Tokyo Shopping Spot Recommendation: New Balance Kichijoji

Kichijoji, a quiet neighborhood in west Tokyo, is less of a tourist destination and more of a popular hangout spot for Japanese locals, full of shops, restaurants, parks, and museums, with an easygoing atmosphere full of that feels far from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku or Shibuya. The area is frequently voted as one of the best places to live in the city, and in recent years Kichijoji has earned a reputation among locals and travelers alike as an ideal destination for shopping in Tokyo, or just a low-key day out.

New Balance Kichijoji fits right in with the neighborhood’s laid-back aura, offering a unique shopping experience that matches the brand’s mission to improve both sports and craftsmanship, and providing shoe shoppers with a new sense of balance.

A Shop Steeped in Kichijoji’s Relaxed Style

At New Balance Kichijoji, even the mannequins have picked up on the casual vibes, slouching in the latest New Balance styles, or sitting sprawled on the floor to show off the soles of their New Balance shoes. This New Balance shop feels fun and welcoming, with a large circle at the center of each floor providing a place for easy communication between customers and shop staff, and everything from shoes to apparel displayed together so it’s easy to image mixing and matching items for everyday wear.

Inspired by the comfortable feeling of New Balance Kichijoji and the hint of autumn in the air, the Japankuru team put together four practical, comfortable, and polished looks for an autumn/winter lookbook using New Balance’s MET24 brand, designed with original New Balance materials to keep up with the 24/7 grind of urban life. Plus, to get the most exclusive items and the best deals when you shop in Japan, don’t miss the exclusive Japanese New Balance shoes, their cutting edge fitting service, and even special free gifts available from New Balance for a limited time only!

New Balance Kichijoji (ニューバランス吉祥寺)
Chloris Kichijoji, 2-8-13 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 – 19:00
Directions: 5 min from Kichijoji Station (JR Chuo/Sobu Line or Keio Inokashira Line)
Official Website (jp)

A/W 2024 Lookbook: New Balance Recommendations & Styling

Look ①

Classic, cool, and subtle, this first look focuses on a unique down jacket that takes style hints from both varsity jackets and field jackets, lined with PrimaLoft for a lightweight feel that will keep you warm but not hot during your trip to Japan, and throughout the autumn and winter back home. The clean, casual fit of the jacket makes it a versatile piece that goes with all kinds of outfits, and the simple style can even be dressed up for nicer occasions.

This outfit matches the jacket with a fleece pullover and fleece training pants for an easygoing look, and despite fleece’s tendency to sag, the result is a surprisingly sleek silhouette. For a luxurious feel and a stylish look, pick up these basics for the coming cold fronts.

Outfit Breakdown
Outerwear: MET24 Padded Jacket
Top: MET24 Fleece Pullover
Bottoms: MET24 Fleece Training Pants
Shoes: M2002RCC

Look ②

Our second look is just a little more flashy than the last, with black patches adding a little extra detail and an extra hint of style to a simple navy jacket. Matching a long-sleeved top with joggers gives us an especially practical outfit, whether you’re exploring the city on a chilly day in Tokyo, or just out on the weekend back home.

This outfit includes a pair of M2002R sneakers in this autumn/winter season’s trendy off-white color scheme for a little elevated style. Despite taking inspiration from the MR2002 sold in 2010, this sneaker model has a unique high-performance sole made using NERGY and ABZORB technology. It’s available in a unisex range of sizes, so you can hop on the trend popular throughout Asia, and try styling couple’s outfits too!

Outfit Breakdown
Outerwear: MET24 Varsity Jacket　
Top: MET24 Reflection NB Logo Long Sleeve Tee
Bottoms: MET24 Reflection NB Logo Jogger Pants
Shoes: M2002RCC

Look ③

Next up is a look that works at the office or on your days off, especially with the addition of this chic collarless, zipperless jacket, which has a comfortable lightweight feel, making it easy to throw on like a cardigan. The slightly cropped length looks neat and put-together, while also giving the illusion of longer legs! Combine the jacket with the matching bottoms for a fun monochrome look, all made out of New Balance’s original TEXBRID® material, which maintains a comfortable stretch all day long.

The smart, sporty look of the B550 sneaker helps to balance the full look, borrowing style inspiration from ’80s basketball shoe styles. Even better, these sneakers are famously comfortable, and they come in unisex sizes. Pick up a fresh pair in bright gleaming white for a functional and stylish shoe that will go with anything!

