Shibuya can be a crazy place to be in on a regular weekend. Locals and Tourists alike will congregate near the Hachiko statue in front of the Tokyu Departmental store, as Shibuya is the place to see and be seen for the trendy young locals in Tokyo.
There are a massive number of shops in Shibuya, the good ones to consider for fashion is Shibuya 109 and Modi in this area. However I tend not to shop for clothes when I am in Tokyo, so I will head towards lifestyle goods. Here are 3 stores that I will be sure to visit when in West Shibuya;
- Loft
Leave Shibuya station by the Hachiko exit, walk pass the Hachiko statue on the left, and you will see a massive crossing. You will likely see Tower Records right by the junction (if you are still into CDs)
To get to Loft, cross the Shibuya Crossing towards Tsutaya and turn left at the next junction, from there you will see Seibu opposite the small road and Loft is just on the left of it.
Loft has a good range of stationery (when in Tokyo, you have to buy stationery!), lifestyle goods and homeware. The range of thermal lunch boxes, bottles, bento boxes are really nice, although I have never bought any of them, as I don’t have any use for it. In the same building as Loft, there is a Muji too.
ShibuyaLoft from Rachel T on Vimeo.
Around this vicinity of the Loft building, there are small shops with new and vintage records, toys, manga and figures. If one really wants to explore the area, it can keep you occupied for days!
2. Tokyu Hands
The Tokyu Hands store in Shibuya is just round the corner after Loft and it is the largest branch in Tokyo. If you don’t already know, Tokyu Hands is like the ultimate DIY and hobbyist shop in Tokyu. Apart from crafting materials; from woodworking, to clay making, jewellery making etc, there are camping equipment, bathroom accessories, bags and luggages, cosmetic and beauty items and more.
I can easily spend 2-3 hours just browsing the goods in this store.
3. Shibuya Hikarie
In east Shibuya, from exit 15 of Shibuya station is Hikarie. This is by far my favourite departmental store to go to in Shibuya. I found the things here are trendy and unique, a nice change for the massive number of shops that are targeted towards the youth in Shibuya. You can find cute gifts, unique household items, design or retro inspired products, and pet merchandise all in this store.
There are good food options in the basement 2 level of the food hall and on floors six and seven, restaurants. I found an Unagi restaurant here in Hikarie that I visited twice in that same trip, and will definitely visit again when I am back in Tokyo.
Recommended Accommodation in Shibuya :
The hotel that is right above exit 16 of the Shibuya Train station. The same building where the hotel is has 2 floors of restaurants and cafes, so it can be rather busy at most times of the day, but the best hotel in terms of location. Rates from $295 a night.
The hotel to stay in when you prefer to be a stone’s throw away from the bustle, and don’t mind a 500 metres walk from the train station. There is a street of Izakaya (Japanese pubs) adjacent to the street leading to the hotel, and a Japanese Curry shop just 20 metres away from the entrance of the hotel. This is my choice hotel when I want to stay in the Shibuya area. Rates from $440 a night.
