Gourmet to Subculture: Shibuya PARCO is Full of Attractions!
Shibuya, always bustling 365 days a year, is a popular tourist destination that attracts many foreign visitors. The "Hachiko Statue" in front of Shibuya Station and the Scramble Crossing, famous as photo spots, are likely among the main attractions for many tourists.
As the hub of Japanese youth culture, Shibuya is home to many art museums, live music venues, and clubs, showcasing its artistic and musical aspects. Recently, it has also gained popularity as the setting for the anime "Jujutsu Kaisen."
In the midst of a once-in-a-century major development, Shibuya continues to evolve. It boasts numerous eateries, from stylish cafes and trendy bars to retro izakayas. As a fashion mecca, Shibuya's charm also lies in its diverse commercial facilities.
If you are interested in Shopping in Shibuya, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
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The Commercial Facility Situation in Shibuya
Shibuya, which attracts students, businesspeople, families, and tourists, is home to many commercial facilities and shopping buildings. A notable feature is that many facilities express their originality from various angles, such as fusing art and culture or focusing on concepts like "food, health, and beauty."
While new facilities like Shibuya Scramble Square and Shibuya Stream continue to emerge, iconic Shibuya establishments like 109 are constantly updating to keep up with the times.
Shibuya PARCO, a long-established shopping building born in 1973, underwent a major renovation in 2019. This time, I'll introduce the appeal of Shibuya PARCO, which I'd like to recommend to foreign tourists!
What is Shibuya PARCO?
Source: Official website
Shibuya PARCO is a shopping building that has been beloved in Shibuya for over 50 years. It has led various pop culture trends in each era, not just in fashion, but also in music, art, and publishing.
In the mid-1990s, riding the wave of the so-called "Shibuya-kei" culture, it produced numerous catchy commercials and music events, establishing the image of "PARCO = stylish."
After closing once in 2016, it reopened in 2019 after three years as the new "Shibuya PARCO." Rather than targeting specific genders or age groups, it focuses on concepts such as novelty, individuality, and interest. In addition to high-end brand shops like GUCCI and COMME des GARÇONS, there are many brands making their commercial facility debut. It houses 193 unique shops covering fashion, dining, art, and more.
Highlights of Shibuya PARCO
CHAOS KITCHEN
Source: Official website
"CHAOS KITCHEN" on B1F is a restaurant area with the concept of "food, music, and culture." You can enjoy various genres of food and drinks, from standing udon shops to conveyor belt sushi, game meat cuisine, and music bars. With festival goods shops and fortune-telling spaces also in the mix, it truly lives up to its "Chaos" name.
The vegan izakaya "Masaka" offers a wide range of vegan menu items, such as dumplings and fried chicken made with soy meat, satisfying even non-vegans. My recommendation is "Campy! bar," where cross-dressing performers provide fun service. The easy-to-understand per-drink payment system is also reassuring. Enjoy Shibuya nights with these unique "sisters"!
<Information>
- Location: Shibuya PARCO B1F
- Opening hours: Vary by store
- Official website: https://shibuya.parco.jp/page/foods/chaos_kitchen/
CYBERSPACE SHIBUYA
"CYBERSPACE SHIBUYA" on the 6th floor is an area lined with shops related to games, anime, and manga. Character shops like Nintendo and Pokémon, which are highly popular overseas, are always crowded with foreign tourists.
A must-visit between shopping is "GG Shibuya Mobile esports cafe&bar." It's a cafe where you can enjoy e-sports matches, which have been gaining attention in recent years, on large screens. The spacious interior with high ceilings features a 170-inch big monitor and six TV monitors, allowing you to watch domestic and international matches. I also recommend the authentic food menu, including roast beef sandwiches and pork sauté.
ROOF TOP PARK
Source: Official website
"ROOF TOP PARK" on the 10th floor is a rooftop plaza as lush as a park. The spacious area of about 420 tsubo offers a panoramic view of Shibuya, and on clear days, you can even see Mount Fuji. It's nice to drop by after shopping and enjoy the night view.
My favorite way to spend time here is to get takeout beer and tacos from the cafe & bar "ComMunE" in the area. It's a recommended spot where you can relax away from the city's hustle and bustle, whether you're with family, a couple, or alone.
Various events such as food markets and music live performances are also held in the event space. Check the official website for details. Please visit during your Shibuya tour!
