The Japanese might be known for their love for high-end luxury, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t against buying them second-hand. Ragtag is a chain of boutiques that buys and sells contemporary and designer pre-loved items, so not only is it a great place to pick up a good designer bargain (sometimes within the current season!), you can also offload your own pre-loved items here. The Comme Des Garcons selection here alone is worth the trip, and I even managed to pick up a pair of never-been-worn Balenciaga SS’19 pumps for 75% off retail price.

Price Range: $ – $$$
Address: 6-14-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

If you’re the sort who loves a good treasure hunt and a bargain, then this is the vintage store for you.  Prices are pretty comparable to what you would find on the high street, which means it’s slightly pricey for used clothing, but it’s still a fun place to rummage through if you have a retro style aesthetics. Some items that I loved was the selection of men’s Dickies overalls (so cool when worn with sky-high heels!) and the vintage high-waisted Levi’s jeans. If you’re looking to pick up a vintage kimono or yukata, they have a huge variety in an affordable price range (under $50) as well.

Price Range: $
Address: B1F Olympia Annex Bldg, 6-31-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

If you hate sifting through department stores just to find the coolest brands, head to Opening Ceremony. The store has a great fashion edit without being too overwhelming. Think of brands that are constantly on everyone’s lust list like Jacquemus (I spied their infamous sold-out everywhere Le Chiquito bag here!) as well as cool in-house store merch that you can tote around. I picked up their mini and regular size jelly tote bags here and have absolutely no regrets. The pastel backdrops and staircase is also worthy of an OOTD or two!

Price Range: $$ – $$$
Address: 6-7-1-B Jingumae, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo

Pronounced “ha-ray” and not “hare” (like the animal), Hare was the closest thing I could find to a Japanese high street brand. The brand is available in department stores all over the city and is pretty affordable, ranging from $50 for a t-shirt to about $300 for a coat. What I loved about the brand was that while it was wearable, most pieces had an interesting design detail or two (think mixed material skirts or utilitarian canvas belts that made great layering pieces) that made the piece stand out from your usual sea of basics.

Price Range: $$
Address: 150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 5−17-8

Arguably the biggest Muji in the world, the Muji Ginza store is a one-stop destination for almost everything. Fans of the brand’s clean and minimal aesthetic can find everything from lifestyle items like toiletries and bento boxes to clothing items and reusable grocery bags. There’s even a café and a food market in the basement and first floor where you can park your bored or tired companions to wait for you while you shop! The store also houses the country’s very first Muji hotel so you literally can do everything here—including sleep!

Price Range: $
Address: 3 Chome-3-5 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan

One part designer boutique, one part museum exhibition, Dover Street Market is a well-curated seven-storey shopping destination that is a must-see for any fashion lovers. Think cool indie labels like Molly Goddard and Noir Kei Ninomiya, luxury labels like Paco Rabanne and Gucci to in-store exclusives from streetwear labels like Doublet and Better Gift Shop. While prices can be a little on the high side, the store is a must visit just solely for the creative visual merchandising and the quirky OOTDs the oh-so-cool staff members sport daily.

Price Range: $$ – $$$$
Address: Ginza Chuo-Ku, Ginza Komatsu West 6-9-5, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan

Given that we are a nation of shopping mall lovers, it’s only natural that we include our favourite shopping mall in Tokyo: Ginza Six. With more than 100,000 square metres of retail space, this mall is truly a haven for shoppers like us. Expect the find your gamut of designer brands like Saint Laurent and Dior parked next to Japanese favourites such as Kuro, Undercover and Attachment, as well as the best beauty brands in the world all ready to tempt you with their fantastic offerings. There’s even an in-mall theatre where tired patrons can watch traditional Japanese dance performances — a perfect way to entertain your bored spouses and kids.

Price Range: $$ – $$$$
Address: 6 Chome-10-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan

Easily Team Weekly’s favourite beauty shop in all of Tokyo, Mastumoto Kiyoshi is a godsend for those hunting for a great beauty deal. While their busy shelves are a visual overload that might turn away some, patiently sort through each product (with some help from Google Translate) and you’ll find some incredibly finds that can’t be bought anywhere else in the world. Head to the Shibuya outlet for three floors of skincare, makeup and beauty finds.

Price Range: $ – $$$$
Address: 22-3 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan

Super A Market is another multi-label boutique that stocks a wonderful selection of both contemporary and luxury brands. The store has an eclectic mix of brands (and stocks both beauty products as well as homeware), and it’s colourful merchandise and interesting store design makes it a fun places to walk around and just gather inspiration, even if you don’t end up buying anything.

Price Range: $$ – $$$
Address: 3-18-9 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062

Daikanyama T-site store is technically a bookstore, but you’d be surprised at the amazing fashion buys they have for you to find. Stroll through the sprawling retail site and you’ll find lots of amazing surprises that range from niche Japanese clothing brands to one-of-a-kind bags that sit in between bookshelves. Of course, the range of books stocked here is jaw-dropping in quantity, with everything from art books to hard-to-find fiction storybooks sitting neatly on its wooden shelves.

Price Range: $$ – $$$
Address: 16-15 Sarugakuchō, Shibuya-ku, Tōkyō-to 150-0033, Japan

You may think that the Uniqlo flagship store at Orchard Central is pretty big, but wait till you step into the Uniqlo situated on Ginza’s main shopping belt. With a whopping 12 floors carrying the latest collections and collaborations from the Japanese brand, it’ll make for a head-spinning shopping experience as you meander through the racks trying on pieces that cannot be found anywhere else but in Japan.

Price Range: $ – $$
Address: 6-9-5 Ginza, Tōkyō-to 104-0061, Japan

One of the only few countries to have a White Atelier, make sure you swing by this basement store to get some super-unique sneakers for yourself. Customers are invited to pick out a pair of Converse canvas sneakers, and add on graphics to customise their new Chuck Taylors. Peruse the store’s directory of graphic designs and choose from alphabets, numbers, specially-designed artwork and icons, before indicating how you want them printed onto your shoes.

Price Range: $
Address: B1F/1F, 6-16-5 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Last but not least, Tomorrowland in Shibuya is a must-visit for fashion-lovers. With two floors that offer a curated selection of designer labels for both genders, you’ll find plenty of rare designs that won’t show up anywhere else in the world. Plus, there are several exclusive beauty, lifestyle and wellness brands stocked in this store as well, all of which make great gifts for people back home.

Price Range: $$ – $$$
Address:1F B1F, 1-23-16, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Text: Cheryl Chan/CLEO / Additional reporting: Aaron Kok / Image: 123RF.com