If you've know a thing or two about Bren and I, one of the things you'd know would probably be that we really like shopping(this is still an understatement) and our stamina for shopping is pretty formidable(just thought I'd get it out there)
So when we were planning for the trip, shopping was definitely one of the highlights of the itinerary.
The Japan vacation veteran(ie: Brendy) warned that shopping in Japan might not be what we were looking for because of the more costly stuff and the differing, more quirky fashion trends and styles that the Japanese are known to fancy. Brendy's words definitely applied in some instances but at the end of the trip, we were two very happy girls with a nice pile of new loots. That definitely says something! In this post, I'll be telling you more about the places we shopped at that you would probably enjoy if you are looking to add some shopping pit stops in your Tokyo trip itinerary.
So when we were planning for the trip, shopping was definitely one of the highlights of the itinerary.
The Japan vacation veteran(ie: Brendy) warned that shopping in Japan might not be what we were looking for because of the more costly stuff and the differing, more quirky fashion trends and styles that the Japanese are known to fancy. Brendy's words definitely applied in some instances but at the end of the trip, we were two very happy girls with a nice pile of new loots. That definitely says something! In this post, I'll be telling you more about the places we shopped at that you would probably enjoy if you are looking to add some shopping pit stops in your Tokyo trip itinerary.
First up: Harajuku!
Harajuku is known to be a popular youth haunt for the locals, with lots of trendy and eclectic shops that feature in the area. Popular for its bright and bold findings at affordable prices, Brendy and I spent almost a whole day there shopping, eating and checking out its highlights, including the much-raved about Angel Heart crepes
(which would definitely be worth your while if you check them out!)
If shopping along narrow streets and trendy streetwear aren't really your thing, you would be glad to know that Harajuku also is home to quieter streets and spacious stores featuring Japanese home brands and more intricate pieces. In fact, both of us spent more time exploring those shophouses(outside the main street shopping area) and picked up a few pieces in the process, including a denim dress for Brend.
If you're a Calbee fan, you'll definitely want to pay a visit to the Calbee store in Harajuku!
They've got such a wide variety of snacks you can only find there and their own Calbee food stop where you can order freshly made hotdogs and chips. I loved the colorful concept of the store, too cute!
The Jumble Store
The Jumble Store
The Jumble Store was one of our favorite shopping spots while we were in Tokyo. We entered an outlet every time we saw one, and picked up quite a few items while we were at it. 
(A Jumble Store basically is a thrift store with lots of branded and mint new stuff up for grabs at fractions of the price.)
Clothing, accessories, bags, shoes...you could find practically anything and everything inside the store. We spotted Marc Jacob bags and Samantha Thavasa wallets among the eclectic mix.
As the saying goes, one man's trash is another's treasure. This is especially true in Japan, justsaying.
As the saying goes, one man's trash is another's treasure. This is especially true in Japan, justsaying.
Shimokitazawa
We made a trip down to Shimokitazawa, one of Tokyo's hippest shopping haunts. Some have likened it to Tokyo's version of Haji Lane with its quirky vintage stores, independent fashion boutiques and trendy Japanese cafes. We were honestly excited at that comparison, because as Brendy says, the Japanese always do it better.
It was a refreshing experience for the both of us after having our dose of shopping at megastores
(think H&M, Uniqlo, Bershka, American Eagle Outfitters flagship) It was fun walking down the streets of Shimokitazawa in the evening when there was less of a crowd, allowing us to take our time to admire the street art and explore the quirky stores that lined the street.
Uniqlo Flagship Store, Ginza
comfy basics and well-made staples that allow for lazy-day clothing to look put together and chic. I just never really...got it.
But when I got to Tokyo, I found my skepticism turning into a fondness for the brand.No exaggeration.
Uniqlo is so much more affordable in Japan(duh) and has a much wider range of colors and designs, and more of the stuff I like(like their jeggings and pants) If you're a fan of the brand, you have to visit their flagship store in Ginza which also is the LARGEST Uniqlo store in the World.
The 12 storey building is immaculately designed to say the least. Even after all this time, I still remember its large windows and stunning LED light designs. We really liked how each floor was themed(including an entire floor dedicated to tank tops and your favorite basic tops in almost every color imaginable) and the elegant clothing capsules were featured as the center pieces of each floor.
Needless to say, I was thoroughly thrilled to find the Hello Kitty collection in an adorable capsule display.
Ikebukuro
On the last day of our trip, we ventured out to Ikebukuro for last minute shopping! It was one of my favorite places we shopped at (out of the many shopping places we explored during the trip) and we kinda wished we had more time there. Our main stop was Sunshine City, hailed Ikebukuro's shopping and entertainment mecca(it's such a massive place that mall or complex serves as a pretty measly description of what it really is) In addition to the rows of budget shopping, Sunshine City is also home to food streets and an ice cream city. Bargain hunters would love the hourly deals, and the both of us found it really cute how the Japanese store assistants were so enthusiastic and smiley while promoting store offers through their loud hailers.
(ooh look cute Japanese kid!)
Before I ended this post, I just had to post this up: happy photos of the both of us after a long night of shopping. Shopping is always more fun when you shop with someone that enjoys the sport it as much as you do. I hope you enjoyed this post and our vacation throwbacks that we have been featuring on the blog so far. Thank you for everything and here's wishing you the best new year ever!:)
Love,
Mandy
