I took a run out to Ginza on the weekend, with the specific purpose of picking up some new kit from the new H&M store in Ginza.
Ginza was one of the first places i visited back in 2002 and i’ve really only been back that way a couple of times. With the exception of new stores Ginza hasn’t changed much, it’s still an interesting place to spend a few hours wandering the main drag checking out the sights.
On my way to the H&M store i did just that, i got a little funky putting the camera on an angle to instead of my usual up and down style, i need to remember to do this more often.
All the big names are out at Ginza, if that’s what you’re looking for then Ginza is a must see when you’re in Tokyo.
It was only the Prada store where i had a run in with the door dude. He gave me the neck chop signal as i was trying to take a photo, i gave him the 1 fingered wave in return.
The main drag is closed on Sundays for people to wander freely up and down the streets, some places set up tables and chairs for punters to relax on.
Dogs are in an abundance in Ginza, all with different outfits on.
A random line up for a store, not an unfamiliar sight in Japan.
The existing Tiffany Store, there’s a new one opening up the road in December.
OK, i have arrived at H&M. I wasn’t surprised to see there’s still a line, i was surprised to see how long it was though.
It stretched far up the road, and then snaked back too. It was moving very quickly, and seeing as this was my purpose for visiting Ginza i had to join it.
It took less than 3 minutes for me to enter the store.
The line-up to buy something on the 2 floors i saw was ridiculous. Levels 1,2,3 are womens, B1 is mens.
I’d bought a few items from H&M in NYC the last time i was there and was hoping to pick up some ‘western’ style kit.
Unfortunately the H&M mens line here seems to have been tailored for the local market more than i thought, so i refrainded from buying a pastel v-neck sweater and left empty handed.
To be fair, It was also very hard getting in and having a good look at all they had on offer. Things will no doubt improve when the Shibuya shop is open soon.
Mont Blanc, if you’ve never written with one, give it a go, you’ll never look back, sheer writing pleasure. I took the opportunity to pick up a few refils while i was out this way.
There were a lot of guys randomly spread across the road waiting to go in this book store, not sure what the attraction was.
Time for lunch, needless to say Ramen was my first choice.
Miso Ramen, too bad they didn’t sell beers too, or so i thought.
On the other hand, if you don’t ask you don’t get, it wasn’t a big line item on the menu, but they did have beers.
The line at H&M wasn’t getting iny shorter, now it started at the shop doors, came up to the traffic lights, then all the way back.
Off to the Apple store to pick up a docking station for my iPhone.
The store was a frenzy with the new Mac products out.
Some more dogs, this guy had 4 of them and a following of many women all saying “Kawaiiiii” … which means cute.
A quick stop by the Sony Store to see what’s new.
Then back towards the station and off home where i ran into the Cool Trike.
For more photo series of Japan check out the JR Yamanote Line series where i visit all 29 stops on the JR Yamanote Line in alphabetical order.
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
3 minutes to get in is not too bad. shibuya store isn’t going to be open till fall 2009 though.
btw, did you mention anything about a “sunny beach” with the one finger wave? ^^
“Sunny Beach” very amusing Ken, it was along those lines that’s for sure.
H&M wasn’t open yet while i was there 2 months ago. I prob would have hesitated to go in even if it was. Have a buddy who works in that Apple store. Wonder what types of discounts he gets…
Forget the discount, the girls working in there Sunday would be incentive enough.
LOL, I know that intersection in the last pic with the Fujiya building very well. Used to work out that way and wander around there on my lunch hours. Natsukashii…
Don’t know that ramen shop but it looks pretty tasty. Looks like you added some rayu judging from that second pic, too.
Yes i did JT, didn’t know what it was called though so didn’t mention it.
That pastel V-neck would’ve been so you, man.
Thanks Billy, i might pass on it though.
You’d never see people queuing like that to get into H&M in Europe…
Or the NYC store.
I always see a similar intersection in documentaries, travel shows, and movies (i.e. Anthony Bourdain, Tokyo Drift).
But nice photos. You should have taken a picture of the door guy while he did his little gesture. That would have been funny.
Those intersections are plentiful here Al-san ….. not surprised you’ve seen ones that look like it. I did for a minute think of going back and winding him up to get a few photos and the one i took may have it in there …. let me check.
I agree with Billy. You totally should have gone with the pastel V-neck. Baby blue and cotton pink are so much hotter than black.
Makes me feel like a trip to ginza for some food.
I believe I’ve got a sweatervest from there. As well as some other clothes… H&M, to me, is good for basics (like plain-coloured shirts to wear underneath things… y’know, layering). See a lot of chic Asian guys shopping at H&M here in Canada. I wish I could be a chic Asian guy.