughly "vintage Japan" area, then hop on the train and stroll through the streets of Shimokitazawa. You won't be disappointed!

In Conclusion

Japanese fashion is a term that covers a wide range of possibilities - there are plenty of places located in between these areas with their own unique trends to check out too!

If you want to see the full range of fashion in this area, you should definitely try walking from Harajuku to Shibuya (or vice versa) along Cat Street, and from Shibuya to Shimokitazawa, although this route is a bit more complicated and will take nearly an hour if you don't make any stops along the way.

Whichever way you decide to go though, you will definitely not regret checking out Shibuya, Harajuku, or Shimokitazawa during your trip to Japan.