Outfit Breakdown
Jacket: MET24 No Collar Jacket
Top: MET24 Bracelet Sleeve Pullover
Bottoms: MET24 Wide Pants
Shoes: BB550PB1

Look ④

Our final look is perfect for anyone who can’t bear the cold in autumn and winter, with each item contributing to an impressive level of total heat retention. The extended length of the long coat reaches the lower leg to trap heat and keep you nice and cozy inside, and despite its heavy appears, the coat is actually light and comfortable thanks to the PrimaLoft lining. This long coat is constructed to avoid uncomfortable restriction, as well, with zippers on each side of the bottom hem and a collarless design around the neck. Layer it however you like – it goes great with anything!

The pants used for this outfit combine a comfortable elasticated waist with chic touches of style, from the wide-leg silhouette to the pin tucks down the front. The loose shape looks nice without sacrificing comfort, so you can add style to even a simple outfit!

Outfit Breakdown
Outerwear: MET24 Padded Coat　
Top: MET24 Warm Crew Neck Pullover　
Bottoms: MET24 Wide Pants
Shoes: BB550PB1

+Limited-Edition Japanese New Balance Shoe Styles

Using items from the Japanese exclusive MET24 collection we put together a New Balance lookbook with four looks for the coming autumn and winter, but this line of apparel isn’t the only thing you can only find at New Balance in Japan. There are several designs of New Balance shoes only available in Japan, many of which can be found at New Balance Kichijoji and other select locations. If you’re on the hunt for limited-edition Japanese exclusive shoe designs, stop in to take a look.

Product Number: OU576
Color: WSI (WHITE)
Width/Japanese Sizes: D / 23.0cm ~ 29.0cm (Only 25.0cm to 29.0cm available in Odaiba.)
Price: 37,400 yen (tax included)

Available at the Following New Balance Locations:
Hulic Sapporo, Harajuku, Ginza, Odaiba, Ikebukuro P’PARCO, Kichijoji, Terrace Mall Shonan, Nagoya, Grand Front Osaka, Hiroshima PARCO, Fukuoka, LaLaport Fukuoka

Cutting Edge 3D Scan Technology & Shoe Fitting Service

To find the perfect fit, shoppers at New Balance Kichijoji can also try out their powerful 3D scan technology and their shoe fitting service. The special cutting-edge scanner measures foot length, width, height, and shape from every angle, creating a 360° image of your foot, and analyzing the shape to find shoes of just the right size and shape for your feet.

The shop also offers fitting services, where New Balance staff take the 3D scan information into account to help you choose the perfect pair of shoes, and then offer tips and tricks to fine-tune the fit even more, like the best way to tie the shoelaces. Take advantage of this service to let technology give you the best possible shoe shopping experience!

Options for Every Customer

New Balance Kichijoji isn’t an enormous shop like the New Balance Harajuku flagship, but it still has an impressive variety of the brand’s products. Besides MET24 pieces and exclusive Japanese shoe models, there is also a good selection of running wear and specialized running shoes, not to mention the lineup of popular sneaker models in a size range that goes all the way from little kids’ shoes to unisex adult sizes.

A Special Novelty Gift From New Balance, Available for a Limited Time Only

For a limited time while supplies last, shoppers at New Balance Kichijoji or other official New Balance stores around Japan (excluding Shinsaibashi) who purchase two or more apparel items will receive a free gift of New Balance compression bags, perfect for keeping things organized during your travels! (The bags are just the thing if you bought a warm puffy New Balance coat and need to squeeze it into a small suitcase.)

Each set comes with two compression bags, a larger one decorated with a bright red New Balance logo, and a medium-sized one with a fun illustration. The bags come wrapped in a package featuring one of three New Balance athletes, distributed at random: Shohei Ohtani (baseball), Sydney Mclaughlin-Levrone (track and field), or Endrick (soccer). Use them to pack your new Japanese purchases, or use them as souvenirs!

New Balance Compression Bag Free Gift Event
Available at: New Balance official stores around Japan (excluding Shinsaibashi)
Dates: Sep. 27, 2024 ~ while supplies last
Details: Receive a free gift of two compression bags with the purchase of two apparel items.
*Customers will receive one set of two bags: L (W 42cm x H 49cm), M (W 35cm x H 43cm)

Shop Sleek, Stylish, and Laid-Back Looks for Autumn/Winter 2024 at New Balance Kichijoji

New Balance Kichijoji’s relaxed atmosphere is the perfect place to take your time and shop, whether you’re after the autumn/winter apparel recommendations from our New Balance lookbook, or you want to use their cutting-edge 3D scan technology to analyze your feet, browse the shoe options, and maybe bring home some exclusive Japan-only New Balance shoes. And now’s the perfect time to shop in Japan, during New Balance’s free gift event! Head to Kichijoji to enjoy a day of “slow travel,” starting with a peaceful New Balance shopping trip, before you explore the area’s relaxing destinations, like Inokashira Park and the Ghibli Museum!

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