Finding a Portal to the Past in Shibuya PARCO: The Journey to a Famed Cassette Tape Store
Shibuya. The name is inextricably linked with the image of a colossal intersection where order and chaos coexist. The wave of people crossing the Scramble is a microcosm of modern Japan. But for me, CityNomix, a digital marketer by trade, this city is more than just a trendsetting hub. It’s a boundless field for exploration, where undiscovered culture breathes in countless back alleys and between towering buildings.
It was a Friday afternoon. I found myself with a two-hour void before a meeting in Shibuya. It was too early for lunch, a strange pocket of time to fill. Suddenly, a rumor I’d heard before surfaced in my mind: “There’s an amazing cassette tape store in the new Shibuya PARCO.” That’s it. I’m going. A few taps on my smartphone screen revealed the destination: Oddtape, on the 5th floor of Shibuya PARCO.
Under the bright sun, I walked up Koen Dori and entered the uniquely structured building. The intricately combined terraces and greenery give a cool expression to the urban concrete jungle. Indeed, this is the new symbol of Shibuya.
With each floor I ascended on the escalator, I was struck by the sheer breadth of PARCO. The first floor wafts with the scent of Hermès, while the second floor showcases the cutting edge of fashion with brands like Maison Margiela and Junya Watanabe. Then, on the fourth floor, you find accessible brands like SNIDEL. This diversity is surely the true essence of PARCO, a place that has always absorbed all kinds of cultures to create something new. And so, with growing anticipation, I stepped onto the fifth floor.
A Sanctuary of Sound: The Best Place to Buy New and Used Cassette Tapes in Tokyo
I found the store immediately. The name “Oddtape” was etched in black on a minimalist, white facade. Through the glass, a wall filled with colorful little rectangles beckoned me with a silent, intense energy.
The moment I stepped inside, I caught my breath. This was not just a store’s inventory. It was a universe. On wooden shelves, cassette tapes were packed tightly, yet methodically, organized with meticulous care by genre. The scene had the quality of an art installation.
In the section marked with an “ALTERNATIVE” divider, I saw the names of bands that colored my youth. Next to it, indie rock, indie pop, new wave. Furthermore, a shelf with colorful jackets of Lo-Fi Hip-Hop and Electro caught my eye.
I’ll be honest. I’ve made pilgrimages to what I considered the holy grails of analog music in Tokyo, like Waltz in Nakameguro and the cassette corner at Tower Records Shibuya. But the depth and breadth of the selection at Oddtape, especially for new releases, was comparable, if not superior. It was a truly stunning realization.
More Than a Shop: A Warm and Welcoming Cassette Tape Store Experience
I was staring at the countless spines on the shelf as if deciphering ancient inscriptions. An unfamiliar Nirvana live album. Oh, wait, I just bought this from an overseas website last month. I almost bought a second copy. I cursed my faulty memory and my deep-seated consumerism in the same breath. Just then, a gentle voice spoke from behind me.
“Looking for anything in particular? We focus on the quality of our selection rather than just big names, so we have a pretty wide range. If anything catches your eye, you can give it a listen.”
I turned to see a friendly-looking man, presumably a staff member. A listen? For a cassette tape? In this digital age, what a wonderfully warm phrase. Surprised by this hospitality, I replied, a little excitedly.
“No, I’m just blown away by the selection… I was just frantically checking my phone’s purchase history because I couldn’t remember if I already owned that Nirvana tape.”
The staff member chuckled. “Ah, the live one. We just recently got that back in stock.” This short exchange said everything about the store’s philosophy. This wasn’t just a place to sell products. It was a community, a space to share a love and knowledge of music. “Take your time and look around,” he said. I gladly took him up on his offer and dove back into my treasure hunt.
Discovering Indie Gems and Jazz Classics: A Top-Tier New Cassette Tape Store in Tokyo
As I browsed the shelves more carefully, I made one discovery after another. Next to a Mac Miller album, there was a charity cassette to support LA wildfire relief. The orange cassette shell and the wildfire-themed artwork were striking. It was a poignant reminder of how music and culture can connect with society.
