Author

Jade Willis

KESHIKI Classic – Used and New Clothing in Harajuku

Based in Harajuku, KESHIKI Classic is a men’s boutique that stocks both new and used clothes. It’s a 2nd floor store that covers a good range of garments from polo shirts, casual blazers, jackets, long sleeve tops, and hoodies. KESHIKI Classic covers all of your basic wardrobe needs and also features a good range of accessories.

KESHIKI Classic’s style is what you would describe as your ‘hipster’ type clothes in the West, as they focus on fitted shirts, a range of colored blazers, polo shirts, and lowered waist casual fit rolled hem pants. All of their clothes (as befits their locality) have a Japanese twist–the fit is somewhat baggy and not very form fitting, as preferred in Japanese styles. The shaping of most the garments are very straight due to the fabric used having very little shaping attributes. The clothes are both easy to wear and stylish and will go with your current wardrobe as well as anything else in their shop.

Now, the quality of each piece ranges from average to high-end as they use a variety of denims, silks, t-shirt jersey, thick cottons, and linens. KESHIKI Classic also covers a range of accessories from belts, cuffed bracelets, shoes and necklaces that will easily complete any outfit. In regards to pricing, KESHIKI Classic caters toward the mid- to high-end pocketbooks, which means that you could spend quite a bit in this shop. Still, if you like their comfortable range of clothing as well as an occasional surprise from the used section, KESHIKI Classic should be on your fashion treasure-hunting list!

Keshiki CLASSIC Location Information

Website (Japanese only) ||| Twitter (Japanese) ||| Instagram ||| Tumblr ||| Online Store (Japanese and English)

Nearest Station: 9-minute walk from Harajuku Station (click on the Google Map for walking directions)

Hours of Operation: Open daily 11am – 8pm

Why Go?: For modern, stylish and easy wearing men’s wear!

Click on one of the links below to explore other shopping options in Tokyo–

January 5, 2017 0 comment

Men's Fashion Shibuya

Cassidy Home Grown Shibuya – For Sophisticated Men

written by Jade Willis

Cassidy Home Grown is a modern boutique that caters towards a modern Japanese style of clothing. With a range of gingham, striped, printing shirts, jackets and cargo pants in a range of different styles and colors, it’s fits perfectly into a wardrobe that has a need for some Japanese aesthetics!

Cassidy Home Grown ‘s clothing style is simple, casual and cool yet somewhat sophisticated. The clothing that they carry seem to be for more mature individuals in their mid 20s who are starting careers, as it leans more towards smart-casual than youth culture. It’s not like the average Street style you see around Harajuku. But in my opinion it’s a great a style that for dates – so fellas, if you want to impress a girl, think about wearing Cassidy Home Grown!

Cassidy Home Grown ‘s fabrics range from linen and jersey fabric for t-shirts to a whole range of thin to heavy cottons and brushed cottons and denims. These are great qualities which make their lines great for everyday wear. The boutique also has a great range of accessories such as shoes, socks, hats belts and handkerchiefs.

In regards to your wallet, most of the clothing is affordable to mid-range, and they have a great selection to mix and match from. It’s the perfect place to check out if you’re in need of a quick fashion fix for a day out!

Cassidy Home Grown Shibuya Location Information

Website (Japanese-English mix) ||| Facebook (Japanese) ||| Instagram ||| Tumblr (Japanese) ||| Online Store (via Google Translate)

Nearest Station: 3-minute walk from Meiji-jingumae Station (click on the Google Map for walking directions)

Hours of Operation: Open daily 12am – 8pm

Why Go? Sophisticated, affordable and easy men’s fashion that will get you ready for any outing!

Click on one of the links below to explore other shopping options in Tokyo–

January 3, 2017 0 comment

Women's Fashion

Earth Music & Ecology – Feminine Fashions in Ikebukuro

written by Jade Willis

Earth Music & Ecology is a women’s brand that focuses on naturally-styled clothing. As suggested in their brand name, their clothing portrays an emulsion of earthy styles with a hint of music and ecology. Formed in 1999, Earth、Music & Ecology is a well-established brand whose clothes are simply beautiful. With shops based in Harajuku, Ikebukuro, and Shinjuku, Earth, Music & Ecology is a brand worth checking out wherever you are!

