SHOPPING IN SHIBUYA
Quite simply, Shibuya is a shopper’s paradise. From the iconic 109 department store to Udagawacho’s numerous underground records shops, the neighborhood caters to shoppers of a all kinds of tastes. The sheer volume of options can be overwhelming to both visitor and Tokyo resident alike, but the list below can help you get started.
109
After Hachiko, 109 is perhaps Shibuya’s most iconic landmark. It’s especially popular with young women who follow the ‘gyaru’ fashion and lifestyle, with a heavy emphasis on clothing and shoes. The stores inside have very little, if anything, to offer male shoppers. Nevertheless, it’s a convenient meeting spot and a good reference point to keep in mind in case you get lost wandering around the neighborhood.
Address
2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya
東京都渋谷区道玄坂2-29-1
Hours
10:00 – 21:00
Telephone
03-3477-5111
BOOK OFF
ブックオフ渋谷センター街店
Book Off is a used bookstore chain that can be found nearly everywhere in Japan. This branch in Shibuya is notable because it’s one of the biggest and also has a sizable English book selection, including novels, travel guides and art books. There’s an even larger English book section at the Shirokanedai branch, but this one in Shibuya is still worth checking out.
Address
32-13 Udagawacho, Shibuya
東京都渋谷区宇田川町32-13
Hours
11:00 – 23:00
Telephone
03-5428-4809
Disk Union
ディスクユニオン
Disk Union is a popular record and CD chain found throughout the Tokyo area. The Shibuya branch actually consists of 4 different stores spread across five floors of the same building. In the basement you can find jazz, Latin and soul music. The 2nd and 3rd floors are a mix of all genres and the 4th floor is for DJ’s spinning house, techno and hip hop. Finally, the 5th floor sells punk and heavy metal. While some new music is sold here, most of the focus is on used records. The prices are pretty reasonable compared to other shops in the same neighborhood.
Address
Antena21 Bldg. B1F-5F, 30-7 Udagawacho
渋谷区宇田川町 30-7 アンテナ21 B1F-5F
Hours
11:00 – 21:00, until 20:00 on Sun.
Telephone
03-3461-1809
Function Junction
ファンクションジャンクション
This is a store for those who like camping and hiking and want to look stylish while they’re doing it. You can find backpacks, hats, sunglasses, clothing and other outdoor accessories. Be aware that many of the exact same items can be found just next door at Tokyu Hands, so it’s better to check out both and compare prices before making a decision.
Address
12-14 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku
東京都渋谷区宇田川町 12-14
Hours
11:30 – 23:00
Telephone
03-3461-0373
LOFT
ロフト
Loft is one of several competing department stores in central Shibuya, but what sets it apart from the others is its focus on stationary, crafts and interior goods. The sixth floor also occasionally features art galleries. This is a good place to shop for souvenirs.
Address
21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku
東京都渋谷区宇田川町21-1
Hours
10:00 – 21:00
Telephone
03-3462-3807
Mandarake
まんだらけ 渋谷店
This chain is very popular with fans of manga and anime culture. Mandarake sells many kinds used and collectible items. Even if you’re not shopping for figurines or manga, this store is worth a look for its unique decoration and funky atmosphere. You can maybe even catch staff members in costume singing karaoke on stage.
Address
Beam B2F, 31-2 Udagawacho
宇田川町31-2 渋谷BEAM B2F
Hours
10:00 – 21:00
Telephone
03-3477-0777
Mu Shop
ムーショップ
This is the official shop of the “Super Mystery Magazine” called Mu, popular amongst Japanese enthusiasts of UFO’s and the paranormal. The shop itself has various gemstones, pendants and crystal pyramids for sale. There aren’t too many other shops like this in Japan, which may be one possible explanation for their mysteriously high prices.
Address
1-3-2 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku
東京都渋谷区神南1-3-2
Hours
11:00 – 20:00, closed Wed.
Telephone
03-6427-8286
URL
mu-shop.net
PARCO
パルコ
Parco is yet another department store in central Shibuya, centered around fashion. Parco, however, also features a theatre, a museum and art galleries. Even if you’re not looking for something, it might be worth checking the web site to see what kind of events or exhibitions are taking place.
Address
15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku
東京都渋谷区宇田川町15-1
Hours
10:00 – 21:00
Telephone
03-3464-5111
Technique
テクニーク
This is perhaps Tokyo’s most popular and prestigious vinyl shop for techno and house DJ’s. They sell new releases from many of the world’s hottest underground labels and there is a large used record section. The best thing about the store is the availability of several listening stations, which means you rarely have to wait in line to preview records. Due to its popularity, however, stock runs out very quickly so you might want to reserve new releases online in advance.
Address
33-14 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku
渋谷区宇田川町33-14 久保ビル 2F
Hours
12:00 – 22:00, until 21:00 on Sun.
Telephone
03-5458-4143
Tokyu Hands
東急ハンズ 渋谷店
Tokyo Hands is one of Shibuya’s most popular places for either shopping or just looking around. You can find nearly everything here, from souvenirs to bicycles to pet toys. The quality of the products are high but some things are a little overpriced.
Address
12-18 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku
東京都渋谷区宇田川町12-18
Hours
10:00 – 20:30
Telephone
03-5489-5111
Tower Records
タワーレコード渋谷店
The iconic music store has been around in Shibuya since 1995. While other branches of Tower Records have since gone out of business in other parts of Japan, the nine-story tall Shibuya flagship store is still standing strong. Floors are divided by musical genres, and there’s also a cafe, a bookstore (featuring English books) and a place to see an occasional live performance. Keep in mind that this is mostly a CD store, so vinyl collectors should try elsewhere in Shibuya.
Address
1-22-14 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku
東京都渋谷区 神南1−22−14
Hours
10:00 – 23:00
Telephone
03-3496-3661
