Businessmen travelling to Tokyo who want a one-stop-shop for all their retail needs and even a massage or haircut have a new destination to consider. Renowned department store chain in Japan, Hankyu, has unveiled a men’s store near Ginza, a five-minute walk from The Peninsula Tokyo. It is the only department store in the city with a whole facility for men other than Isetan in Shinjuku.
Opened earlier this month, the nine-storey shop features everything a man could possibly want, from suits to casual wear, and from accessories to fragrances - there is also a floor dedicated to grooming and relaxation. All the international brands you can think of are here, including Hugo Boss, Kent & Curwen and men’s shoes by Jimmy Choo. The Paul Smith outlet here, like others in the country, offers lines of products made exclusively for the Japanese market. Local brands are also available, including ones that are lesser known internationally but no less great in quality. Takeo Kikuchi offers nicely tailored suits for around US$1,000 each. Many styles can made to specifications.
Like in much of Japan, English is not widely spoken here but when language issues arise, the staff will call the help desk on the 1st floor for assistance. Provided that someone is available, an interpreter will even come to where you are and stay through to help.
Shopping here is tax-free for foreign travellers, and tax refunds can be processed immediately on the first floor by presenting receipts from the store and a passport with a valid immigration stamp.
In the basement is the world’s first Monocle Café, which is a bright and airy place to chill out with ample reading materials. The food, mostly sandwiches, is not at all exciting, and neither is the coffee. It is still a great place, however, to rest one’s feet after strolling the many floors.
Delivery service is available to customers staying at The Peninsula and The Imperial Hotel Tokyo.
2-5-1 Yuraku-Cho, Tiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8488; tel +81 (0) 3-6252-1381; www.hankyu-dept.co.jp/mens-tokyo/english/
Reggie Ho
Opened earlier this month, the nine-storey shop features everything a man could possibly want, from suits to casual wear, and from accessories to fragrances - there is also a floor dedicated to grooming and relaxation. All the international brands you can think of are here, including Hugo Boss, Kent & Curwen and men’s shoes by Jimmy Choo. The Paul Smith outlet here, like others in the country, offers lines of products made exclusively for the Japanese market. Local brands are also available, including ones that are lesser known internationally but no less great in quality. Takeo Kikuchi offers nicely tailored suits for around US$1,000 each. Many styles can made to specifications.
Like in much of Japan, English is not widely spoken here but when language issues arise, the staff will call the help desk on the 1st floor for assistance. Provided that someone is available, an interpreter will even come to where you are and stay through to help.
Shopping here is tax-free for foreign travellers, and tax refunds can be processed immediately on the first floor by presenting receipts from the store and a passport with a valid immigration stamp.
In the basement is the world’s first Monocle Café, which is a bright and airy place to chill out with ample reading materials. The food, mostly sandwiches, is not at all exciting, and neither is the coffee. It is still a great place, however, to rest one’s feet after strolling the many floors.
Delivery service is available to customers staying at The Peninsula and The Imperial Hotel Tokyo.
2-5-1 Yuraku-Cho, Tiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8488; tel +81 (0) 3-6252-1381; www.hankyu-dept.co.jp/mens-tokyo/english/
Reggie Ho 
