New openings in Tokyo 2015

They say change is the only constant in Tokyo, with the unstoppable force euphemistically known as 'redevelopment' always looking for new spots of land to occupy with shopping malls, office towers or 'green spaces'. Just like in years past, 2015 will see plenty of shiny new facilities opened across the city, and practically all of them claim to offer never-before-seen ways to consume, imbibe, be happy and so on. Here are eight of the most attractive spots set to begin business over the next few months – better get those wallets out, eh?

Log Road Daikanyama

Scheduled to open in spring 2015, the Log Road shopping mall is built on top of the old Tokyu line tracks (very close to the current tracks) north of Daikanyama Station. The facility, which will reportedly be carefully decorated in order to blend into the chic surroundings, will host shops like LA clothing retailer Fred Segal, the first Japan branch of San Francisco's Tartine Bakery, and beer giant Kirin's new foray into the lucrative craft market, Spring Valley Brewery. Another imaginary piece of America – just what Tokyo was missing, right?
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Q Plaza Harajuku

Opening in March along Meiji-dori, just a quick stroll south of the same developer's Tokyu Plaza, the latest must-see spot for Harajuku's hordes will house mainly clothing stores and cafés, along with a branch of New York hair salon Warren Tricomi, a restaurant/banquet hall and – you guessed it – Hawaiian-style pancake shops. Might want to stay away until a few months after the opening ceremony, as crowding is expected to be brutal.
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Takaosanguchi Station Bath Complex

Keio Takaosanguchi Station, the hub through which most of the many visitors to Mt Takao pass, will be getting a much-needed upgrade in spring this year, and that renovation will also include the construction of this new bathhouse and restaurant. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the two-storey building is intended as a relaxation spot for both tired hikers and area residents.
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Shinagawa Season Terrace

This monstrous office building, which will also house exhibition and banquet halls, would hardly be worth a mention if it wasn't for the expansive park that's being built on the north side of the structure. The 3.5-hectare area centres on a spacious lawn, lined by fountains, benches and sakura trees, and looks like it'll provide a much-needed public space for relaxation in an area that's poised to go through redevelopment hell for at least another decade or so. Opening spring 2015.
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Futako-Tamagawa Rise

Built along the pedestrian walkway connecting Futako-Tamagawa Station with Futako-Tamagawa Park, southern Tokyo's new hotspot is set to include rental giant Tsutaya's new concept bookstore, along with the same brand's first-ever electronics shop, a 10-screen cinema complex, a fully equipped gym and pool, and more shops than most people can look through over a single weekend. Expect this one to become every northern Kanagawa-ite's new favourite tourist destination.
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Harajuku Alta

Depending on who you ask, Takeshita Dori is either undergoing a revival or losing the last remnants of its quirky charm. Following the 2013 opening of Cute Cube, Harajuku's most recognisable drag is getting another brand-new shopping mall, as Shinjuku and Ikebukuro favourite Alta will be setting up shop sometime in spring. Unsurprisingly, the store selection screams kawaii from start to finish.
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Yebisu Garden Cinema

Ebisu's Garden Place celebrated two decades in business last year, and is sure to get another boost from the opening of this cinema complex, housed in the space previously occupied by a smaller movie theatre of the same name. Judging from what little details have been released so far, programming will lean toward American and European indie film, while hungry cinephiles will appreciate the extensive food and drink selection. Opening March 28.
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Toho Cinemas Shinjuku

12 screens, a full-scale Dolby Atmos audio system and enough shops to rival your average city mall – all impressive features, to be sure, but what really gets us excited about Toho's newest multiplex is the giant Godzilla head that'll be glaring at passers-by from the roof of this Kabukicho tower. Opening April 17.
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