Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando Shopping Guide

Shibuya shopping begins at the scramble crossing, arguably the most famous place in all of Tokyo. It's the gateway to one of the city's biggest retail districts.

Shibuya is many things to many different people. It's a theater, a gig venue and a nightclub; it's a gourmet's paradise; and it's a beautiful tourist destination in its own right. It's also a shopping hub, with international retailers sharing the streets with Japanese chains and independent brands. Here we look at some key locations, including department stores, fashion brands, cafes and interior design boutiques.

Shibuya's Trendsetting Department Stores

Known as Tokyo's fashion capital, Shibuya is home to many department stores. In addition to established chains such as Parco and Marui, you'll also find unique ones. Some prominent examples are the iconic SHIBUYA109—with its distinctive façade and logo—and Laforet HARAJUKU. While many shops focus on fashion for young women, Shibuya offers a bit of everything for people of all ages and genders. And for bargain hunters, here's some good news: Shibuya's department stores hold huge mid-year and New Year sales!

Shibuya Style: The Hottest in Tokyo's Fashion Capital

Japan's fashion trends may come and go, but Shibuya's reputation as Tokyo's fashion capital remains constant. Mainstream trends, designer brands, alternative fashion subcultures, street fashion—you name it, Shibuya has it. Department stores and popular shops surround the famous Shibuya Crossing and line Omotesando Avenue, while Harajuku is a hub for fashionable young people. On weekends, you'll find shops packed with locals and tourists, all eager to dress in style. If you want to keep up with what's hot in Tokyo's fashion scene, Shibuya is the place to go.

Beyond Fashion: Home and Interior Shopping in Shibuya

Shibuya is also a good place to shop for furniture, electronics and interior goods. Spruce up your home with artisanal ware from Omotesando's Morita Antiques or buy high-quality appliances from BicCamera. Since Harajuku is associated with kawaii (cute) culture, look around for cute, quirky items from shops such as 6% Dokidoki and Kiddy Land. If you're on a budget, Harajuku's famous Takeshita-dori Street has a huge, four-story Daiso, a shop where nearly everything is just 100 yen. Don't be fooled by the cheap price; the items are of good quality.

Dining in Shibuya

"Shibuya style" isn't just limited to fashion. Shibuya's cafes and restaurants too are known for their trendiness. Many popular international restaurants, cafes and food stands open their first Japanese branches in Harajuku and Omotesando to much fanfare. On weekends, long lines form in front of these establishments, as many people are eager to try the latest in Tokyo's dining scene. But if you're looking for Japanese food, Shibuya also has more than its share of Japanese restaurants. In particular, Omotesando's Heiroku Sushi is a kaitenzushi (conveyor-belt sushi) restaurant that's popular among foreign visitors.