Im Visiting Tokyo soon. Any shop recommendations?

[Oskinator]

So in two weeks time ill be on vacation with my best friend in the heart of Tokyo. Weve been saving up for this for a while now and im very excited. I was already planning on Visiting a few shops like 666 Harajuku. Im posting this thread to collect some other suggestions. Vintage shops and the like aswell

Ive decided to reach alittle deeper into my pocket and buy myself a nice Jacket with which ill always remember this trip.

I welcome all suggestions!

 

[Aloysius]

My personal advice would be to not make your trip too narrowly about workwear, even when it comes to shopping, because there is so much to check out in Japan and workwear is the least of it.

For instance, there are makers who do amazing tailoring and other crafts, often for much cheaper than their western equivalents (because Tokyo rents are far lower than London), or for that matter ready-to-wear clothing of quite high quality. And even those things come in various types; everything from mid-century American style to English tailoring, to Neapolitan-trained, etc.

 

[Oskinator]

My personal advice would be to not make your trip too narrowly about workwear, even when it comes to shopping, because there is so much to check out in Japan and workwear is the least of it.

For instance, there are makers who do amazing tailoring and other crafts, often for much cheaper than their western equivalents (because Tokyo rents are far lower than London), or for that matter ready-to-wear clothing of quite high quality. And even those things come in various types; everything from mid-century American style to English tailoring, to Neapolitan-trained, etc.

Yeah itll be a 2 week trip. First week well spend it all on exploring Tokyo as much as possible. The second week well be going on some small adventures with the rail pass

 

[Canuck Panda]

Ueno Ameyoko, there are a few gems, under the train bridge, Americaya(s), Hinoya, and Hakuraido across. Between those stores you can probably try on 90% of the brands shown here in the forum if they have the size.

 

[BigPond]

Be sure to check out Iron Heart if you’re remotely in to denim. Nearly everything in the shop is about $250 usd, far below export prices.

 

[Aloysius]

Be sure to check out Iron Heart if you’re remotely in to denim. Nearly everything in the shop is about $250 usd, far below export prices.

Likewise, check out PBJ. Both brands have a policy of basically doubling prices overseas (including from JP companies that sell overseas).

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

So in two weeks time ill be on vacation with my best friend in the heart of Tokyo. Weve been saving up for this for a while now and im very excited. I was already planning on Visiting a few shops like 666 Harajuku. Im posting this thread to collect some other suggestions. Vintage shops and the like aswell

Ive decided to reach alittle deeper into my pocket and buy myself a nice Jacket with which ill always remember this trip.

I welcome all suggestions!

I'll be in Tokyo in February on a stopover for about five days. I'm planning my trip now - shopping for leather jackets and denim is high on the priority list (even if it's only window shopping... I don't get a chance to handle high end leather and denim in my normal life, so this is enivisioned as an educational trip.)

How did your experience turn out in Tokyo? Any tips? Can you recommend an area in Tokyo to stay for shopping?

I plan to check out the retail stores including Ironheart, Pure Blue, The Real McCoys, Toys McCoy, Rainbow Country, Schott Tokyo, etc. I'll hit up the Ueno Ameyoko market as well.

I definitely can't afford too many new items, so I wonder if anyone can recommend vintage shopping in the city? Is there an area that's known for that sort of thing?

Thanks for any tips/recommendations!

 

[Marc mndt]

I definitely can't afford too many new items, so I wonder if anyone can recommend vintage shopping in the city?

Vintage will often cost more than new lol.

Fake Alpha / berberjin, Marvin's.

 

[hungapotamus]

So in two weeks time ill be on vacation with my best friend in the heart of Tokyo. Weve been saving up for this for a while now and im very excited. I was already planning on Visiting a few shops like 666 Harajuku. Im posting this thread to collect some other suggestions. Vintage shops and the like aswell

Ive decided to reach alittle deeper into my pocket and buy myself a nice Jacket with which ill always remember this trip.

I welcome all suggestions!

