Sunday, August 31, 2008

Omotesando

Omotesando is an avenue, subway station and neighbourhood in Tokyo stretching from Harajuku station, the foot of the famous Takeshita Street, to Aoyama-dori where Omotesando station can be found.

Zelkova trees line both sides of the avenue. Around 100,000 cars drive down the main street daily which serves as the main approach to Meiji Shrine.

It is known as an upscale shopping area featuring several international brand outlets, ranging from Louis Vuitton and Gucci to the more affordable Gap (clothing retailer), The Body Shop, Zara, and others.

Omotesando is also home to the famous Japanese toy store Kiddyland, a well known and extremely trendy shopping center geared primarily toward young women Laforet, Oriental Bazaar, and Gold's Gym.

It is sometimes referred to as "Tokyo's Champs-Élysées." Its latest development, Omotesando Hills, opened in 2006.
Omotesando's side streets feature a range of trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as boutique stores specialising in everything from handbags to postcards to vintage glass bottles.