Introduction
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most convenient areas for international visitors to shop for Japanese fashion brands. With major stations, department stores, and flagship shops concentrated in one area, travelers can easily find well-known Japanese brands without traveling across the city.
This article introduces Japanese fashion brands that are especially popular with foreign visitors, focusing on brands that can be purchased in Shinjuku through official or authorized stores.
Onitsuka Tiger
Onitsuka Tiger is one of the most recognizable Japanese sneaker brands among international visitors. Known for its classic designs and comfort, the brand is often seen as a “must-buy in Japan.”
Shinjuku has multiple official Onitsuka Tiger stores, making it easy for travelers to explore standard models as well as Japan-made lines in one area.
UNIQLO
UNIQLO is one of the most frequently visited fashion stores by international travelers in Japan. Its balance of price, quality, and size availability makes it ideal for travel purchases.
Items such as HEATTECH and Ultra Light Down are especially popular, as they combine Japanese functionality with practical everyday wear.
COMME des GARÇONS
COMME des GARÇONS represents Japan’s avant-garde fashion culture and has a strong following in Europe and North America.
The brand’s presence in major department stores in Shinjuku allows visitors to purchase authentic items with confidence, while experiencing a key part of Japanese fashion history.
ISSEY MIYAKE
ISSEY MIYAKE is internationally known for innovative fabric techniques, especially pleated designs.
The “PLEATS PLEASE” line is particularly popular with travelers because it is lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to pack—making it both stylish and practical during a trip.
A BATHING APE
A BATHING APE is one of Japan’s most iconic streetwear brands. Its bold camouflage patterns and graphic designs are widely recognized overseas.
For many visitors, purchasing BAPE in Japan carries special value, as the brand is closely tied to Tokyo’s street culture.
BEAMS
BEAMS is a leading Japanese select shop that showcases both original items and carefully curated domestic and international brands.
For foreign visitors, BEAMS offers an easy way to understand current Japanese fashion trends in one place, rather than focusing on a single designer label.
MUJI
MUJI is widely appreciated for its minimalist design and functional approach to clothing and daily goods.
Many international visitors shop not only for apparel, but also for household items and travel-friendly products, seeing MUJI as a representation of Japanese lifestyle design.
UNDERCOVER
UNDERCOVER blends streetwear with high-fashion sensibilities and has a loyal following among fashion-conscious visitors.
Its limited releases and collaborations often attract attention from international fans looking for uniquely Japanese design perspectives.
NEIGHBORHOOD
NEIGHBORHOOD is a Japanese streetwear brand influenced by motorcycle and military culture.
It is especially popular among visitors from Asia and is often viewed as a brand worth buying directly in Japan due to its strong cultural identity.
sacai
sacai is known for its hybrid designs that mix different fabrics and silhouettes.
With frequent coverage in international fashion media, sacai attracts visitors who are interested in contemporary Japanese designer brands available through official retail channels in Shinjuku.
Summary
Shinjuku offers international visitors easy access to many of Japan’s most popular fashion brands, from globally recognized names like Onitsuka Tiger and UNIQLO to high-end designer labels and streetwear brands.
By shopping in Shinjuku, travelers can efficiently experience Japanese fashion culture while purchasing authentic items from official or authorized stores.
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