What's New at Shibuya Parco? We Look at the Latest Hotspots, from Nintendo to Pokémon and Restaurants
- Written by: Ran Tanaka
As part of Tokyo's Shibuya redevelopment, Shibuya PARCO, which had been closed for an extended period due to reconstruction work, triumphantly reopened on November 22, 2019! It now houses a gathering of Japan's leading fashion brands, as well as shops that immerse you in otaku culture like Nintendo TOKYO, and photogenic restaurants, all under one roof. Each floor of Shibuya PARCO offers a completely different character, and to help you navigate efficiently, LIVE JAPAN's editorial team brings you a guide to our recommended shops!
6F: A First in Japan! The Official Nintendo Direct Store - Nintendo TOKYO
Shibuya PARCO is home to a variety of shops making their first appearance in Japan, but Nintendo TOKYO is among the most noteworthy. It's the first official Nintendo-owned store in Japan. Although there has been Nintendo NY in the United States, the opening of a direct store in Japan has garnered attention from game fans worldwide.
Near the entrance, Super Mario greets visitors. The store sells game consoles and software, of course, along with character merchandise. Furthermore, there's a permanent experience space where visitors can try out game software.
In addition to miscellaneous goods like rubber straps (each 600 yen, tax included) and sketchbooks (880 yen, tax included), there's also a wide selection of tableware such as melamine bowls and plates (each 850 yen, tax included). It seems you can brighten up your life with Nintendo characters.
The "Nintendo TOKYO" logo T-shirts, available in red and gray, are priced at 4,800 yen each (tax included). Packaged in stylish bottles of the same color, they seem like great gifts for game enthusiasts.
In addition to Super Mario, there's a wide range of merchandise from other popular Nintendo franchises such as The Legend of Zelda, Splatoon, and Kirby. Among the extensive lineup, try to find items exclusive to the Shibuya store.
6F: Pokémon Center Shibuya - Welcome Pikachu and Mewtwo
The Shibuya store of the official Pokémon merchandise shop, Pokémon Center, features a display where the popular Pokémon Mewtwo sits enthroned, characterized by realistic movements and textures.
To commemorate its opening, Pokémon Center Shibuya is selling limited edition merchandise. Items like the Pikachu plushie with a graffiti pattern reminiscent of Shibuya's vibrant street culture, priced at 1,980 yen (tax included), are all cool!
There are more unique limited items available at Pokémon Center Shibuya, including collaboration merchandise with Nitendo TOKYO, located on the same floor.
These items feature a unique design where characters from Super Mario contain scenes from the early "Pokémon" games. The selection includes cookies (1,320 yen, tax included), hoodies (6,050 yen, tax included), and ramune candy tins (440 yen, tax included), among others.
There are still plenty of limited edition items available! Introducing the "CRYSTAL STONE" series featuring Swarovski® crystals. With sparkling Pikachu, Poké Balls, smartphone cases, and more, it's all about the luxurious dazzle.
In spring 2020, they plan to introduce a new shopping experience where you can design and purchase your own customized merchandise, promising a fresh discovery with every visit to the store!
4F: "Hobonichi Culture" - Curated Events and Exclusive Information from a "Hobonichi" Perspective
On the 4th floor, there's a space dedicated to Hobonichi, the company known for the popular "Hobonichi Techo" planners, which are loved not only in Asia but also worldwide. The concept is "Tokyo Focus Every Day." They pick up exhibitions, live shows, and stage performances held in Tokyo from the perspective of Hobonichi and introduce them while conducting special sales and exhibits related to those events.
During the opening period, there's a special collaboration with the 50th-anniversary exhibition of the Fujiko F. Fujio Museum in Kawasaki City titled "The Beginning of 'Doraemon'". This collaboration runs until January 30, 2020. It features exhibits of writing instruments used by Fujiko F. Fujio himself and sales of museum-exclusive merchandise.
Of course, they also sell Hobonichi Techo planners. They offer a diverse lineup, including the delicate embroidery of the brand "Minä Perhonen," renowned for its beauty.
2F: Fashion Floor - Tokyo's Trendy Items and Variety of Goods
Known for geometric designs, bags such as BAO BAO ISSEY MIYAKE make "ISSEY MIYAKE" renowned. The latest items are displayed along racks as long as 9.8 meters, creating an impressive visual along the store.
The collection also includes a wide range of accessories such as bags, watches, wallets, eyewear, and more. The luxurious utilization of space in the arrangement of items is enchanting. It's sure to provide a shopping experience that's a step above the rest.
To commemorate the opening, the "MOMO" series from the HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE 2020 SPRING SUMMER collection is available for pre-sale. With its vibrant pink color that instantly catches the eye, it's perfect for anticipating the arrival of spring!
