The 2nd Cut: Addicted to Trends

Since the 1970’s, Harajuku has been always the center of fashion in Tokyo. Most acclaimed Japanese designers started business here, and the upcoming charismatic young designers still attract lots of fashion addicted teenagers. In contrast, Omotesando, which is a few minutes away from Harajuku, is a more adult-orientated fashion area. Along the main street, you can find lots of famous brand’s flagship stores in Japan, such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Burberry. Omotesando Hills, the newest shopping complex in Tokyo sells cutting-edge goods, clothes and foods from all over the world. It was designed by the well-known Japanese architect, Tadao Ando, and has become a land mark in Omotesando.

◆Takeshita Dori　竹下通りKick off your day from Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street). This street is filled with clothing stores that target teenagers and creperies a la Japonaise. It’s quite interesting to understand how fashion-conscious teenagers wear their trendy clothes. From JR Harajuku station, go out from the “Takeshitaguchi” exit. Takeshita Dori is directly across from the exit.

◆Ura-Harajuku (the back streets of Harajuku)Go straight down Takeshita Dori and cross the wide street called “Meiji Dori” (Meiji Street), and walk into the small narrow street across from you. This area is called Ura Harajuku (the back streets of Harajuku). This is the mecca for 20-something young Japanese fashion-conscious boys. Even if you are over 30, Headporter, which sells cool bags, is worth checking out. It’s a collaboration of an established Japanese bag brand, Porter, and Japanese hipster, Hiroshi Fujiwara.
After crossing Meiji Dori, turn left at the second corner. You can find the shop on your right.
Address: 3-21-12, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5771-2621 (Closed on Wednesdays)

◆Kiddy LandIf you are looking for gifts or souvenirs for your children, this is the perfect place. Along with Hello Kitty and Pokemon character goods, you can find interesting toys from all over the world. From Takeshita Dori, cross the wide street called “Meiji Dori” and turn right, and walk straight down the street. Then, turn left at the corner of GAP. You can see Kiddy Land on your right in about 5 minutes.
Address: 6-1-9, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3409-3431 (Closed on every third Tuesday)

◆Oriental Bazaar
From Kiddy Land, go up the long gentle slope. This street is called Omotesando and it is often said to be “Champ-Elyse” of Tokyo. Along this street, many well-know brand’s flagship shops stand together in large numbers. On your right, you can see a shop called the Oriental Bazaar. This shop specializes in Japanese antiques, craftworks, Kimonos and various interesting Japanese goods. If you would like to buy something very “Japanese”, this is the best place.
Address: 5-9-13, Jingumae. Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3400-3933 (Closed on Thursdays)

◆Omotesando HillsFrom the Oriental Bazaar, walk up the slope and you can see Omotesando Hills on your left. This complex was established in 2006 and now has become the landmark of Omotesando. Don’t forget to drop by the Hasegawa Sake Shop. In this shop, you can taste and buy Sake (Japanese Rice Wine) from breweries all over Japan.
http://www.omotesandohills.com/english/index.html
Address: 4-12-10, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Open Evryday)

Recommended Lunch Spots

◆Maisen (Tonkatsu (Deep Fried Pork) restaurant)　まい泉Occupying an old public bath space, this established restaurant serves delicious Tonkatsu. As well as the dish of the day, their Tonkatsu Sandwich is highly recommended.
Go up the slope of Omotesando and turn left at the corner between Ito Hospital and MacDonald’s. After approx. 5 minutes, you can find Maisen (まい泉) on your left.
Address: 4-8-5, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 0120-428-485 (toll free) Open Everyday

◆Brown Rice Café (Vegetarian restaurant)This spacious café offers various vegetarian dishes, like assortments of steamed seasonal vegetables, curries and vege-burgers. From the Oriental Bazaar (see 4), go up the slope and turn right at the corner of the Hanae Mori Bldg. The café is on your right.
Address: Green Bldg.1F, 5-1-17, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5778-5416 (Open Everyday)

Recommended Dinner Spots

◆Napule (Pizzeria)
Authentic Napolitan Style Pizzeria. Besides pizza, you can enjoy standard southern Italian fare. Italian singers perform regularly at dinner time. Getting a reservation is recommended. Go up Omotesando and cross Aoyama Dori and turn right. Then, turn left at the 3rd corner.
Address: 5-6-24, Minami Aoyama, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3797-3790 (Open Everyday)

◆Barbacoa Grill (Brazilian Barbecue Restaurant)
They serve Brazilian style skewed meats. The all-you-can eat special is worth trying. You can really relax and enjoy dinner in this spacious restaurant. The service is very friendly, but make sure to get a reservation. Go up the slope of Omotesando and turn left at the corner between Ito Hospital and MacDonald’s. You can find the sign on your left. A reservation is highly recommended.
Address: TOKYUREIT Omotesando Square B1, 4-3-24, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3796-0571 (Open Everyday)