<Detailed Information>
- ROOF TOP PARK opening hours: According to Shibuya PARCO's business hours / event hours
- "ComMunE" Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commune_tokyo/
Recommended Shops for Anime and Game Fans
Nintendo TOKYO
Source: Official website
"Nintendo Tokyo" in "CYBERSPACE SHIBUYA" on the 6th floor is the first domestic official Nintendo shop. It sells game consoles, software, and character goods. Super Mario goods and character snacks, which are also popular overseas, are recommended as souvenirs from Japan.
The shop also holds game trial events. There are many character objects in the store, which game fans can enjoy just by looking at them. On busy days like weekends, you may need a numbered ticket, so it's recommended to check the official X (Twitter) in advance.
<Information>
- Location: Shibuya PARCO 6F
- Phone number: 0570-021-086
- Opening hours: 10:00am - 9:00pm
- Official website: https://shibuya.parco.jp/shop/detail/?cd=025793
- Official X (Twitter): https://x.com/N_Officialstore
Pokémon Center Shibuya
Source: Official website
The "Pokémon Center Shibuya," which is very popular among foreigners, is also located in the "CYBERSPACE SHIBUYA" area on the 6th floor. The first thing that catches your eye is the large Mewtwo object waiting at the entrance. The Mewtwo, which looks like it might start moving at any moment, heightens the excitement. The interior is a stylish space that lets you experience the youth town of Shibuya, with "Shibuya-style Pikachu" objects and fashion item displays.
There are sometimes limited-edition goods that can only be bought at the Shibuya store, so you're sure to have trouble choosing souvenirs. You can check the official X (Twitter) for information on events like card battles and the latest goods.
<Information>
- Location: Shibuya PARCO 6F
- Phone number: 03-5422-3522
- Opening hours: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Official website: https://shibuya.parco.jp/shop/detail/?cd=025795
- Official X (Twitter): https://x.com/pokemoncenterPR/status/1631836876624523265
CAPCOM STORE TOKYO
Source: Official website
"CAPCOM STORE TOKYO" on the 6th floor offers a wide range of goods featuring CAPCOM characters from games like "Resident Evil" and "Monster Hunter." There are also limited-edition goods that can only be bought at the Shibuya PARCO store. The store also has display items like large game character objects and figures, making it worth a visit for CAPCOM fans.
My recommended souvenirs are apparel goods like socks and T-shirts. From July 2024, the original apparel brand "AND CHIPS" will be released, with stylish items being launched one after another.
<Information>
- Location: Shibuya PARCO 6F
- Phone number: 03-6455-0420
- Opening hours: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Official website: https://shibuya.parco.jp/shop/detail/?cd=025792
JUMP SHOP
Source: Official website
For anime lovers, I recommend "JUMP SHOP" on the 6th floor. It's an officially licensed shop that offers goods related to popular works from the manga magazine "Weekly Shonen Jump."
Characters from series that are highly popular overseas, such as "DRAGON BALL," "ONE PIECE," and "Jujutsu Kaisen," are all lined up. There are also limited-edition goods that can only be bought at the official shop. For those who want everything, it's recommended to check the goods on the official website before visiting.
Figures of Luffy from "ONE PIECE" and Son Goku from "DRAGON BALL" greet you at the entrance. Feel free to take photos!
<Information>
- Location: Shibuya PARCO 6F
- Phone number: 03-6809-0004
- Opening hours: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Official website (Shibuya store): https://shibuya.parco.jp/shop/detail/?cd=025844
- Official website (Official): https://benelic.com/jumpshop/
Access to Shibuya PARCO
- 5-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit
- 5-minute walk from various subway A6 exits
Starting from Shibuya Station Hachiko Square (Hachiko-mae-hiroba)
Cross the Scramble Crossing and take the street to the right of Starbucks towards Seibu Department Store (Seibu-hyakkaten).
Go straight across the first intersection.
When you see "Shibuya MODI" on your right, don't cross towards it but turn left.
Pass by the Disney Store and continue a bit, and you'll see "Shibuya PARCO" on your left.
Information about Shibuya PARCO
- Opening hours: Retail 11:00 am - 9:00 pm / Dining 11:30 am - 11:00 pm / 6th floor 10:00 am - 9:00 pm / 7th floor 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Address: 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Phone number: 03-3464-5111
- Official website (English): https://shibuya.parco.jp.e.aiv.hp.transer.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parco_shibuya_official/
If you are interested in 17 sightseeing spots in Shibuya, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy them as much as possible.
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