Tower Record Shibuya Store

# Tower Records Shibuya: A Musical Paradise in the Heart of Tokyo

## The Ultimate Guide to Japan's Largest Record Store (2024)

If you're a music enthusiast planning a trip to Tokyo, there's one destination you absolutely cannot miss: Tower Records Shibuya. Following its major renovation in February 2024, this nine-story musical paradise has reinforced its status as a cultural landmark in Tokyo's vibrant music scene.

### 🎵 A Musical Heaven by the Numbers

- **Location**: 3-minute walk from Shibuya Station's Hachiko Exit

- **Operating Hours**: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

- **Size**: Approximately 5,100 square meters

- **Inventory**: 800,000+ music titles

- **Vinyl Collection**: 100,000+ records

Name: Tower Record Shibuya (Record Store)

Genre (tag): Recordstore,Cafe,　

Area (tag): shibuya

Address: 1-22-14 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0041

Access: Shibuya Station

Website URL: https://towershibuya.jp/　(In Japanese)

Wikipedia:

Tel.: 0334963661

Google Maps： https://maps.app.goo.gl/8toaYpA8WCz57YeP8

Geocode(WGS84):

Open Street Map: 　https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/136730046

### The Ultimate Vinyl Experience

The 6th floor's analog section is a vinyl lover's dream come true. While prices might be higher than in the past, the experience of browsing through both new and vintage records is incomparable. The store's vinyl collection spans various genres:

- Japanese Pop (J-Pop)

- Classic Rock

- City Pop (experiencing a major revival among younger generations)

- Anime soundtracks

- Jazz collections

- International artists

### More Than Just a Record Store

Tower Records Shibuya isn't just about buying music – it's a cultural hub where music lives and breathes:

#### The Community Space

- Regular live performances

- Artist talk shows

- International music festivals

- Music quizzes and fan events

- Special exhibition areas

#### Tower Records Café (2nd Floor)

- Themed café collaborations with artists

- Relaxing atmosphere surrounded by music memorabilia

- Perfect spot for music lovers to unwind

### A Digital Age Anomaly

In an era dominated by digital streaming, Tower Records Shibuya stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of physical media. As of 2020, physical media still accounted for 62% of music sales in Japan, and this store plays a crucial role in maintaining this unique aspect of Japanese music culture.

### International Visitor Experience

Foreign visitors consistently praise:

- Helpful, English-speaking staff

- Clear floor organization by genre

- Tax-free shopping section

- Easy-to-navigate layout

- Regular international artist events

### Pro Tips for Visitors

1. **Best Time to Visit**: Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded

2. **Must-See Floors**:

- 6F: Vinyl paradise

- 2F: Tower Records Café

- B1F: Live event space

3. **Getting There**: From Shibuya Station, take the B1 exit, turn left under the JR tracks

### The Cultural Impact

Tower Records Shibuya continues to play a vital role in shaping Tokyo's music culture by:

- Supporting emerging artists

- Preserving traditional music formats

- Creating a space for music discovery

- Hosting cultural exchanges through international music events

- Maintaining a vibrant community space for music lovers

### Conclusion

Whether you're a serious collector, casual music fan, or just curious about Japanese music culture, Tower Records Shibuya offers an unparalleled experience. It's not just a store – it's a musical journey, a cultural institution, and a testament to Japan's enduring love affair with physical music media.

In a world where digital streaming dominates, Tower Records Shibuya reminds us of the irreplaceable joy of holding music in your hands and discovering new artists in a tangible, physical space. It's more than a destination; it's a pilgrimage site for music lovers from around the world.

_Last updated: March 2024_

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