Known as Japan’s fashion store capital, Shibuya 109 was founded by the Tokyu company in 1979. Tourists often mistake the number 109 as indicating the number of stores located in the marvelous tower, but the 109 is a form of wordplay for Tokyu. It is taken from the Japanese characters which mean 10 and kyu which means 9, thus conspicuously spelling out Tokyu and completing the name Shibuya Tokyu. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
What To Expect In Shibuya 109
Shibuya 109 is not just an exceptional collection of beautiful stores, it is a fashion community. Every store within the Shibuya 109 community represents various subcultures in which shoppers can find, identify and explore the vibrant Tokyo fashion trends. There are eight floors and two basement levels with over 120 stores across the Shibuya 109, each with its unique subcultural niche. Shibuya's unique interior structure was designed for shoppers to explore the stores in a loop through each floor level. Travelers can delve into a variety of products ranging from shoes, costumes, beauty products, and clothes.
Major Highlights When Shopping In Shibuya 109
It’s quite impossible to give a full detailed guide on all the accessories and clothing you may find in Shibuya 109 because there are so many items! Luckily, the store clerks and staff members’ dressing and style will usually give shoppers a sneak peek as to what to expect inside the store.
There are, however, several unique fashion trend items to be found in Shibuya 109 stores these include:
- Colored contact lenses
- Cool hair accessories
- Realistic and detailed tattoo stickers
- Bold, colorful cosmetics
Top 5 shops In Shibuya
Going on a shopping trip when there are 120 different stores to choose from may not only be difficult given the vast number of choices but it can also be tiring. This handy guide will describe 5 of the best shops to visit and shop in. From here, travelers can then choose other stores to visit without being overwhelmed by decision fatigue. There are major stores that any traveler or tourist must make sure to experience while Shibuya 109.
Swan Kiss
This is a beautiful, feminine shop located on the sixth floor of the building. It is overflowing with pastel and pink-themed clothing with a modified take on vintage 1930s through 1940s style. The designs of the clothing are retro-classic yet oozing with elegance, accompanied by lace, pearls, and rhinestone to add shiny bling to the style. Clothing from Swan Kiss is sure to make a valuable addition to any girly traveler's wardrobe.
Honey Cinnamon
The shop was opened by the model Kanako Hiramatsu after she won the opportunity via the Shibuya 109 stage contest. As the name suggests sweetness and warmth, so are the clothes within the shop. The shop prides itself in beautiful classic, vintage dresses with a touch of ribbons and ruffles. Other designs also include bold hoodies mostly in pastel colors and shades of pink which encapsulate the essence of their concept of the stylish sweet girl.
Bubbles
Described as the urban goth store by Larme magazine, the bubbles store predominantly features a dark palette of elegant clothing styles to choose from. For the shoppers who enjoy having a dark twist to their wardrobe, the Bubbles store is the perfect store to shop in. Their clothing style features the typical; ruffles, puff sleeves, and bows.
Esperanza XYZ
Located just as one enters Shibuya 109, Esperanza XYZ is a store containing specially made in japan only shoes. It specializes in shoes of all types and sizes, shoppers can find anything from platform heels, sneakers, or boots to suit their fancy. There is also a wide range of colors and designs to choose from, no one is left out.
Regalect
This is the perfect store for any shopper who considers themselves to be minimalists all the clothing is either in black or white. Black and white colors are solid and exude confidence and calm. Perfect for the shopper who is looking for something classy, feminine, and composed.
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Extra Services Offered At Shibuya 109
Shibuya 109 offers several convenient amenities to make the foreign shoppers' experience even more pleasurable. These amenities include:
- Free wifi
- Interpretation services
- Tax-free shops
- An ATM towards the seventh floor, in case there is a need for more cash to shop with.
Opening times
The glamorous Shibuya 109 is open all year round except on New Year’s Day from 10:00 am-09:00 pm
Best Times During The Year To Shop At Shibuya?
There are 2 major sales during the year at Shibuya 109.
- The Winter sale is just after new years day, from the 2nd to the 31st of January.
- The summer sale is from the 30th of June to the 31st of July.
If you are trying to avoid crowds while on your shopping trip then it is advisable to avoid planning the shopping trip during these major sale seasons.
How To Get To Shibuya 109
It is a short walk of about 3-5 minutes from the JR Shibuya station via the Hachiko exit.
The physical address which can be used conveniently on google maps is: 2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Whichever time of the year visitors choose to go to Shibuya 109 shop, they are sure to enjoy the shopping experience of a lifetime. Shibuya is undoubtedly a haven for all fashion trend lovers and a trip to Japan may not be a complete experience without a shopping visit to Shibuya 109.