On a warm wooden table, a curated selection of unique tapes, likely the owner’s recommendations, were displayed. From clear shells to psychedelic designs, each one was a charming object in its own right.
Truly, everything from used cassette tapes for sale to brand new releases could be found here. The store effortlessly crosses genre boundaries. The jazz shelf held modern jazz masterpieces, and right next to it, I found a cassette from a Korean indie band.
And then, it happened. On the alternative shelf, I noticed a piece of artwork that was both familiar and completely new. Who was it? …Billie Eilish. I had never seen this album art from the global pop star. I picked it up and saw the words “Tiny Desk Concert.” No way.
The Joy of Discovery: A Rare Billie Eilish Live Recording
For readers who may not know, Tiny Desk Concerts is a popular music series by the American public radio station NPR. Artists perform intimate live sets, literally in front of a small desk. Its raw, unvarnished performances, so different from huge stadium shows, have made it a global favorite, and I’m a huge fan. To think that a recording of it existed on cassette. I had to have it. The act of owning a piece of digital content in a physical format holds a unique richness in our modern times.
An Encounter with the Unknown: A Breeze from Brooklyn
Suppressing the urge to clutch the Billie Eilish tape to my chest, I scanned the store one last time. Suddenly, a simple, clear-cased cassette caught my eye. The band’s name was “Bedridden,” an indie band based in Brooklyn, NY. A handwritten note from Oddtape was attached: “For fans of The Smashing Pumpkins.” That single sentence sealed the deal. The Smashing Pumpkins. A cornerstone of 90s alternative rock. How could I not listen to the debut album of a band that carries on their legacy?
And so, I ended up with two very contrasting tapes: a rare live recording from a global superstar and the debut work of an unknown indie band. This was the kind of encounter only possible at a cassette tape store in Shibuya, the crossroads of culture.
I realized my meeting time was fast approaching. With a heavy heart, I headed to the register. After paying, I received a small paper bag. It contained not just music, but also the joy of today’s discovery and the anticipation of what’s next. I’ll surely have another meeting in Shibuya soon. When that day comes, I will definitely be back. With that promise to myself, I returned to the city’s hustle and bustle.
Practical Info and Access to Oddtape Shibuya
For those of you who, like me, now want to visit this wonderful cassette tape store, here is some practical information to guide you.
- Location: Shibuya PARCO, 5th Floor
- Access: A 5-10 minute walk from Shibuya Station (JR, Tokyu, and Tokyo Metro lines). The easiest route is to go out the Hachiko Exit and walk up Koen Dori street.
- Hours: Follows Shibuya PARCO’s business hours. It’s best to check the official website before you visit. (Oddtape Official Website)
- Selection: Primarily new cassette tapes. Genres are diverse, including indie, alternative, hip-hop, jazz, and electronic. They also have some used tapes and zines. A truly essential hub for cassette tapes for sale in Tokyo.
- Price Range: New cassettes are mostly in the ¥2,000 to ¥4,500 range. Imports and rare items may be priced higher.
- Time Needed: A quick browse could take 15 minutes. If you’re a treasure hunter like me, an hour will fly by.
- Payment: Major credit cards and electronic money are accepted.
- CityNomix Tip: The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. If you tell them what genres or artists you like, they will surely give you some great recommendations. You can also listen to tapes in the store, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’re curious about a particular one.
Conclusion: Why Oddtape is the Ultimate Cassette Tape Store
My visit to Oddtape was more than just a shopping trip; it was an experience. In an age dominated by digital streaming, why do we seek out cassette tapes? Oddtape is a place that provides the answer. It’s the satisfaction of owning a tangible object. It’s the joy of poring over jacket art. And it’s the dedicated time to immerse yourself in music as the artist intended, from Side A to Side B. Above all, Oddtape offers discovery. It’s filled with serendipitous encounters, unlike the recommendations of an algorithm. It opens new musical doors through conversations with knowledgeable staff. You’d be hard-pressed to find another cassette tape store in the heart of Shibuya that offers such a rich musical experience. Billie Eilish and Bedridden. I can’t wait to hear how these two tapes will sound on my player at home.
Official site: https://oddtape.com/