Encompassing the brand name, their style is casual yet chic. Earth Music & Ecology focuses on the feminine aesthetic verging on an almost Boho Chic style, with a few wool and lace garments. From baggy shirts, tops, pleated skirts to wide legged pants in a wide variety of neutral colors, embellishments and styles, their clothes are appropriate for either the office or an outing. The qualities of their fabrics are of commercial standard and utilize a wide variety from soft jerseys for their t-shirts, plaid and plain natural cottons for their shirts and blouses, and lightweight wools for their cardigans. Their clothes cater individuals from their teenage years to late 40s. Their styles are great for any occasion from casual to evening outing wear. Earth Music & Ecology clothes are great for filling out the wardrobe of the woman on the move! Beyond the brand, the shop also has a whole range of great accessories such as boating hats, bracelets, necklaces, bags and comfy shoes.

The fit is Japanese-style for most of the clothing. Whether the piece is baggy, fitted, or long and flowing so it is advised to try them on before purchasing! (Use our handy guide on to buy clothes in Japan here, complete with handy size conversion charts!)

Earth Music & Ecology is an affordable brand that is relaxed, cool, and casual, and looks great no matter where you’re going today!

Earth Music & Ecology Location Information

Website (via Google Translate) ||| Facebook (Japanese) ||| Twitter (via Google Translate) ||| Instagram ||| Online Store (via Google Translate)

Nearest Station: Many locations throughout Tokyo. Our favorite was a Ikebukuro Sunshine City, an 8-minute walk from Higashi-Ikebukuro Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line) or a 12-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station (many lines stop here) (click on the Google Map for walking directions)

Hours of Operation: Open daily 10am – 8pm

“Why Go?”: Earthy, simply beautiful clothes that are easy to wear and style.

Click on one of the links below to explore other shopping options in Tokyo–

December 28, 2016 0 comment

Clubs and Bars Shibuya

Scramble Cafe and Bar Shibuya

written by Jade Willis

Just a 5 minute walk away from the Hachiko exit of Shibuya is the Scramble Cafe and Bar. This convenient spot is great for an easy lunch or dinner and is a common meeting spot for expats.

The Scramble Cafe and Bar menu (in both English and Japanese) is egg-themed, with pictures to help those people whose words have finally failed them after a long night of partying or are just waking up to breakfast (whatever time of day that meal occurs for them). It is a cozy little place right from the get-go, almost like a seaside café right by the beach! The food Western-styled, which includes Eggs Benedict, quiche, stew, and confit. All the dishes are a mix of traditionally American and French dishes with a Japanese twist. I had the Eggs Benedict, which came with pasta, potatoes and a mixed salad with some Japanese dressings and ingredients. The Eggs Benedict themselves were more like Eggs Royale, with its ham and the salmon on muffins, including fried egg on the salmon. It is the perfect post-clubbing late-night meal for the steamy Tokyo summer. Or could be your lunch, being a pleasant stop during your mid-day shopping spree. And it went pretty well with the iced Earl Grey.

Scramble Cafe and Bar has two dining sections – an open area that is used in the daytime, and a more relaxed ‘evening’ dining section for late meals. It’s a great little place to sit back and take in the atmosphere, with good food at a good price for a town as busy as Tokyo. And the bar part? Scramble transforms in to an exciting bar with reasonably priced drinks at night. There is also a Saturday happy hour, and DJs start around 6 PM.

So there it is–perfect for lunch during the day and a drink or two at night, all within view of the Shibuya Scramble and not far from Shibuya station. Get your seat while you can!

Scramble Cafe and Bar Information

Website (Japanese and English) | Facebook page

Nearest Station: 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station Hachiko exit (click on the Google Map for directions)

Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday 9am – 2pm; Friday and Saturday 9am – 5am; Sundays and Holidays 9am – 12am

“Why Go?”: Reasonably-priced meals and drinks in the heart of Tokyo!

