Shibuya 109 — Attraction in Tokyo

Sadly this store isnt what it used the be.i was extremely sad. What a shame. Not much gyaru anymore more like punk , lolita or very young style.Prices are outrageous for clothes that are low quality ( think polyester) you can find the same or very similar on shien / wish /temu and even amazon for way cheapper.its made inchina clothes not made in japan pay attention to the inside tags . Some go for 100$ 200$ for made in china .Nothing extraordinary. The store is clean. The bathroom however are OLD OUTDATED AND FILTHY .Just overpriced cheap quality clothes overall very underwarmed .also keep on mind that everything is " free size" which is an m medium US . They dont have any smaller sizes being an xs i couldnt purchase ANYTHING . Clothes in japan are HUGE now . Very disapointed . The stores are also endlessly changing and heavily depends on tourist spending money there as regular japanese often dont . 109 are the remains of what use to be a golden fashion era early 2000s . Its basically more of a landmark at this point.its been poorly maintain and store have a hard time surving longer than a month in there . Plenty of better stores elsewhere in tokyo . Also keep in mind that most shops DONT SPEAK ENGLISH which is quite shocking since their major spenders are tourists . The place is SMALL and narrow even with multiple floors and you go around each pretty quick. This isnt really tourist friendly . Yes store will give you tax free because they jack up the price knowingly so you are not saving anything its not a place for good deals if you are looking to get a bang for your buck this isnt it . Dont believe the over hype on tik tok and insta .also the food court downstairs ( train station level ) is constantly changing . Stores are mainly pop up . No one buy food there because prices once again are outrageoys and you find the same stuff anywhere in shibuya or lil further way cheapper .you are paying premium because its 109 its a huge rip off .the food is also very unipressive and some of it taste just plain bad . Everuthing is loaded with chemical colorants and sugar i don't recommend eating there . Trying to open a pop store there even nust a week prices are exhorbitive and abusive which is why 109 is always loosing stores and got plenty of empty spots or store...

Review: Shibuya 109, Tokyo Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shibuya 109 is an iconic landmark and a mecca for fashion enthusiasts who want to stay on top of the latest trends in Japanese youth culture. Located in the heart of Shibuya, a district known for its vibrant energy and trendy atmosphere, the building itself stands out with its cylindrical shape and bright neon lights.

On entering Shibuya 109, you're greeted by an array of boutiques spanning multiple floors, each offering a unique selection of apparel, accessories, and cosmetics. The stores are predominately targeted towards younger women and successfully capture the essence of Tokyo's distinctive street style. The variety is simply vast, from the avant-garde to the elegant, ensuring there's something for every fashion preference.

The staff in each boutique are generally warm and helpful, eager to assist shoppers in finding the perfect outfit. However, keep in mind that the atmosphere inside can be quite chaotic, especially during peak hours, which can be overwhelming for some.

As for prices, they range from moderate to high-end, making Shibuya 109 an ideal shopping destination for both budget shoppers and those willing to splurge on exclusive pieces. Remember to carry cash, as some smaller boutiques do not accept credit cards.

One drawback is the lack of English signs, which can make navigating the shopping complex a bit challenging for international visitors. However, the sheer variety of fashion on display makes it worth the exploration.

In conclusion, Shibuya 109 is a must-visit for those wanting to delve into Japan's fashion scene. It's a sensory overload of sights and sounds that offers a glimpse into Tokyo's youthful energy and creative spirit. With its trend-setting boutiques, it truly represents the ever-evolving fashion pulse of the city, earning a well-deserved...

The staff are lovely in different shops, and the clothes are so cute. You can also find out what foods are trendy amongst the youth on the basement floor of the store. However, there is one huge notice that I need to share. Not all stores accommodate all body sizes. Depending on the shop, you may find more 'free size' clothes than ones that fit comfortably. For me, my body shape is a bit wide in places that Japanese clothes aren't, or my feet are a bit longer. Though some stores can accommodate these differences slightly, others cannot unfortunately. I got help with choosing a speciality outfit for an event, and it was lovely but I had to give it away eventually as it's fit came up a bit undersized on my body.

When I went the jirai fashion and kpop boom was the biggest trend.

OVERALL: Great place for subculture and trendy fashion, and cute trendy foods, as well as some cute finds but the sizes are not always equal in every store!!! Also my experiences are from 2024; so some of the pop up shops may have changed by now.

For cute clothes in my size i often have to buy online instead especially more from brands sold on taobao and shared to other places, or go to Harajuku based brands instead as places like acdcrag and the now closed bodyline is a lot more inclusive to...