Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2011

As if Harajuku needed more sumptuously designed temples of commerce. Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku (4-30-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, nearest stn: Harajuku) is slated for opening in spring, right on the corner of Meiji Dori and Omotesando St. It will feature American Eagle Outfitters, Tommy Hilfiger, and Baroque Japan Limited, with upper floors offering up the first Japanese outlet of several international brands, and flagship stores galore. But the cool thing about all this is the lushly verdant roof garden that will make it look like a gigantic green salad in the middle of Tokyo’s trendiest streets. Look out for this big shiny extravagance in April.