One of the reasons I became interested in this area was because of Tsutaya books. Around a five minute walk from Daikanyama station three large white box-like buildings stand out from the surroundings. This is a book store that doesn’t only sell books, they showcase different lifestyles.
The concept of Tsutaya is to provide a space for the younger generation to feel excited about the potential for the future, and the different life choices that lay ahead. It has an air of maturity without forgetting the enjoyment of being young.
In 1990 after the Japanese bubble burst, many Japanese people began to question the value of “things”. In that, people became concerned not just with the end product, but also how it is made and how you go about choosing what to purchase. It was during this time that new values of consumerism were born.
Here there are also multiple locations to recharge your batteries, both literally and figuratively, with a Starbucks on the first floor of one of the buildings, and an upscale cafe on the second floor of the middle building.
Looking through the numerous magazines you can get a taste of the diverse set of lifestyles around the globe. Of course you can always use the space to hammer out new ideas over your own books or magazines that you bring.
On the second floor there is also space where you can listen to music or see the newest selection of movies. More than anything, looking through the different sections you have the chance to ponder different hobbies and lifestyles that you may not come across regularly. There is a reason why they created three separate two story buildings rather than one large tower-- so you can have an unobstructed view of the surroundings and the sky.
The space between the three buildings is filled not with a large signs or other advertisements, but instead it is a path that is host to greenery and simple design The design is said to mimic the roads that traditionally lead up to shrines. The emphasis here is that there is not too much stimuli. You should be think and use your imagination without too many distractions. It is named guidance street, and we recommend you check it out as you leave the store.
As you walk down the road you may consider the different lifestyle choices you have made and you may find yourself considering a new hobby or interest.
Name: Daikanyama T-Site
Address: Tokyo, Shibuya-Ku, Sarugakuchou 16-15
Hours: 7:00am～2:00am
☎︎ +81 03-3770-7555
