Tower Record Shibuya Store
 |
| Store exterior |
 |
| Right after the news of OASIS's reunion, OASIS's pop was prominent. |
 |
| OASIS Photo Panel |
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.
 |
| Floor Guide |
🎵 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)
Tel.: 0334963661
Google Maps： https://maps.app.goo.gl/8toaYpA8WCz57YeP8
Geocode(WGS84):
Open Street Map: https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/136730046
 |
| Used and new records are on the 6th floor, and the inventory is among the top class in Shibuya. |
 |
| Used rock records, such as Guns N' Roses,Ozzy Osbourne, etc. |
 |
| Limp Bizkit's LP, 3rd Album"Chocolate Starfish And The Hotdog Flavored Water" 25,300 yen. |
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
 |
| Vinyl masterpieces, reissue corner |
 |
| Famous albums of J-POP / City POP |
 |
| The prices of Curtis Mayfield's album “Curtis” vary due to differences in condition and packaging. |
 |
| The album "Coffy" by Roy Ayers, popular among DJs, is priced at 33,000 yen. |
 |
| Jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd's album 33,000 yen |
 |
| The album of jazz saxophonist Barney Wilen was priced at 496,000 yen, which was the highest price among the LPs I saw that day, and it was in mint condition. |
 |
| "Alfa" label revival corner of Japanese city pop label. |
 |
| The reissue corner of the album "Songs" by the group "Sugar Babe," which included Tatsuro Yamashita and Taeko Onuki. |
 |
| Anime Corner: Soundtracks from Studio Ghibli films, etc. |
 |
| Tatsuro Yamashita's LP box 143,000 yen, etc. |
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.
 |
| There is also a manga corner. |
 |
| Studio Ghibli CD Corner |
 |
| CD corner of the band "Kessoku Band" from the anime "Bocchi the Rock!" |
 |
| Shibuya store exclusive city pop compilation CD corner |
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
 |
| Single records and EP section |
 |
| LP Corner: The Who, XTC, The Yardbirds, etc. |
 |
| "City Pop" LP Corner |
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
 |
| Ryuichi Sakamoto's LP Corner |
 |
| Momoko Kikuchi |
 |
| Hikaru Utada |
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: December 2024_
Other record stores in Shibuya :
No comments:
Post a Comment