I'll be in Tokyo in February on a stopover for about five days. I'm planning my trip now - shopping for leather jackets and denim is high on the priority list (even if it's only window shopping... I don't get a chance to handle high end leather and denim in my normal life, so this is enivisioned as an educational trip.)

How did your experience turn out in Tokyo? Any tips? Can you recommend an area in Tokyo to stay for shopping?

I plan to check out the retail stores including Ironheart, Pure Blue, The Real McCoys, Toys McCoy, Rainbow Country, Schott Tokyo, etc. I'll hit up the Ueno Ameyoko market as well.

I definitely can't afford too many new items, so I wonder if anyone can recommend vintage shopping in the city? Is there an area that's known for that sort of thing?

Thanks for any tips/recommendations!

I just returned from a 3 week Japan trip so I've got tons of recs and a fat credit card bill:

- Americaya in Ueno (I don't think it's called Ameyoko). Americaya is actually 3 stores (including Hinoya). The one you want to go to is called General Garden. This place is a Japanese leather jacket paradise and is where I got my Rainbow Country Highwayman in seal brown Shinki. If you want a Japanese leather jacket this place has to be your #1 destination (assuming you don't want some other specific brand like Y'2).

- Junky Special - huge store full of Buzz Rickson and Sugar Cane great selection and tons of WW2 and repro garments to choose from.

- Desolation Row Tokyo - huge store full of Real McCoys, Buzz Rickson. This one is the RMC flagship store. There's another Desolation Row in Harajuku that's the flagship for Freewheelers, unfortunately I do not recommend that one of you want a leather jacket (very poor Freewheelers selection they only had 2 San Mateos both small sizes when I went)

- Samurai Denim in Osaka - my highest possible recommendation if you are interested in selvedge denim at all. I fell in love with this store, such incredible vibes. I only had time for Samurai or Iron Heart while I was in Osaka and I'm so glad I chose Samurai. I got a 15 oz Type 2 and a unique indigo patchwork-style flannel and regret not buying more garments from this store.

- Hummingbird in Harajuku - one of the most impressively curated heritage menswear stores I've been to in Japan. I consider this place a must visit, incredible atmosphere.

- Sea Bees in Kyoto - the most ridiculous surplus store I've ever been to. 3 floors of military clothing ranging from new to vintage from all sorts of countries. Armed forces garments from United States, Europe, China, Japan I know I'm leaving out some countries it was crazy.

Honorable mentions:
- Beams in Kyoto (amazingly curated blend of Japanese workwear and street style. There are a lot of Beams in Japan)
- Freaks Store in Kanazawa (awesome curated Japanese workwear and street style. This is like Beams there are a lot of these in Japan. A bit more "affordable" than Beams)
- Full Count in Harajuku (selvedge denim, very small shop)
- Studio Dartisan in Kyoto (selvedge denim)
- Trading Post (close to Desolation Row Tokyo) - great boot shop with 2 Monkeys, Brothers Bridge, Rolling Dub Trio

I know I'm leaving out a lot, there is so much to explore in Japan. You are guaranteed to be overwhelmed, don't blow your load/budget too early and try to get your big purchase (ie. leather jacket, watch, etc) out of the way early.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

Vintage will often cost more than new lol.

Fake Alpha / berberjin, Marvin's.

I said 'vintage' but what I really meant was second hand. I agree, fancy curated vintage stores can be pricey. My price point is more the bargain basements where I have to dig through piles to find deals.

Thanks for the store tips - I put them on the list.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

I just returned from a 3 week Japan trip so I've got tons of recs and a fat credit card bill:

- Americaya in Ueno (I don't think it's called Ameyoko). Americaya is actually 3 stores (including Hinoya). The one you want to go to is called General Garden. This place is a Japanese leather jacket paradise and is where I got my Rainbow Country Highwayman in seal brown Shinki. If you want a Japanese leather jacket this place has to be your #1 destination (assuming you don't want some other specific brand like Y'2).

