After closing its doors temporarily in August 2016, Shibuya PARCO opens today, with the aim of becoming the go-to place for shoppers looking for new, unique things with character, regardless of age or nationality.
With more than 190 shops spanning over 10 floors, it can be difficult to decide where to start from. Here are some points of interest we’ve picked up to start your visit at Shibuya PARCO.
If you’re at Shibuya to discover Japanese fashion brands, check out CINOH. One of the winners of the Tokyo Fashion Award 2019, this brand offers chic and comfortable pieces that never go out of style. Previously available only at select stores, the store at Shibuya PARCO is the first of their own, which means fans of CINOH can now browse more items in one physical space.
Onitsuka Tiger is launching a new luxury line, “THE ONITSUKA”, on the same day its concept store opens at Shibuya PARCO. Expect leather shoes that are a cross between dress shoes and sneakers, good for every scene and occasion.
Japanese subculture enthusiasts will enjoy “CYBERSPACE SHIBUYA” on the sixth floor, an entire floor dedicated to anime, manga, games and more. On top of an e-sports cafe, it also boasts the first official Nintendo store in Japan, as well as the first brick and mortar store from Tokyo Otaku Mode. In celebration of the concurrent opening of the Nintendo TOKYO and Pokémon stores, Super Mario and Pokémon have launched a collaboration merchandise series, ranging from tote bags to cushions.
Dining options at Shibuya PARCO are concentrated mainly at basement one and the seventh floor. Basement one is named “CHAOS KITCHEN” from how it is a gathering of unique stores. Don’t be surprised to find a record store right next to one selling hamburger steaks, or delicious-looking Dango topped with bugs (yup, you read it right, bugs). While the floor is named “chaos”, we see it as diverse and colourful. This is illustrated through the inclusion of Campy!bar, a bar from Shinjuku ni-chome run by genderless staff to the line-up.
Tyffonium Cafe serves up more than just pretty desserts. Point the tablet provided at each table to your parfait and be amazed by the magic that happens. They also have a VR corner where you can pick a tarot card to be transported to a different world (additional fee required). There are 22 cards in all, and you can choose to do the experience in Japanese or English.
Look up while walking through the Nakajibu-doori on the ground floor and you’d notice this huge art installation on the second floor. Only available for a limited period of six months from the opening on 22 November, the current installation is by renowned pop artist Keiichi Tanaami, also known as Japan’s Andy Warhol.
Theseus is also one of the 19 artists selected to create artwork for the Olympic and Paralympic Games next year, so keep a lookout for it!
While on the second floor, make a trip to the restroom. With the passageway in designed after the runway and the Ladies’ complete with Hollywood vanity mirrors, this is the best place to get a taste of how it feels to be a runway model.
Extra: for those who’d like to extend the experience of shopping while walking along the streets of Shibuya (or just for a bit of fresh air), there is the option of taking the stairs outdoors from the first floor all the way up to the 10th. There are little rewards along the way, such as the take-out station from Thai restaurant chompoo on the fourth floor and a Mario display on the sixth. No Super Mushrooms for making it up to the seventh floor, though!
Shibuya PARCO
15-1, Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
(5-minute walk from Shibuya Station)
