6 one-of-a-kind concept stores you'll only find in Tokyo

New Balance’s T-House can be found in a 122-year-old kura or traditional Japanese warehouse from Kawagoe that was dismantled, reassembled in Nihonbashi and revamped by renowned architectural firm Schemata Architects. Fusing traditional elements with modern architecture, the store is inspired by Japanese tea rooms (hence the name T-House) and offers visitors a serene browsing experience.

T-House exhibits the brand's latest concepts and products from its Tokyo Design Studio as well as items to match the current season. If you're on the hunt for something super rare, the store also stocks exclusive items that you can only get at T-House as well as collaboration products to match the store's theme. Moreover, you’ll find installations by Japanese artisans and emerging artists, curated to complement New Balance’s craftsmanship.

Onitsuka Tiger Ginza Red Concept Store carries the brand’s full collection of sneakers and clothing. But what sets it apart from the brand’s other stores in Japan – aside from its striking red interior – is the inclusion of a coffee stand on the first floor as well as the debut of the world’s first Onitsuka Tiger Cafe 75 on the second floor. Here you get to enjoy fruit smoothies, kakigori and coffee brewed from Onitsuka Tiger’s very own house blend. 

There’s more. This Tokyo-only concept store also has an entire floor in the basement dedicated to the brand’s most iconic model, the Mexico 66. The selection here covers more than 100 items and you get to check out some rare archival designs, too. Purchase any sneakers here and you can even customise your kicks with the store’s special embroidery service.

What makes Tokyo’s retail experience all the more memorable is the  edgy retail architecture. One such store is that of home-grown cosmetics brand Shu Uemura, whose first global flagship beauty boutique occupies a giant jet-black makeup box in Omotesando.

The store offers an extensive range of cosmetics and skincare items as well as limited-edition products that are only available at the flagship shop. Some of these include limited-edition gold eyelash curlers, mini makeup boxes, tumblers, vanity cases, tote bags and pouches. Another highlight of the store is the personalised gift wrapping service, where you can get your items enveloped in red, black and white paper inspired by kimono and origami. Additionally, there’s a special service counter offering custom engraving.

UK-born home furnishings and lifestyle company The Conran Shop has had a presence in Japan since 1994 with stores in Tokyo and Kobe. Now, the established homeware dealer is taking things in a new direction with the introduction of a stunning new concept shop in Daikanyama. 

This sleek, minimalist space is the shop's first ‘locally edited’ store, featuring a carefully curated range of home and lifestyle items from across Asia. While there are many design items from throughout Japan, you'll also find special pieces from other countries including South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and China. Whether you’re looking for a gift or just some quality souvenirs to take home with you, you’ll find a lot of well-designed items here including Japanese ceramics, Korean utensil sets and even tea from the adjoining tea bar.

Along with the retail space, the store is home to a gallery and the aforementioned tea bar, which is supervised by Shinya Sakura of Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience. Here you can enjoy a selection of teas served with wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) as well as tea-infused cocktails.

Timberland might be best known for their tough, hard-wearing boots and outdoor apparel, but the brand has enjoyed a recent shift into the fashion world with appearances on runways and even collaborations with big names like Louis Vuitton and Supreme.

If you’re hoping to cop a pair of boots for yourself, make your way to the Timberland Boutique Tokyo, the brand’s very first conceptual store anywhere in the world. To embody the simplicity of the brand, the store's design is meant to resemble a construction site and features intentionally exposed construction materials such as plywood and metal reinforcements.

Aside from classic work boots, you can shop for exclusive products that are only available at the Daikanyama boutique including Timberland +81 3, the brand’s Japan-only premium line. Head on up to the second floor to make use of the shop's customisation services, which allow you to laser-engrave boots and add personal touches like special shoelaces, pendants and store-exclusive charms.

Major music label Universal Music opened its very first concept store in one of Tokyo’s busiest neighbourhoods. Located on Harajuku’s world-renowned Takeshita Street, this is where fans of local and international artists can shop for merchandise and participate in exclusive music-inspired experiences.

The store always features a specific artist and the line-up changes regularly. So far, the store has featured legendary rock band the Rolling Stones, Bob Marley and Hikaru Utada.

The basement and first floor are dedicated to music-related merch and clothing from the featured artist. On the second floor, you’ll find items from RS No.9, a fashion brand focussed on the Rolling Stones, while the third floor hosts experiential activities such as photo booths and a digital message board.