- Junky Special - huge store full of Buzz Rickson and Sugar Cane great selection and tons of WW2 and repro garments to choose from.

- Desolation Row Tokyo - huge store full of Real McCoys, Buzz Rickson. This one is the RMC flagship store. There's another Desolation Row in Harajuku that's the flagship for Freewheelers, unfortunately I do not recommend that one of you want a leather jacket (very poor Freewheelers selection they only had 2 San Mateos both small sizes when I went)

- Samurai Denim in Osaka - my highest possible recommendation if you are interested in selvedge denim at all. I fell in love with this store, such incredible vibes. I only had time for Samurai or Iron Heart while I was in Osaka and I'm so glad I chose Samurai. I got a 15 oz Type 2 and a unique indigo patchwork-style flannel and regret not buying more garments from this store.

- Hummingbird in Harajuku - one of the most impressively curated heritage menswear stores I've been to in Japan. I consider this place a must visit, incredible atmosphere.

- Sea Bees in Kyoto - the most ridiculous surplus store I've ever been to. 3 floors of military clothing ranging from new to vintage from all sorts of countries. Armed forces garments from United States, Europe, China, Japan I know I'm leaving out some countries it was crazy.

Honorable mentions:
- Beams in Kyoto (amazingly curated blend of Japanese workwear and street style. There are a lot of Beams in Japan)
- Freaks Store in Kanazawa (awesome curated Japanese workwear and street style. This is like Beams there are a lot of these in Japan. A bit more "affordable" than Beams)
- Full Count in Harajuku (selvedge denim, very small shop)
- Studio Dartisan in Kyoto (selvedge denim)
- Trading Post (close to Desolation Row Tokyo) - great boot shop with 2 Monkeys, Brothers Bridge, Rolling Dub Trio

I know I'm leaving out a lot, there is so much to explore in Japan. You are guaranteed to be overwhelmed, don't blow your load/budget too early and try to get your big purchase (ie. leather jacket, watch, etc) out of the way early.

Thank you so much, these are really great tips - these are exactly the kind of places I am interested in visiting. I won't make it out of Tokyo: did you do most of your denim shopping in Kyoto and Osaka?

 

[konadog]

thank you @hungapotamus - I head to Japan on Sunday and can't wait.

 

[hungapotamus]

Thank you so much, these are really great tips - these are exactly the kind of places I am interested in visiting. I won't make it out of Tokyo: did you do most of your denim shopping in Kyoto and Osaka?

I went to many places in Japan so I forget but there are a lot of denim shops in Harajuku and Shinjuku which is maybe a 30 min train ride from Tokyo at most. You'll want to visit these areas anyways if you're into fashion or clothing anyways:

- Full Count
- Pure Blue Japan (hard to find, it's close to a bar/beer place)
- The Flat Head
- Japan Blue Jeans
- Warehouse
- Studio Dartisan
- Momotaro

Again these are just some I've visited I know I'm leaving some out, Google will let you know what's close to you

 

[thenillplaydirty]

I'm Japanese.
I recommend sweatshirts.
My favorite brand is cushman.
There are few dealers. and even if there are,there is only a few varieties.
Cushman's flagship store "Don't" is at only nagoya.
Many selvedge denim brand make sweatshirts also.
There are differences depending on the brand.

Sorry,I am poor at English.

 

[Jasonissm]

I just returned from a 3 week Japan trip so I've got tons of recs and a fat credit card bill:

- Americaya in Ueno (I don't think it's called Ameyoko). Americaya is actually 3 stores (including Hinoya). The one you want to go to is called General Garden. This place is a Japanese leather jacket paradise and is where I got my Rainbow Country Highwayman in seal brown Shinki. If you want a Japanese leather jacket this place has to be your #1 destination (assuming you don't want some other specific brand like Y'2).

- Junky Special - huge store full of Buzz Rickson and Sugar Cane great selection and tons of WW2 and repro garments to choose from.

