The Backpacking Ballerina

Here is a 2020 updated list for you since I noticed when I went to Chacott last December some stores had gone and I knew that I had to update this list.

I noticed that if you look up ballet stores in Tokyo, nothing will really come up. However if you search it in Japanese all these different stores come out. So I decided to make a guide for English speaking dancers. Here is a list of the ballet shops that I have visited here in Tokyo, in no particular order. There are a lot more stores that you could probably visit but I chose those stores that are in the main areas of Tokyo, I did not want to go so far out of the city. They also have some in malls but I wanted to post the ones with a complete selection of things so you would not need to go far to buy your complete set of ballet things, and also it would be nice to visit a store where you did not have to just go for one thing.

1. Chacott, Shibuya 

The 7 floor ballet shop

This is one of the most known ballet stores in Tokyo. It is probably the biggest I’ve seen with the widest selection of ballet shoes and ballet wear. I blogged about it a few weeks ago in case you`d like to check it out, My favorite ballet store in Tokyo Chacott Shibuya. They have a complete set of ballet CDs and DVDs too also books, yoga wear, tap shoes, ballet shoes, pointe shoes, make up, warm up, kids wear and everything you need for ballet.

How to get there: Go straight out to the Shibuya crossing towards the big street to the right of Starbucks. Walk straight up and you will cross two stoplights. After the second stoplight turn left to an uphill road, you will see the disney store to your left and across that you will pass an Apple and Onitsuka store afterwards you will see a big Chacott sign in green.

2. Fairy, Omotesando

That blue sign…

I`m only familiar with the Omotesando store. They have a good selection of books and DVD`s here, also if you are looking for Wear Moi Leotards this is where you will find a lot of cheap Wear Moi leos. They also have a lot of different local brands that you may enjoy. Its small but it has everything basic you need in a ballet shop.

How to get there: Come out of the B2 exit of the Omotesando station if I am not mistaken, you will be walking towards the direction of Shibuya. After coming out of the exit just walk straight until you see the Dc. Martens store and the Muji store, Turn right and you will see this giant blue store which you won’t miss.

3. Yumiko boutique, SHIBUYA ( 2 buildings beside, Chacott Shibuya) 4th floor

All the beautiful yumikos you want. Pre order takes 8 weeks.

When I first wrote this blog 5 years ago, I failed to update the new stores in the past years that I had been visiting, so I made sure to check last December 2019 if these stores were still around. YUMIKO although very expensive, is one of my favorite stores for leotards. I own a few Yumiko leotards that have lasted me about 6-7 years already and I am very happy that the quality of their leotards have improved since then. I usually just get a pair or two every few years.

How to get there: Go straight out to the Shibuya crossing towards the big street to the right of Starbucks. Walk straight up and you will cross two stoplights. After the second stoplight turn left to an uphill road, you will see the Disney store and right across it will be the building with YUMIKO. You wont see it at first, it is a RAKUTEN store in the 1st floor and you will have to ride the elevator up to the 4th to get to the store.

4. Repetto, Ginza 

Your two floor repetto store.

Although I have been to Repetto stores in Manila, this store was similar but not quite. They had a larger selection of leotards in different colors and styles. Also try their walking shoes, I would`t buy them as they are so expensive but I just love Repetto stores. They have complete, tights, warm up wear, leotards, ballet shoes and Repetto pointe shoes. Of course being a Repetto boutique they only sell Repetto products. They do not sell ballet CD`s and or DVD`s here.

How to get there: I got out of Yurakcho station and headed towards Printemps Ginza. I usually take the exit right in front of the 1010 plaza. That way you just need to walk straight to the street between Printemps and Tokyu Hands. Then turn left on the street right across Cartier. You will not miss those black and gold signs. If you get lost, just ask where Cartier is.

5. Sylvia, Shinjuku Tokyo 

heres a picture and a map if it helps. The station to get off at is Shinjuku, from there I hope you can find it.

I know that there are a lot more stores around Tokyo but these would be the ones that I have actually been to. I would also recommend that you try ordering online. I have found that online stores are a lot cheaper than buying from these stores. However, for convenience you could visit these stores. Also if you go to most of them, you can listen to and or watch their CD`s and DVD`s. So you have more of an idea of what to get and buy. You can also test most of their products, Chacott Shibuya for me would be the most complete of all the stores.

How to get there: It was a little more difficult to find, heres the best suggestion I can give to find this shop. The shop is located at the SUBNADE mall, which is located at the SUBWAY LEVEL of Shinjuku. So if you’re looking around the streets you will not find it. If you know the GODZILLA road where the giant godzilla statue is, you will find a DON QUIXOTE store at the corner of the main road where you will see an underground passage to SUBNADE. The store is located at the far end to the left of SUBNADE. Once underground you could probably ask where the SYLVIA shop is or look for a map to search it. Good luck and enjoy! Facebook site: Sylvia Ballet and here is their online shop: Sylvia.

Happy dancing! and as my teacher would say… Much love!