2018-01-10
Living in Omotesando: How is it like for foreigners?
- Advice
Omotesando is opulently built to give you that Champs-Élysées atmosphere in Tokyo. International brands and luxury Japanese labels have found home in Omotesando’s trendy streets, lined with beautiful trees and great restaurants, funky cafés, and shops.
For those who want to spend their time meandering in stores, Omotesando is akin to a shopping paradise. The crowd is less compared to Ginza while the alleyways and streets are interspersed with coffee shops and boutiques.
Read about the travel guide to this enchanting place in Tokyo and find your way easily to some of the popular destinations in Omotesando.
Omotesando: A Luxurious Paradise to Unwind in Tokyo
Omotesando simply means in the local language "Shrine Entranceway Road," an ideal place to unwind after a hectic day exploring some of the finest places in the Harajuku district.
The streets are one of the world’s leading architectural showcases with their fashion stores closely linked with one another. You can easily find your way around the streets and get blown away by the architectural designs of some of these stores.
Access
- From Tokyo Station, take a 2 minute walk from the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to the Omotesando Station A2 exit
- From Shibuya Station, take the Jingu no Mori Route through the pedestrian scramble at Shibuya Station to Meiji-jingu Shrine and Omotesando.
- From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku (around 30 minutes)
Famous Locations
Laforet Harajuku
Laforet Harajuku is the bride that houses hundreds of fashion brands in its stylishly decorated six story building. There is also an exhibition space that hosts fashion events and a wide range of artists.
You don’t need to break the bank before coming to Laforet Harajuku, there is something for everyone.
Access
- Address: 1-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
- Direction: It is a 5-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station. It is in front of Exit 5, Meiji Jingu "Harajuku" Station
Kiddy Land
Kiddy Land is a haven for kids’ toys. It is one of the popular stop-overs in Harajuku for people who want to get gifts for their kids.
There is a section in the shop prepared for Studio Ghibli goods. Kids of all ages will love the varieties of toys and gifts that have been lined up for them.
Access
- Address: 6-1-9 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
- Direction: It is a 5 minute walk from JR Harajuku Station. It is in front of Exit 5, Meiji Jingu "Harajuku" Station
Nezu Museum
The Nezu Museum has Japanese artifacts dating before WWII, collected by Kaichiro Nezu. The museum's collection has accoutrements and ornaments linked with the tea ceremony such as lacquerware, paper screens, ceramics, textiles and sculptures.
There is also a lovely Japanese garden for you to unwind.
Access
- Address: 6-5-1 Minami-Aoyama, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 107-0062
- Direction: 10 minute walk from the escalator and elevator (Exit B4) of Omotesando Subway Station
Why foreigners live in Omotesando
1. The Shopping Haven
Tokyo may be everyone’s dream when it comes to beauty and shopping, but Omotesando will leave you mesmerized with its shopping shops. There is so much you can do when you visit Omotesando. Tourists may spend less compared to what is obtainable in Tokyo when you shop here. You literally have to live in an atmosphere of shopping.
Even if you are not a fun of high-end shopping, Omotesando has you covered with the smaller shops where you can get virtually whatever you want.
2. Home to Tourist Adventures
You will not get bored at any time when in Omotesando because of the cutting edge and exotic tourist attractions around. Don’t forget that the Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park that attract tourists to this destination.
There is no end to exciting activities naturally lined up for you to explore while you are in Omotesando. No one is left out in Omotesando; kids and the elderly also have activities to do when they are in this enchanting place.
3. Wonderful & Wild Fashion Streets
Why race to Paris to pick your clothes when Omotesando has equally trendy shops? The anything-goes lifestyle is famous in this part of Tokyo. Whether you love crazy or cool outfits, there are many shops that will serve you.
Close to Omotesando, the famous Takeshita Street is a legendary fashion street that will woo you with its wardrobe collections. The street is a 250 sqm space that will rescue a distress fashionista with choices.
4. Family Friendly Activities
It is not all shopping in Omotesando, as there is a host of family-friendly activities for its residents ranging from Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade to film festivals. Omotesando is an amazing place to be with its funky cafés, impressive architecture, and tranquil streets.
Food may be a bit expensive but they worth it. There are restaurants and bars that will quench your hunger and thirst. If you are looking for a romantic destination to spoil your partner with exotic meals and drinks, there is no better place to be than Omotesando.
Conclusion
If you are new to Omotesando, you can easily get used to the lifestyle. The international brand stores ranging from Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen to Zara give Omotesando a feel of Europe.
However, do not let the expensive price tags scare you from coming to this trendy spot. There is a variety of accommodation options that will suit every budget.
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