The three boutique that once occupied this building on Kotto Dori all closed in quick succession.
Kotto Dori is a street in the Omotesando-Aoyama shopping district of Tokyo. 700 meters long, it diagnally links Aoyama Dori and Roppongi Dori. Historically, Kotto Dori was known for its abundance of shops selling Asian antiques, and the name Kotto Dori literally translates as “antique street.” Today, there are still a number of small antique shops at the bottom of Kotto Dori near Roppongi Dori. More recently, Kotto Dori is known for luxury fashion. Designers Hiroko Koshino and Junko Koshino both have flagship stores on the street.
Since the autumn of 2008, the area is becoming something of a wasteland. High rents and a trend toward more affordable fashion have driven many retailers out of the area. Some shops have closed for business overnight with no advance warning. Nearly a half year after these sudden closures, many of the locations remain unoccupied. This photo series shows a few of the empty store fronts that line the street.
Max Mara at the top of Kotto Dori, one of the remaining fashion flagships on the street.
Junko Koshino at the bottom end of the street.
One of the antique shops from which the street takes its name.
A 'For Rent' sign is now a common sight on the street.
This boutique sold select mens' fashions from England. It closed last autumn.
Cool Struttin' moved to a cheaper location in Ebisu Garden Place, but the old location remains vacant.
Tie Your Tie moved to another location in Aoyama. Six months later, the old location is still unocuppied.
Tenerita sold luxury bath and houseware items. Today it is empty.
This space was occupied by Lange Noir, a shop which sold crocodile skin briefcases and other luxury items. The sign in the window reads 'Seeking Tenants.'
A yellowed sign in the window of ladieswear shop Salotto explained that it closed January 18th. More than three months later, there is no sign of a new tenant.
Inside, Salotto is bare.
Luxury fashion shop Filo de Seta closed January 31.
Inside, Filo de Seta has been stripped bare.
A real estate agency, closed for business.
A long abandoned coffeeshop.
A white wall concealing a vacant lot.
Since this photo series was originally posted, two more businesses have gone under.
The cigar bar Cohiba Atmosphere is no longer.
The massive Hugo Boss flagship store has closed.
Cohiba Atmosphere- The Cigar Bar that had really good coffee made Italian style just disappeared a few days ago. It was across the street from Hunting World.
Just walked by Cohiba Atmosphere today. It is indeed closed. What a shame.
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