International Shopping Paradise of Shibuya 109

The area of Tokyo known as Shibuya is considered by many to be the most progressive center of young fashion around the world. It is definitely the center of the young Japanese fashion world and Japan is likely the most progressive culture in the world. Young women from Paris even come here just to explore the cutting edge of many variations of style. A shopping paradise which may easily win the title of the heart of Shibuya’s shopping district is a building known as “Shibuya 109” or in Japanese “Ichii Maro Kyu” which essentially just means 109 as basically everyone in Japan will know you are talking about the building in Shibuya.

If you can imagine a literally monolithic silver temple of fashionable and fun shopping ecstasy then you are likely approaching the concept of the legendary 109. For fashion enthusiasts it is likely worth the trip to Japan in and of itself. There is nothing quite like it. It literally emanates beauty from its doors. It is so iconic that even Japanese tourists from other areas of the country will sometimes stop for a photo op in front of its entrance.

There are 9 floors of shopping in all and one could easily spend the day exploring its treasures. There are surprisingly bargains galore as the focus is on fashion rather than on pushing overpriced luxury brand names. There is a wide selection available and some really eclectic finds await the truly adventurous. There are fashion lines from around the world and from Japan itself. Many young women in Tokyo have started their own clothing and accessory lines as have some enterprising young men. Each floor has its own offering and, while some floors are more specialized than others, there is generally a wide variety awaiting shoppers on every floor. The third floor, for example, has a mix of shopping choices yet has a strong focus on hats and any hat lover will likely have a shopping field day trying on whatever they find to their liking.

To get to the 109 after you have arrived in Tokyo, you will want to first head to Shibuya station either by taxi, bus, or train. The trains in Japan are wonderful and are also wonderfully convenient in Tokyo, while the taxis are generally considered to be a bit overpriced, so the train is certainly the best option in this situation if your schedule can allow it. From Shibuya station go out the Hachiko exit to the famous intersection known as Hachiko Square and head to the corner where everyone gathers to cross. Look up the hill to your left and you should see a large silver tower with red letters that says “Shibuya 109”.

Have fun in shopping paradise!