Without properly studying a city for a considerable amount of time it would be too throwaway to produce a guide to the “Best Shops in Tokyo.” In fact, we only spent a few days in the city, but those few days had a big impact on us. With so many cultures and crafts mixing side-by-side within the same streets it made for some excellent travel inspiration, and lasting memories.
With that short amount of time in mind, we wanted to put together a solid list of must-see menswear stores within central Tokyo. If you find yourself pressed for time in one of the world’s most exciting and creative destinations for clothing then here’s a few retail outposts well worth visiting.
Okura Shibuya
20-11 Sarugakucho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0033, Japan
With its unassuming stone, indigo and wooden facial front, Okura is one of central Tokyo’s most specialist contemporary stores. When entering this dimly lit shop you are faced with countless wooden shelves, rails and antique cabinets of Japanese and American-made cotton indigo-dyed clothing, accessories and homeware. Two floors of denim heaven. Brands such as Blue Blue Japan, San Fransisco, Hollywood Ranch and their in-house label fill the shelves. While in the area you will also find stores by APC, Paul Smith, Monocle, Save Khaki and Anatomica. Link
Beams Shinjuku
160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−38−1, Japan
The newly opened Beans department store just near Shinjuku station is an excellent example of how to create the ultimate department store, without bombarding people with product. Seven floors of everything you could ask for, from up-and-coming clothing brands and affordable modern labels, to high-end street wear, American-inspired workwear and each of Beams’ in-house sub-genres. Across seven floors of tailored spaces you’ll find a coffee shop, restaurant, two floors dedicated to gifts, pop-up shops, suiting area, exclusive collaboration, extremely helpful and unpretentious staff, and even a record shop. If you only have time to visit one store in Tokyo, make Beams Shinjuku the one. Link
United Arrows Harajuku
150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 3 Chome−28, 1, Japan
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys the more refined side of retail, then United Arrows in central Harajuku is the joint to visit. Like most businesses across the city, United Arrows prides itself on quality, craft and design—United Arrows offers a small, yet well considered, selection of brands across two medium sized floors—with a youthful airy feel on the ground floor, and a darker, more gentlemen’s club-feel in the basement. With a great selection of Japanese-made products, mixed with European and Americana preppy-inspired gear, and limited collections by adidas, Intercotex, Hender Scheme, APC and their own extensive collection. Link
Green Angle Harajuku
3-27-4 Jingumae Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
One of the harder to find menswear stores in the city is Green Angle, which came at us by chance as we were fully submerged with Harajuku’s maze of winding streets. Green Angle is a store that doesn’t make too much noise and is extremely modest is size, but stocks an excellent selection of familiar brands. A perfect mix of Americana, military and British design; The Hill-Side, Nigel Cabourn and Ebbets Field Flannels are piled nicely against Universal Works, Red Wing and Barbour. You’re also a stone’s throw away from one of the newest coffee hangs in the area—Australia’s Deus Ex Machina have just set up a motorcycle and lifestyle store-turned coffee shop right around the corner. Link
Todd Synder’s Townhouse Shibuya
150 0001, 6 Chome-18-14 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
With Japan’s obsession with Western culture it was no big surprise to find many stores concentrating on classic American style, but one pleasant surprise was to find the Todd Synder Townhouse on Jingumae high street. Nestled on the corner of a one of Toyko’s busiest shopping areas is this three floor townhouse, split up into Todd Synder’s signature preppy products—including the popular on-going partnership with Champion sportswear, and Might-Mac collaborations—handpicked accessories and apparel brands downstairs, and a barber shop and coffee station on the top floor. A beautiful store, adorned with traditional wooden beams, ornate tiles and humble dark store front. These guys will also be one of the only stores to stock the imminent Todd Synder x Timex collection. Link
niko and … Shibuya
6 Chome-12-20 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
niko and … is another example of how to create a multi-purpose space which aims itself at several different markets. This store has made the list for the sheer amount of experiences you can feel in one building. There isn’t many stores you’ll visit in Japan where you’re faced with Italian ice cream even before you hit the clothing. The gear itself concentrates on a mixture of contemporary outdoor brands such as Poler Stuff, Penfield and Levi’s, together with Champion Sportwear, New Balance limited editions, smaller Japanese brands and their own in-house label. If you find yourself hitting the second floor be prepared to spend—you could potentially buy all of your holiday gifts in one place; souvenirs, homeware, camping equipment, bike accessories, food, books, tools… these guys have every boarder covered. Link
