While Apple Stores have become common in major areas of Seoul, they have been present in Japan’s large cities long before they appeared in South Korea.
In Tokyo, especially in areas like Ginza, Shibuya, and Omotesando, you can find several Apple Stores.
“Apple Store Shibuya in Tokyo, Japan”
During my visit to Tokyo in 2018, I attempted to visit the Apple Store in Shibuya. Unfortunately, it was undergoing renovations at that time, so I couldn’t enter. Instead, I visited the Ginza branch and purchased an “iPhone X.”
- Apple Store Ginza, Tokyo, Japan: Apple Store in Tokyo’s Ginza, a Hub of Technological Elegance
This time around, I revisited the Shibuya branch, and luckily, the remodeling was complete, allowing me to explore the interior.
“Similar to Other Apple Stores”
Apple Stores maintain a consistent concept and operation, making the Shibuya branch similar to others. On the first floor, various Apple products are displayed, allowing customers to freely touch and experience them.
Going up to the second floor, you can see the Apple Genius Bar, where staff assist with technical support. This setup is also familiar and consistent across Apple Stores.
“8% Consumption Tax Exemption at Apple Store”
Foreigners purchasing products in Japan can enjoy an 8% consumption tax exemption. However, there are regulations specifying that the purchased items should not be used within Japan but only after departure. Taking advantage of this, I bought an “iPhone X” from the Apple Store Ginza during my Tokyo trip last year.
However, this time, there were no particular products I wanted to buy, so I simply browsed the store and left.
Although Apple Stores are now common in South Korea, at the time of my visit, seeing one in Japan felt special, as they were only found on Garosu-gil in Seoul.
“Apple Store Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan”
- Address: Koen-dori Building, 1 Chome-20-9 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0041, Japan
- Phone: +81 3-6670-1800
- Website: Apple Store Shibuya
- Operating Hours: 10:00 – 21:00