109, Fashion department store in Shibuya, Japan
This building stands in Shibuya and spreads its boutiques across ten floors linked by a spiral walkway that circles upward through the structure. The basement holds shoe shops, while the upper levels display clothing and accessories.
Architect Minoru Takeyama designed the store in 1979 as a counterpart to the Seibu department stores in central Shibuya. Since then the tower shape has marked the streetscape and drawn fashion retailers focused on young customers.
The name comes from a wordplay where the digits one, zero and nine sound like the parent company Tokyu when spoken aloud. This round tower has become a landmark in a district known for youth fashion, drawing mostly young shoppers looking for affordable clothing.
Shibuya Station sits a short walk away, making arrival by subway or train straightforward. Visitors who want to explore the full circuit should plan at least two hours to browse the many small shops at a comfortable pace.
The fourth floor focuses on streetwear and youth fashion, while the seventh floor houses a photo studio and a cafe. Some visitors come just for the view from the upper levels, which overlooks the crossing and the activity below.
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