In addition to ISSEY MIYAKE, the 2nd floor is home to a gathering of Japan's leading high-end brands. It seems like the perfect floor to visit for those looking to understand Tokyo's trends.
1F: H.P.DECO - Curated Selection of Goods, Interiors, and Art from Around the World
A new concept select shop called "Ashé Pêche France" has gathered fashion accessories, interior items, and artworks from around the world. It offers a curated collection of "timeless masterpieces" by creators from France, the United States, and beyond.
Displaying exquisite items such as blend teas from the New York Brooklyn-based tea brand "Belloc", ceramic products from Astier de Villatte, the first in Paris, and fragrances, it offers a romantic atmosphere akin to wandering into a fairytale land. You're sure to find items that will become cherished memories of Tokyo!
7F: Rooftop Plaza - Overlooking Shibuya's Landmarks
Shibuya PARCO is located near the top of the slope leading from Shibuya Station to Yoyogi Park. Don't miss the breathtaking view from the rooftop. The open space is adorned with greenery, providing benches for relaxation.
The skyscraper nearby has Shibuya Hikarie at its center, with Shibuya Scramble Square, which opened in November 2019, on the left. Only Shibuya PARCO offers such a panoramic view of Shibuya's landmarks like this.
On the 6th floor, just before heading to the rooftop, there's a glass-encased area where you can enjoy stunning views. Even if you can't access the rooftop due to bad weather, you can capture the enchanting scenery from here in photographs.
5F: Queue-worthy Famed Ramen Shop "Tanaka Soba-ten" Specializing in Hakata Nagahama Ramen
Now, let's choose some recommended cafes and restaurants you can enjoy at Shibuya PARCO. First up is "Tanaka Soba-ten," specializing in Chinese noodles. Originating from the main branch of Hakata Nagahama Ramen in Adachi Ward, Tokyo, "Tanaka Soba-ten" was born as a casual ramen shop for regular customers.
Featuring flat curly noodles based on Fukushima's Kitakata ramen, Tanaka Soba-ten's homemade chashu is so tender that it practically melts in your mouth. A highly recommended option is their meat soba topped with a generous serving of chashu (regular size: 1,020 yen including tax).
You can purchase your meal tickets from the vending machine in English, Chinese (simplified and traditional characters), and Korean. Additionally, you can enjoy a variety of Japanese-style ramen and rice sets, adding to the unique experience of dining in Japan.
B1: "Tephonium Cafe" - Café with a "Magic" Theme
On the basement floor, you'll find many unique restaurants, particularly noteworthy is the "Tiphonium Cafe," a cafe themed around "magic," which seems perfect for Instagram-worthy moments.
Their signature menu item is the "Magic Parfait®" (starting from 1,000 yen excluding tax). Not only is it visually appealing, but as the name suggests, it offers an incredible experience akin to magic.
As shown in the photos, when you hold up your tablet to the designated area inside the cafe, beautiful augmented reality (AR) images appear. There are various surprises, like touching floating imps to make them spin. It's fascinating to see what kind of imagery will be projected for each parfait, making you want to visit multiple times!
Additionally, you can experience an attraction where you journey through the world of tarot cards using VR. This cafe is sure to lead you into a mysterious world of wonder.
B1F: "Rice and Circus" - Izakaya Specializing in Game Meat and Insect Cuisine
The last one to introduce is, in a sense, a restaurant from another world: "Rice and Circus." As you pass through the eccentric entrance, what awaits you there is...
A row of transparent bottles lined up. Can you guess what's inside? Surprisingly, it's insects! "Rice and Circus" is a "Birds, Beasts, and Bugs Izakaya" that primarily serves game and insect dishes. Their offerings include insect parfait, insect dumplings, a tasting set of six insect dishes, and even cockroach ramen... all of which are beyond imagination.
I'll show you some of these dishes in the next photo. Brace yourself if you're not fond of insects.
As you've seen, these dishes are boldly featuring insects. By the way, the dish in the top right is a crocodile hand. If you look closely, you can see its sharp claws. It's the perfect restaurant for those aiming for diagonal-upward SNS appeal, but be careful not to get blocked by your friends after uploading these photos!
As I've introduced, Shibuya PARCO is home to one-of-a-kind establishments. Shibuya is a place where various cultures are born every day, and it seems to be becoming a hub for new trends!
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Shibuya PARCO渋谷PARCO
- Address 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
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Nearest Station
5 min. walk from JR Shibuya Station
- Phone Number 03-3464-5111
・Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM for merchandise sales, 11 AM to 11:30 PM for food and beverages
Ran Tanaka is a Japanese writer and travel agency employee. After working as an editor for a major website, she switched to a travel company. She specializes in travel and food-related genres, and she has covered all 47 prefectures in Japan. She regularly travels to report on hidden gems, scenic spots, and the kinds of travel tips that only a travel industry insider can know.
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*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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