- Desolation Row Tokyo - huge store full of Real McCoys, Buzz Rickson. This one is the RMC flagship store. There's another Desolation Row in Harajuku that's the flagship for Freewheelers, unfortunately I do not recommend that one of you want a leather jacket (very poor Freewheelers selection they only had 2 San Mateos both small sizes when I went)

- Samurai Denim in Osaka - my highest possible recommendation if you are interested in selvedge denim at all. I fell in love with this store, such incredible vibes. I only had time for Samurai or Iron Heart while I was in Osaka and I'm so glad I chose Samurai. I got a 15 oz Type 2 and a unique indigo patchwork-style flannel and regret not buying more garments from this store.

- Hummingbird in Harajuku - one of the most impressively curated heritage menswear stores I've been to in Japan. I consider this place a must visit, incredible atmosphere.

- Sea Bees in Kyoto - the most ridiculous surplus store I've ever been to. 3 floors of military clothing ranging from new to vintage from all sorts of countries. Armed forces garments from United States, Europe, China, Japan I know I'm leaving out some countries it was crazy.

Honorable mentions:
- Beams in Kyoto (amazingly curated blend of Japanese workwear and street style. There are a lot of Beams in Japan)
- Freaks Store in Kanazawa (awesome curated Japanese workwear and street style. This is like Beams there are a lot of these in Japan. A bit more "affordable" than Beams)
- Full Count in Harajuku (selvedge denim, very small shop)
- Studio Dartisan in Kyoto (selvedge denim)
- Trading Post (close to Desolation Row Tokyo) - great boot shop with 2 Monkeys, Brothers Bridge, Rolling Dub Trio

I know I'm leaving out a lot, there is so much to explore in Japan. You are guaranteed to be overwhelmed, don't blow your load/budget too early and try to get your big purchase (ie. leather jacket, watch, etc) out of the way early.

I think you have some mixed up, Desolation Row is only Freewheelers and have the one spot basically in the middle of Shibuya and Shinjuku, maybe it was a different store that would have RMC and Buzz Ricksons. There's also a RMC store near Harajuku, but that doesn't have Buzz Ricksons. Also Americaya (Ameyoko is the name of the shopping street not the store, the full name is Ameya Yokocho) and Hinoya are different stores, but they each have a few different stores with different names in the same area.

Do like a bunch of places on the list though, especially Hummingbird, they have tax free shopping and carry Wheelrobe. I think they're the best value shoes/boots I've seen bar none, 50,000 yen for a pair of boots, styling is heavily inspired by Alden and the construction is extremely clean, on par with my Moto boots. If they have your size it's an absolute no brainer imo

 

[Jasonissm]

I said 'vintage' but what I really meant was second hand. I agree, fancy curated vintage stores can be pricey. My price point is more the bargain basements where I have to dig through piles to find deals.

Thanks for the store tips - I put them on the list.

Those are hard to find nice stuff, but you can try Second Street, Ragtag, Bookoff, Kindall and similar chains. They are not bargain basements but 90% of what's inside is either designer, streetwear or modern casual clothes. I have seen the occasional Lost Worlds, Vanson, Schott, etc. but on their online stores. Going into their store is much more of a crapshoot so you'll probably be setting yourself up for disappointment, especially if you have limited time.

If you're after the brands and type of clothes you'd often see on this forum, buying secondhand online on Japanese sites is a better bet.


What I think would be a better bet is to buy Japanese domestic brands at decent prices, combined with the favourable exchange rate.

For denim my favourite is probably Sugar Cane, they are priced reasonably and have good cuts, you can find them in Hinoya with tax free and a bunch of other stores as well. In Harajuku you have a whole bunch of stores like Flat Head, RMC, Tools Infinity (carries a bunch of brands including Toyo, TCB)

If you are interested in footwear, Asakusa is the best place to go, they have Rolling Dub Trio / The Boots Shop, Wheelrobe, Skoob, Brother Bridge.

I suggest making a Google Maps saved list and plan your days out on the area, like in Ebisu you can check out Jelado, Warehouse and Toys McCoy all within walking distance.