You’ve splashed out on glam garms in Aoyama, ogled avant-garde accessories in Harajuku, and still looking to tickle that lingering retail itch in Tokyo?
Look no further than Daikanyama; a tranquil residential nabe a mere chopstick’s toss from bustling, neon-lit Shibuya, that’s graced with idyllic tree-lined streets, cute caffs and edgy boutiques stocking chic treats from sartorially-savvy streetwear and luxe kids togs to lifestyle kit. Follow this LUXE itinerary by foot to see it all in one quick hit.
First stop is swish complex Daikanyama T-Site on Kyu-yamate Dori, home to sprawling Tsutaya Books a hushed bibliotheque repping coffee table tomes, Manga, literary greats and audio/visual pleasures. Exit left – noting buzzy Caffè Michelangelo opposite for breezy alfresco eats on the leafy terrace – and scoot onwards until you reach one of Tokyo’s best denim stores Hollywood Ranch Market, renowned for its eco-friendly threads for gals n’ guys. Next stop is Euro brand hub Via Bus Stop, which racks the likes of McQueen, Chalayan et al.
Fashion fix sated (albeit temporarily), skip right onto the first main drag after Hollywood Ranch to Nîmes on the right with whimsical French-inflected T-shirts, skirts and pants. Swivel right, keeping peepers peeled for the scissor-sign fronting cornershop Denham, for smartly tailored jeans and urban wear. Now, you have options: either exit Denham left then make another left and continue 20m to find clothing à la mode at archi marvel Sarugaku mini-mall on the right. Or, cross over to the wooden deck complex where you’ll espy colourful kids’ clobber at Kodomo BEAMS, and B Jirushi Yoshida for an array of chic sacs.
Carry on to the junction and straight ahead is unmarked Okura for clothing and bags crafted with exquisite Japanese tailoring and dyeing techniques. You must by now be famished. Upon leaving Okura, turn right and zip downstairs to find organic bites at Bombay Bazar. Fuelled up, zip left and nearby is rugged outfitter Journey plus statement foot candy at Alfredo Bannister on the left, followed by vinyl trove Bonjour Records.
Take the next left after Bannister and 10m along on the left is Onitsuka Tiger the homegrown hero for kicks. Zoom left out of the store then spin left again into a tiny alley to find hidden Mukuri (5458 6991), which shelves a pretty collection of pottery and textiles, and is home to a cute green tea cafe. Exit right and continue ahead past the crossing for neat tenugui fabrics at Kamawanu, then, at the main road totter left again until you meet style-conscious womenswear duo Sunaokuwahara and Tsumori Chisato, both part of glass-fronted lifestyle store La Fuente Daikanyama, ground zero for independent, eye-popping and occasionally quirksome fashion plus high-end kidswear, nail salons and restos for a much-needed post-retail sip or bite.
Hero Image: Caffe Michelangelo
For more original, curated itineraries like this, get your mitts on LUXE Tokyo guide…
