Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward is known as the go-to shopping haven for the city’s fashion-conscious youth. But the area, which is also chock-full of galleries, ateliers and upscale boutiques, appeals to stylish urbanites of all ages. Check out our top picks for clothing stores in Shibuya.
Maison Kitsuné
Store
The Kitsuné fashion house opened their Daikanyama branch earlier this year. Originally from Paris, the brand is also a music label. Branding, advertising and the name kitsune (meaning ‘fox’ in Japanese) all have heavy Japanese influences. Expect distinctly posh, preppy European streetwear with a Tokyo twist. They carry both men’s and women’s fashion.
Studious is a must-see for those wanting to pick up pieces from local designers you can’t find anywhere else. The Jinnan location in Shibuya focuses on high-end men’s fashion. There’s also a section selling souvenirs, so everyone can find the perfect memento in this unique Tokyo shop. They have a second location in Shinjuku for women’s clothes.
Another French-run boutique, Lamp Harajuku carries a variety of soft, feminine styles from local and international designers. The shop is also home to a small gallery, and artist exhibitions are held regularly. Lamp’s classy yet versatile accessories are a welcome addition to any girl’s closet, while their hats with tulle veils are simply adorable.
Go back to basics with this modern home and lifestyle store. Keywords for their stylishly neutral-colored garment selection are ‘comfort’ and ‘quality.’ Find both men’s and women’s casual and workwear. Their Shibuya location also houses Café & Meal Muji, so shoppers can refuel before heading out.
The cutting-edge Japanese shop Toga is making a name for itself. Having appeared at both Paris and London Fashion Week, it’s also rumored to be a favorite of pop star Katy Perry. Bold patterns and prints meet classic cuts and styles. Find fashion and accessories for both men and women at their Harajuku location.
The birthplace of gyaru culture in the early 2000s, Shibuya 109 continues to fuel modern-day trends. Find cornerstones of youth fashion like WeGo, brands aimed at the city’s glamorous ‘hostesses’ like DaTuRa, and monochrome adult fashions like Emoda. Most of the shoppers here are young teens and twenty-somethings, but with so much Tokyo fashion crammed in, there’s bound to be something to catch your eye. Shibuya 109 carries women’s fashion only, but its little brother, 109 Men’s, can be found nearby.
Following in the footsteps of her mentors Rei Kawakubo (of Comme des Garçons) and Junya Watanabe, designer Chitose Abe opened a flagship store to house her Sacai fashion brand in Aoyama. Only the most daring trendsetter could pull of Abe’s pieces, which incorporate a bold variety of textures, fabrics and colors. The inviting two-story boutique carries both men’s and women’s fashions.
