In 2005, a shopping complex known as Omotesando Hills was built in the popular avenue in Shibuya known as Omotesando.
The area often referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysees, Mori Building created the complex (which was designed by Ando Tadao) that would contain 130 shops and 38 apartments.
While the shopping center makes Omotesando seem like Beverly Hills thanks to its stores which include Jimmy Choo, Ugg, Bottega Veneta, Helen Kaminski Australia, Dior Perfume & Beauty, Shu Uemura, , Balmain Paris, Urban Research, junhashimoto, Valentino, Dartin Bonaparto, Hugo Boss, Chloe, Mark & Lona, mikomori, Y-3 and many more.
The complex cost $330 million and received controversy as the old Dojunkai apartments created in 1927 were turned into gallery boutiques and the area is become a fashion mecha.
But the controversy is nothing new as Akihabara went from electric town to Otaku and idol mecha, Omotesando is convenient for those who are in Harajuku/Aoyama shopping areas and the fact that Shibuya/Minato are nearby is an added plus.
In fact, Omotesando is one of my favorite places to visit.
I suppose, depending on the individual, some may find Omotesando Hills way to trendy or too expensive for their tastes.
But for those who dig Omotesando and the variety of shopping and restaurants that are in the area, will no doubt dig the vibe of Omotesando and also the Omotesando Hills shopping complex.
It’s just a really cool place for me to visit each time I’m in Japan and never grow tired of visiting the place.
