So many people go to the fancy department stores lining Shibuya, Ginza, and maybe the new Azabudai Hills but shopping there won’t feel any different from shopping in HK, Singapore, London, NY..you get the gist. You would soon realize that there are like four “real people” locals actually seriously looking for what they actually want to wear. It’s really not worth it if you have limited time in Tokyo and are planning a packed trip. If you are female in your 20s – 40s and want a more local shopping experience and check out what the majority of women (working women or mothers alike) shop, I personally strongly suggest you check out the stores in Lumine. I wear them, all my colleagues wear them, my friends wear something from there. True, most store clerks will not speak a word of English but honestly how much English do they need to know (or how much Japanese do you need to know) in order to try something on and pay for them. They have high quality, stylish clothes that are way cheaper than what you will find in the luxury department stores behemoth and so much to see! I think I visit a Lumine once a week (I used to be a little ashamed of this but it turns out a lot of my friends are too). The large ones are in Yurakucho (a 10 min walk from Ginza station) and also 3 connected to Shinjuku station.

Of course, if you are into vintage, it is imperative that you go to Shimokitazawa which is vintage galore. More about Shimokitazawa on a separate article.