June marks the beginning of Japan’s rainy season. Mid-June’s daily rain and high humidity are unpleasant, fortunately Tokyo has lot’s of underground malls to explore while waiting out the rain. These subterranean shopping meccas or Chikagai, reside beneath major stations such as the Tokyo Station, Ikebukuro Station, and Shinjuku Station. The Tokyo Station has the Yaesu Shopping Mall, First Avenue Tokyo Station, and Gransta beneath its busy atmosphere.
The Yaesu Shopping Mall (commonly known as Yaechika) is home to about 180 stores. It is a popular stop for workers from nearby offices and business travelers. First Avenue Tokyo Station provides a notable collection of character such as Tokyo Character Street and a ramen zone. Ramen Zone, other wise known as “Tokyo Ramen Street,” is home to eight ramen restaurants that serve traditional and specialty menus. Located on the 1st and B1 floors of Tokyo Station, Gransta is one of Tokyo’s largest in-station shopping and dining areas. With stores both inside and outside the station gates, you can shop for gifts, souvenirs, cosmetics, clothing, and then end the shopping spree with a bite at one of the various restaurants through out the mall.
Umbrellas have always been a pin-pointed fashion statement in japan, as japan is famous for it’s rainy seasons. There are plenty of shops to find your perfect umbrella. Waterfront, a four-floor store in the Jiyugaoka neighborhood, is an umbrella lover’s wonderland with more than 500 umbrellas styles to explore. Tokyo Noble offers a unique umbrella-customization experience. With four different umbrella types, 77 different fabrics, and a variety of colorful tassels and handles, this is your opportunity to create your one-of-a-kind umbrella. Komiya Shoten, open since 1930, sells umbrellas made using traditional crafting methods and high-grade materials. Their fabric and hands-on technique turn the sound of raindrops into a romantic symphony.
