There are many fashion districts in Tokyo and they all have a unique atmosphere and style. Without a local guide, you may feel a bit lost, but if you book a tour with us at Be Japanese, we will help you navigate these areas like a pro. See below for more information about Tokyo’s famous shopping districts.
Ginza
Ginza is one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in Tokyo and is a fashion and culture hub. Located within walking distance from Tokyo station, Ginza is a must-see area and never fails to dazzle both locals and tourists alike with its class and elegance. You can find the best high-end domestic and international clothing stores, beautiful cafes, five star restaurants, galleries and much much more.
Roppongi Hills
Roppongi Hills is a city-within-a-city in the Roppongi district of Tokyo where you can find fashionistas, art aficionados, office workers and executives all in one place. While Roppongi is known for its rowdy clubbing and nightlife scene, Roppongi Hills has a totally different and somewhat eclectic vibe. This mega-complex houses the Grand Hyatt hotel, the Mori Art Museum, The Mori Tower, clothing stores, parks, offices, apartments, top-notch restaurants, cafes, and a cinema. You could easily spend an entire day just eating, shopping and exploring the labyrinth that is Roppongi Hills.
Aoyama
Japanese author Haruki Murakami’s surrogate hometown Aoyama, is the place to go if you want to be inspired by elegant street style and beautiful people. Aoyama is modern, up-market and cultured. Although close to Shibuya, Aoyama has a more relaxed vibe. Boutiques, cafes, jazz clubs, book stores and street art are just a few of the reasons to visit Aoyama. There is just something so magnetic and magical about this neighborhood that will draw you in and make you want to come back again and again. Many authors, artists and designers make Aoyama their home as it never fails to inspire those who spend time there.
Harajuku
Harajuku needs no introduction and has secured the top spot in the kawaii hall of fame. Harajuku started making a name for itself in the seventies and eighties as a progressive, youth-orientated fashion hub and continues to be one of the most exciting fashion towns in the world. Harajuku is constantly evolving and changing and is one of the best places to visit if you want to shop for on-trend Japanese fashion and be inspired to step out of your comfort zone. The always-bustling Takeshita street is lined with colorful clothing and accessory stores and the “Ura-Harajuku” area―literally, ‘back streets of Harajuku’―are where Harajuku is really going to suck you in and capture your heart.
Omotesando
Omotesando is just a hop, skip and jump away from Harajuku and could be said to be Harajuku’s more refined and elegant sister. Omotesando is know for having the world’s most luxurious fashion brands in a very compact and walkable area, which makes it popular with locals and visitors alike. The Main Street of Omotesando is dotted with beautiful high-end stores and cafes. If you want to treat yourself to some high-class fashion and dine in style, Omotesando is definitely worth checking out.
Nakameguro
Nakameguro is one of Tokyo’s best kept secrets. Conveniently located just out of Shibuya, it is sure to satisfy fashion and cafe lovers. Nakameguro is centered around the beautiful Meguro river, which is lined with beautiful cherry blossom trees and charming shops. You can enjoy exploring the boutiques and little restaurants while being surrounded by nature in this mini-oasis in Tokyo.
Daikanyama
Daikanyama is a high-end residential area which is easily walkable from both Shibuya and Nakameguro. It is effortlessly funky and you could spend hours just roaming around, enjoying the unique architecture, and popping in and out of all the boutiques and galleries. Daikanyama is Tokyo’s own “Little Brooklyn” and is one the coolest and most chill shopping and residential districts in Tokyo.
Shibuya
Take a deep breath, make sure you have had a good night’s sleep, get your camera ready and dive into one of the world’s most electric shopping, dining and entertainment districts. You have have probably heard rumors about how impressive and overwhelming Shibuya is, and you will not be disappointed. Shibuya’s infamous Scramble Crossing will give you chills and the fashion scene is to die for. You can pretty much find any kind of fashion that you can think of and some you didn’t even know existed. Let Shibuya give you sensory overload and get lost in this amazing neighborhood.
Jiyugaoka
Just a few stops from Shibuya, you will find the chic residential and shopping district of Jiyugaoka. Adored by Tokyoites, Jiyugaoka is a sweets lover’s paradise that boasts dozens of high-quality Japanese and western style cafes and sweets speciality stores. Some areas of Jiyugaoka remain traditionally Japanese, while others have a strikingly European atmosphere thanks to the cobble-stone paths, labyrinths of artsy backstreets and plethora of bakeries. Fashionistas who have a more elegant and feminine style will enjoy perusing Jiyugaoka’s wide range of beautiful clothing stores.
Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is one of Tokyo’s best alternative and indie neighborhoods. It has a lively underground music culture and dozens of live houses, as well as a rocking second-hand clothing scene which is second to none. You could spend hours hunting for one-of-a-kind pieces in the many pre-loved clothing stores.
Kichijoji
Kichijoji is often ranked as the No. 1 neighborhood in Tokyo where Japanese people would most like to live. The reason for this is simple; it has everything! People of all ages will fall in love with Kichijoji. It has many wonderful clothing shops, three major department stores, cinemas, small galleries, great food, stationary stores, Harmonica-yokocho―one of the most unique bar areas in Tokyo―and Inokashira park. Being a residential area, it is a lot calmer and more relaxing than Shinjuku and Shibuya and manages to maintain a local feel where you are sure to feel at home.