Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, is constantly evolving. Its rapid development is evident in the new, grand multi-use developments that are springing up like mushrooms after a rain. These developments are attracting hordes of people to already popular shopping districts, breathing new life into the city’s landscape.
A Symphony of Style and Luxury
In 2016, Tokyu Plaza Ginza opened its doors, boasting 16 floors and a sprawling 538,195 square feet of floor space. The following year, Ginza Six arrived, quickly becoming the most luxurious and largest shopping center in the area. It occupies two entire blocks of land in Ginza, the city’s most expensive neighborhood, and houses an astounding 241 stores, spread across a massive 1.6 million square feet. But the newest addition to this retail powerhouse is Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, which opened earlier this year.
More Than Just Shopping: A Vibrant Hub
Tokyo Midtown Hibiya follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, Tokyo Midtown, located near Roppongi, offering a mix of retail, entertainment, offices, and beautiful green spaces. Strategically located within a short stroll of Ginza and the Imperial Palace, and just steps away from the Peninsula Tokyo and the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya is destined to become a beloved spot for both locals and tourists alike.
Within a month of its grand opening on March 29th, the complex welcomed an astounding 2 million visitors. Mitsui Fudosan, the property manager, shared that the first day saw a line of over 1,000 eager shoppers waiting to enter, prompting an earlier-than-scheduled opening. A staggering 100,000 people flocked to the complex that day, followed by an impressive 400,000 over the first weekend.
A Retail Paradise: Luxury Brands and Lifestyle Treasures
Tokyo Midtown Hibiya’s retail space is a haven for shoppers with over 60 stores and restaurants, five of which are brand-new to Japan. The complex exudes a sense of luxury and style, with the second and third floors showcasing a curated selection of goods, from gardening essentials and luggage to designer apparel, accessories, and jewelry.
Fashion lovers will be captivated by the largest fashion retailer in the complex, Tatras & Strada Est, which features Tatras, an Italian brand, and a multi-brand boutique that houses an eclectic mix of Adidas sneakers, Rag & Bone jeans, Yanuk, Island slipper flip-flops, Chloé handbags, Balmain jackets, traditional Japanese folding fans and umbrellas, jewelry by Sophie Bille Brahe, and stylish sweatshirts and shorts from Seagreen.
Other lifestyle retailers offer a diverse range of offerings: The North Face Play combines its signature outdoor gear with everyday wear, laptop bags, and rolling luggage, while Neutralworks specializes in minimalist athleticwear and ath-leisure. Today’s Special presents a delightful assortment of everyday items, including potted plants, fabrics, clothing, housewares, stationery, condiments, gifts, and even everyday essentials like sponges and laundry clips. The second floor is home to the first Mastermind flagship store in Japan, showcasing the brand’s iconic skull logo T-shirts and sweatshirts, flannels, black jeans, and high-top sneakers, all set against a dark and edgy backdrop, complete with a pool table and a giant bank vault door.
Beauty enthusiasts will be delighted by the presence of Three, a popular Japanese cosmetics brand, and the latest location of Isetan Mirror, a Sephora-like haven. Isetan Mirror offers a more luxurious experience, thanks to a Kérastase makeover bar and products by high-end brands like Jo Malone, Jurlique, La Mer, Clé de Peau Beauté, MAC, Tom Ford, Shu Uemura, Nars, and Makeup Forever. The store also features self-serve lip and nail bars, and Ya-man, Shiro, and Acca Kappa have larger shops-in-shops within the store.
Beyond Shopping: Entertainment, Culture, and Culinary Delights
Tokyo Midtown Hibiya is more than just a shopping destination. It offers a rich tapestry of entertainment and cultural experiences. A cutting-edge cinema boasts 11 screens and a massive 2,300 seats, while a nostalgic barber shop harkens back to the area’s past. The complex also features a Billboard music cafe, a conference center, and several outdoor terraces and gardens, offering lush greenery and stunning views of Hibiya Park.
Foodies will be spoiled for choice with a wide array of restaurants, serving everything from tempura, grilled fish, and soba to pizza, salads, and tapas. The popular New York eatery, Buvette, has opened its first location in Japan on the first floor, while Seiji Yamamoto’s three-star Michelin restaurant, RyuGin, has relocated to the seventh floor from Roppongi.
Preserving History, Embracing Innovation
Tokyo Midtown Hibiya occupies the sites of two former Hibiya landmarks, most notably the Sanshin Building, a property that historians and architects fought hard to preserve. To honor the past while embracing the future, British architectural firm Hopkins Architects incorporated elements that evoke the interior of the former Sanshin Building, such as large arches and retro-inspired fixtures. The complex spans over 2 million square feet across 39 floors, 35 of which rise above ground, with an additional four basement levels. Eight floors are dedicated to retail space, totaling an impressive 193,750 square feet.
Mitsui Fudosan emphasized the “urban theater” concept in the design of the public spaces on the commercial floors, creating bright, glamorous spaces that appeal to sophisticated tastes. The gently curving, three-tiered atrium resembles traditional theaters and can accommodate a variety of events. An underground arcade pays homage to the former Sanshin Building, preserving local history in a modern, revitalized form.
Tokyo Midtown Hibiya is a testament to Tokyo’s unwavering spirit of innovation and progress, while honoring its rich cultural heritage. This dynamic complex seamlessly blends retail, entertainment, and cultural experiences, creating a vibrant hub that is sure to capture the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