Click on one of the links below to explore other dining options in Tokyo–

November 17, 2016 0 comment

Fashion Harajuku

Faline Tokyo in Harajuku

written by Jade Willis

Faline Tokyo is another off-Takeshita Dori treasure that can be difficult for the uninitiated to find. But we here at EnableJapan.com are in the know, so now you are too! And you’re in good company. This small shop has been patronized by the likes Gwen Stefani and Sky Ferreia. And when you see the range of accessories adorning its shelves, you’ll also want to join their latest quirky fashion trend!

But where is it? As all the fashionistas know, the best finds in Tokyo aren’t always under the big signs on the main streets. All brands started somewhere, and the back streets and alleys are where you have to go to find tomorrow’s hottest look today. Faline Tokyo is in an alley, likely in a section of you wouldn’t go to unless you are a dedicated Harajuku fashion-trawler. Just follow our map and look for the baby-blue sign with the neon lights.

The Faline style focuses on a relaxed yet quirky aesthetic. Faline Tokyo has their own brand and garments, ranging from printed tees, patterned skirts, dress shirts with printed cartoon characters, and more! The Faline brand has been featured on many “Japanese street style” websites and magazines, and is recognized for its fun and imaginative stylings. And though it is becoming a “known” brand, Faline Tokyo maintains an appeal to all sizes of pocketbooks–the lines feature high-end, mid-range, and affordable priced must-haves.

Faline Tokyo also carries selections from designers such as Jeremy Scott, whose style fits the “Harajuku look.” And don’t pass up their accessories! they also carry an extensive range of those cute “Harajuku Style” tidbits, including bows, lunchboxes, and hair clips.

The target audience for Faline Tokyo’s designs and selections are younger women, between their teens and mid-twenties. So if you’re feeling daring and rebellious, seek them out in the Takeshita Dori area. It’s a must-shop place for the Tokyo Girl who wants to have fun with her outfits without breaking the bank.

Faline Tokyo Location Information

Website and Online Shop | Facebook (English and Japanese) | Twitter (English and Japanese)

Nearest Station: 5-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station (click on the Google Map for directions)

Hours of Operation: Open daily 12pm – 9pm.

“Why Go?”: For that oh-so Harajuku street style appeal!

Click on one of the links below to explore other shopping options in Tokyo–

November 10, 2016 0 comment

Men's Fashion

Bru Na Boinne Daikanyama – Fashion for Men

written by Jade Willis

Based in Daikanyama, Bru Na Boinne is a stylish and trendy menswear boutique of upscale and stylish fashion. Their boutique is the bright blue one, bu itt may be tricky to find. That is, tricky to find if you don’t know the fashion mavens at EnableJapan.com!

Founded by fashion designer couple Masahiro Tsuji and Naoko Tokuda, the clothes at Bru Na Boinne come with stories. Their “Between Dream and Hero” and “A Mysterious Island” collections have an outlandish, dream-like look. It is as if they are creating outfits for the characters within their tales.

Their store design is minimalist, so as to not distract attention away from their clothes. Beyond their own lines, Bru Na Boinne features a design selection that features simple garments with humorous originality to present in their boutique. With chinos, wide legged pants, denims and a large selection of custom Bru Na Boinne silk screen print t-shirts, this place has your basic wardrobe pieces covered, each with their own peculiar twist. Adding a little edge onto their style, their shorts and pants have flares and a lower crotch design. Bru na Boinne brand shirts are made with slightly wider and longer sleeves, giving a unique aesthetic to the brand.

Some of the Bru Na Boinne selected garments have features you wouldn’t see in your everyday clothing store. Their clothes have a modern, laid-back aesthetic that evokes a sense of the modern countryside, giving them an urbanite-in-the-rough feel. They use standard and durable fabric for all their items such as denim for jeans, heavy cotton for chinos and soft cotton for their t-shirts.

The store also hosts a large selection of accessories ranging from hats, belts and cuffed bracelets that will finish off any modern look. With prices ranging from affordable to high end, it’s an accessible boutique to go to that covers a wide range of unique and interesting styles.

Bru Na Boinne Daikanyama Store Information

Website (English) | Facebook (Japanese) | Twitter (Japanese) | Instagram

Nearest Station: 4-minute walk from Daikan-yama Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line) (click on the Google Map for directions)

Hours of Operation: Weekdays 12pm – 9pm, Saturdays and Holidays 11am – 8pm. Closed Sundays.

