If you’re looking for formal dresses for an exclusive evening dinner, then look no further than Omotesando. This place has it all; high class fashion, hundreds of stores in easy walking distance to each other, and Kiddy Land, a six story complex that sells products for big and little kids alike. However, the main selling point for Omotesando is the formal dresses.
For tourists, the first place you will want to stop is the Oriental Bazaar. This is a three story complex, and it has been called the best place for visitors to start their Japanese journey. Make sure the conversion rate is in your favour, because you will be spending a lot of money here. Get your gifts for the friends and family back home when you buy them teddy bears made out of wonderfully colourful fabrics. Traditional teddy’s only come in plain colours and you will feel wonderfully Japanese when you purchase a white bear with a large number of multicoloured flowers all over it. To complete your formal attire, it is here that you can purchase a kanzashi (hairpin), a corsages, or a traditionally styles hair clip. You can also great a traditional Japanese fabric bag in a range of colours and prints, but you might want to do that after you’ve settled on the dress.
And getting the dress might take some time, with hundreds of high quality stores lining the streets. You won’t find a rip off here; these are all the real deal. Louis Vuitton opened in August of 2002 with a whopping 5-story complex. Hundreds of designer clothes are just waiting for you to try on, without having to worry about the cost. With the exchange rate, you will be able to find a bargain on clothing that you would normally have to spend twice as much on. Ralph Lauren also has a store here, and the clothing is to die for. Less upscale than Louis Vuitton, it is here where you can buy formal dresses that can also be worn during the day or to work. Ralph Lauren also has a wide range of men’s and children’s wear, so you can outfit the entire family.
But the best place to spend a day shopping in Omotesando is Omotesando Hills. Six floors including such shops as Dolce & Gabbana, Porsche Design, Yves Saint Laurent, Jimmy Choo, Dunhill, and Adore, you would think the only reason to leave would be to find somewhere to eat, but that’s all taken care of. On almost every floor you will find a little restaurant or cafe ready to serve up traditional Japanese meals or foreign exports like pizza. These shops also include men’s and children’s wear, so you can keep them busy while you’re shopping for your perfect dress.
For the adults, there’s the lovely Condomania, full of humorous prophylactics. Get some gifts to send back home, or pick something exotic to try out with your partner; it’s all here.
While you’re vacationing in Japan, bypass Tokyo for a day or two (or three) and spend some time in lovely Omotesando. You won’t regret it.