The 3rd day was a rainy one, which implied being particularly strategic: the 3rd day was hence declared Shopping day. Those two neighboring neighborhoods are ones I know well, since I almost went nuts in their shops back in 2007.
This year, my shopping fever was somewhat less intense (although…). Maturity no doubt … (says the girl who spent 2h in Kiddy Land).
These neighborhoods are nevertheless the best ones to get a good sense of the Tokyo youth sense of style. I noticed some must-haves (that are not so far from ours actually):
À OMOTESANDO (plutôt sobre)
For men: a pair of New Balance sneakers, socks with a graphic design or dots, a work smock styled cotton navy jacket
For women: a pair of New Balance sneakers (which started an obsession), a trench coat, a breton striped top, everything with something written in French on it (or else a classic working-girl look with heels).
À HARAJUKU (“Nawak”/ Too much= tout est permis)
Everything can become a Must Have, as long as the idea is to be as flashy/extravagant/frilly as possible.
Blazer H&M
Tee shirt Kitsuné
Jeans Levi’s
Watch ASOS
Lipstick L’absolu Velours « Velours de Grenade » Lancôme
Clutch Aquvii (from Tokyo’s Tokyo)
I didn’t take any pictures from these neighborhoods, because it was raining and that I was shopping (too many bags to carry, you know? Haha!) so to make up for the lack of pictures, here are are a couple of useful addresses if you end up in the area:
KIDDY LAND
(6-1-9 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku)
The place expanded since 2007, with 6 stories full of Kawaii gadgets, from Totoro to Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma, Sanrio and other such things. Just like at Ikea, you always end up leaving the store with something. I found a small plastic chick that I can put on the fridge and that talks (in japanese!) everytime you open the door: totally useless…which makes it totally useful for me.
TOKYO’S TOKYO
(In the Tokyu Plaza mall) : that’s where I found the small bag I’m wearing on the pictures! The store lists a number of decoration objects, accessories and other gadgets.
LAFORET
(1-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku)
This mall would have made 1st place on my list in 2007, but after reviewing all the stories, I left empty-handed. My tastes in matters of clothing have changed, and what they have to offer is way too colorful/teenager for me now. But I’m listing it here anyway for those of you who might be interested.
TAKESHITA DORI
The mythical Harajuku street. I left with the same feeling I had in Laforet, but it’s still a must-go. You could find a great accessory (or food, hehe).
OPENING CEREMONY
(6-7-1-B Jingumae Shibuya-ku) P
Lots of brands (not necessarily cheap ones, of course) but lots of fun and interesting collaboration projects, and the place in itself is nice. (Just across the street there is a food stall that sells delicious Takoyakis: OK, it has nothing to do with fashion, nothing at all).
OMOTESANDO HILLS
(4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku)
A rather high-end shopping arcade, but they have very pretty things, amongst which a Tabio socks/tights shop, and another shop that sells tableware and vases, and where I left with pretty bowls.
FOUND MUJI
(Aoyama, 1-2F Nakajima Bldg, 5-50−6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku)
A sort of high-end Muji, with a selection of objects from other countries, kind of like a concept store. Or you can find “classic” Muji stores all around Tokyo: it’s really worth a visit, because the prices are divided by 2 compared to France (and you can sometimes eat there too).
And a ton of other addresses, but I forgot the name: the best thing to do is to try and wander about in the neighboring streets and alleys. You’ll always find something interesting. (English translation by Bleu Marine)
Previously on MY JAPAN TRAVEL DIARY :
Notre appart à Tokyo
Day 1 : Sumida Park & Asakusa
Day 2 : Namco Namjatown
