Tokyo, Japan: Shop Til You Doroppu

A Ganguro Girl - Tokyo, Japan

Doesn't she just look precious? Almost like a Japanese version of Jessica Simpson... on acid... in an Anime porn. We love her so. We also can't seem to get enough of Tokyo. Can you tell? Apparently, neither can our Devi Goddess Heroine Gwen Stefani. So here goes. Together, with Guest Contributor, Adam Fuller, your guide to the best spots to shop 'til you doroppu (at least we think that's how you say it in glorious Nippon).

TOKYO SHOPPING

HARAJUKU
(JR Harajyuku station/Omote sando station/Yoyogi koen station / Meiji Jingu mae station)

This is where Gwennie found inspiration for her line, Harajuku Lovers. Just think... you might even leave looking like this Cosplay girl:

Cosplay, short for 'Costume Play,' is where teens and young adults dress up to look like their favorite Anime characters. Go on a Sunday around Harajuku Station - that's the focal point for this fun fad. Though Harajuku's teenage culture is Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street), check out the Meiji Shrine nearby and Kiddy Land, one of the most popular toy stores around.

www.japan-guide.com/e/e3006.html

SHIBUYA
Get ready for sensory overload. The busiest intersection in Japan, this is the place you’ve most likely seen in movies or commercials with tons of people, lights and huge TV screens on the fronts and sides of skyscrapers blaring advertisements and announcements to the masses. Shibuya is one of (if not the most) popular places in Tokyo for trendy restaurants, shopping, bars and nightlife.

Shibuya 109 Building (ichi-maru-kyu)
A trendy shopping center filled with clothing boutiques. This huge, grey building with a big 109 sign on the top is a landmark. You should see it or run right into it walking away from Shibuya station and veering to the left. Shopping in Shibuya is plentiful. Your best bet is to check out this site for a rundown. Though most people I know just love to wander around and find the gems on a whim.

PARCO
(c) www.sparklette.net

This department store sells everything from trinkets from stalls, to food, and fashionable clothing. Don't get confused by all the crazy naming... the one above is parco part-2, but there's also parco part-1 and parco part-3 nearby.

Seibu Department Store (03-3462-0111)

Akihabara (JR Akihabara station)
This is also the center of Japan’s electronics with over 500 shops. About 30% less than the regular prices, and yes, you can bargain your little heart out.

Aoyama (Tokyo Subway Gaien-mae station or Aoyama ichome station)
Japan Traditional Craft Center (03-3403-2460)
Here you can find traditional crafts from all over Japan. Prices are high, but it's well worth the visit.

Tsukiji Market (Tokyo Subway Tsukiji station) Okay, so maybe you thought all the shopping was just for clothes, but this is the biggest wholesale fish market in Japan.

International Arcade (03-3571-1528) at Hibiya station is another cool place to go.

SHIMOKITAZAWA
Forget the crazy consumerism of Shibuya for a day and check out the hippest part of Tokyo. Retro pop vintage stores, music clubs and noodle shops, this is Tokyo’s Greenwich Village. With clubs like The Village Vanguard Diner, Haight Ashbury, Las Vegas, and Mojo Rising, you’ll get a hint of the homage to all things Western too. A maze of music and art, catch sight of the area while you can. Word on the streets is that developers are pushing for a road that will split the cool area in two ☹
DAIKANYAMA
Brazilian born Alexandre Herchcovitch has his hot store in this fresh area.

La Foret (03-3475-0411) – tres chic and packed with fashionable goodies

FLEA MARKETS
Togo Shrine Flea Market is a great place if you’re looking for antiques. Go on the first, fourth, and fifth Sundays

Yoyogi Park Flea Market - Sunday

Last, but not least, we found these handy websites for true shopaholic:

www.angelfire.com/id/croon/nikki/shibuyashopping.html

www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/tokyo/tokyo_shopping.html