Why Go?: Western style clothing, with quirky Japanese twists.

Click on one of the links below to explore other shopping options in Tokyo–

November 8, 2016 0 comment

Fashion Men's Fashion

Yohji Yamamoto Aoyama

written by Jade Willis

Yohji Yamamoto is one of the most popular Japanese fashion brands there is! With stores dotted around the world his fashion is edgy, creative, and innovative. Truly Japanese in every sense, Yamamoto’s work has been one of the major inspirations and is iconic within the fashion industry.

The Aoyama store showcases his work as art. Having a large range of his latest collection on display from long coats to pants and shirts. All in a range of…black…which is one of his famous colour choices.

The ranges are not just your normal jackets, coats and shirts. They showcase pieces that are paneled using Japanese pattern cutting techniques. The clothes are fitted and pleated, loose and structured. All have amazing finishings, fastenings and other subtle touches that truly make them a Yohji Yamamoto piece! The fabrics are of amazing quality, utilizing linens, thick-brushed cottons, and jersey.

Prices on the high end, as to be expected with a designer of the stature of Yohji Yamamoto. With a range of accessories from sunglasses, shoes and bracelets, make time to stop by Yohji Yamamoto Aoyama during your Tokyo fashion shopping spree!

Yohji Yamamoto Location Information

Website | Twitter (brand) | Twitter (designer’s personal Twitter, English) | Instagram | Pinterest

Nearest Station: 5-minute walk from Omotesando Station (click on the Google Map for directions)

Hours of Operation: Open daily 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

“Why Go?”: Why not visit an amazing famous Japanese designer store IN Japan?!?

Click on one of the links below to explore other shopping options in Tokyo–

September 15, 2016 0 comment

Men's Fashion Women's Fashion

Tsumori Chisato Aoyama: World-Famous Fashion

written by Jade Willis

Tsumori Chisato is a Japanese fashion designer whose brand comes from an array of exciting and unique inspirations. Her fashions, which have spread from Japan to the rest of the world, are based on “things that will make you smile and are interesting for both men and women.” We here at EnableJapan.com were lucky enough to visit the flagship store in Aoyama to get the inside scoop on the Tsumori Chisato brand!

(Note that all products were photographed in August 2016. The Tsumori Chisato brand moves fast, and there is always something new to wear!)

The Tsumori Chisato style is girly but sexy. She has a universal audience, ranging from teens to 60s. Regardless of age, she appeals! Her inspirations and concepts come from art, music, and especially her travels. Although some design ideas may come from one of the other in-house textile designers or shape designers, most of the inspiration comes from Tsumori Chisato herself.

On the day we visited, the designs featured were based on her travels to Iceland. The inspiration she took from her trip influenced her print design, motifs and colour choices. The pieces emulate the view of Iceland, as painted in watercolour. The Icelandic theme was represented throughout the range of men’s and women’s t-shirts and jumpers.

The current collection shows a story of her travels across Iceland, but Tsumori Chisato is always looking for inspiration. Her collections come from the new stories she is constantly spinning. Her line is every-changing, and every season you’ll be able to immerse yourself in a new tale whenever you visit the shop.

Tsumori Chisato’s work has an obvious worldwide appeal. Her designs focus on Japanese pattern-cutting mixed with Western style techniques. Her range of dresses, skirts, t-shirts and pants all have unique and playful prints. Prints, checks, paintings, and her trademark cat illustration make appearances every season with each new design. And her work is not just for women! Tsumori Chisato also has a line of men’s wear, all of which follows the same design concept as the women’s lines. So if you’re looking for ‘couple’s outfits’, the Tsumori Chisato is the perfect place to look!

The Aoyama shop wouldn’t be a flagship store without some extra perks. Some garments are completely exclusive to this store. Even the shopping bags are exclusive! And the Aoyama store gets the new products and fashion lines first, so it’s the place to be if you want fresh-off-the-line Tsumori Chisato clothes.

The Tsumori Chisato flagship store in Aoyama is a great place to find imaginative and exclusive clothing from a world-renowned designer. Be sure to visit when you are in Tokyo!

