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Tokyo is in the midst of a wave of high-profile closures, from Hands in Shibuya to Ikea in Harajuku and Shinjuku. But as old landmarks make way for new arrivals, two global giants are preparing to stake their claim on one of the city’s most coveted corners.
Both Google and Korea’s Hyundai Department Store have chosen Tokyo as host of their first flagship stores outside their home countries, and there’s hardly a more fitting location for the duo than the Harajuku-Omotesando intersection, one of the city’s most prestigious retail addresses.
Neither brand is entering the market blindly. Hyundai has tested the waters through pop-up stores at Shibuya Parco, while Google has built a strong following in Japan despite operating solely through its online store. The tech giant now holds the country’s second-largest smartphone market share behind Apple – an impressive feat given Apple’s extensive physical and online retail presence.
Located on the ground floor of the Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Omokado complex, Google Store Omotesando will offer a full line-up of Google and partner-brand products, including Pixel smartphones, Google Nest smart-home devices and third-party accessories. Shoppers will also be able to try Google’s latest AI-powered features, receive in-person support and access on-site Google Pixel repair services.
Climb three floors from Omokado’s mesmerising mirrored portal entrance to find the Hyundai department store, set to open in July 2026 with prominent Korean newcomers such as Coyseio, eyewear brand Double Lovers, designer bag label Stand Oil, Seoul-based Camel Coffee and much more. The Japan outpost, with two permanent pop-up spaces, is expected to be a launchpad for Korean brands to enter the Japanese market.
While exact opening dates have yet to be announced, the Hyundai store is scheduled to start business sometime in July. Google Store Omotesando, meanwhile, is currently undergoing final preparations and is expected to welcome customers very soon.
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