Tsumori Chisato Aoyama Location Information

Website ||| Facebook ||| Twitter (Japanese) ||| Instagram ||| Pinterest ||| Google+

Nearest Station: 4-minute walk from Omotesando Station A5 exit (click on the Google Map for directions)

Hours of Operation: open 11:00 am – 8:00 pm daily

“Why Go?”: Happy, high-end fashion with global appeal from a world-famous designer!

Click on one of the links below to explore other shopping options in Tokyo–

September 9, 2016 0 comment

Men's Fashion Women's Fashion

Antigravite Daikanyama

written by Jade Willis

Angravite is a boutique with a name that represents a “relaxed feeling on the rooftops of Paris.” “Women who want to enjoy fashion freely” is their motto, and their relaxed style reflects their modern, sophisticated sensibilities. Their clothes gave me a feeling of freshness, with simple shapes in plain colours and very few prints.

Antigravite fashion lines feature loose, wide legged pants, pleated skirts, shirts, tops and blouses. With use of structured thick cottons, linens, silks and sheer fabrics, you’re bound to find something that works with your wardrobe!

Antigravite also offers a small range of men’s wear, with short and long sleeve shirts that come in fitted, loose and long styles. Their selected coloured and plain wide-legged shorts and some mandarin collar-top shirts can be a staple looks for any season.

With the boutique hosting a range of clothing from both their own brand and selected pieces from other popular brands, prices range from mid- to high-range. If you’re looking for some simple and eye-catching Japanese-styled clothes, Antigravite is the place to go!

The clothes from Antigravite use a Japanese sizing scheme. As always, I suggest trying everything on before you buy. This is where our handy sizing and fitting guide comes in handy!

Antigravite Location Information

Website (via Google Translate) | Facebook (Japanese) | Instagram

Nearest Station: 3-minute walk from Daikan-Yama Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line) (click on the Google Map for directions)

Hours of Operation: Open daily 12:00 am – 8:00 pm

“Why Go?”: Fresh, breezy, and simple fashions perfect for a lazy day in!

Click on one of the links below to explore other shopping options in Tokyo–

September 9, 2016 0 comment

Fashion Women's Fashion

Harcoza Ebisu – Sweet Abstraction in Fashion

written by Jade Willis

It’s a bit of a trek to find this shop but it is worth the walk! Harcoza in Ebisu is a perfect place for clothes, accessories, and some great high-end to mid-range fashion.

immediately inside is a wall of fashion accessories and a very friendly stop staff. White furnishings abound, adorned with hand-made bracelets, earrings, broaches, hair grips and pins in a range of exciting colours, shapes and materials. Deeper inside the shop is an entire wall of silk screen printed t-shirts, casual printed pants for your everyday wear, and button-up shirts. Whether you’re shopping for men or for women, you can find it here!

Once you’ve absorbed all of the top-floor wonders, make your way downstairs to the theatrical stage. I’m not kidding, there is one here, with the entire back wall draped with a curtain and a stage for a dressing room. A perfect place to strike a pose!

Downstairs is also where you’ll find the clothes of their amazing and inspirational fashion range. The Harcoza brand is art-based and comprehensive, favoring geometric shapes and printed graphic tees. The clothing itself takes on geometric shapes, with sharply-angled dresses and abstract-shaped jackets showcasing their innovative sewing techniques as interpreted through a stylistic-yet-Japanese fashion sense.

Harcoza is a high-end clothing shop, but each item is an individual work. No embarrassing “twinning” here, even if you mingle with other Harcoza shoppers! Harcoza’s style changes throughout the year, but ones things for sure–if you’ve been wanting that taste of Harajuku fashion you see in “Western Japanese Street Style” magazines, then this is the place to stop and shop during your Tokyo trip!

Harcoza Ebisu Store Information

Website | Facebook (Japanese) | Twitter (Japanese) | Online Store (via Google Translate)

Nearest Station: 4-minute walk from Daikan-Yama Station (Tokyu-Toyoko Line) or 7-minute walk from Ebisu Station.

Hours of Operation: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm, closed Tuesdays

“Why Go?”: Harajuku fashion with its own geometric style!

Click on one of the tags below to explore other shopping options in Tokyo–

September 8, 2016 0 comment

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