Don't miss out on Tokyo Fashion Week

Come March 17-22, a parade of models, fashion editors and designers will sweep through the city for the bi-annual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. While insiders will be treated to the usual slew of glamorous parties, that doesn't mean that "fashion week" is completely exclusive.

Try Ginza Fashion Week at some of Tokyo's most prominent department stores for off-the-rack fashion shows and other events. Want something more underground? Then head to Tokyo Creator's Park at Shibuya's Seibu department store, where you'll find goods from some of the top up-and-coming brands such as Chaolu Lab and Ventriloquist. If pop culture is more your style, then don't miss Tokyo Runway in Yoyogi National Stadium on March 21 — a day-long extravaganza of the trendiest looks sported by more than 100 popular models. Finally, March 22 sees the Shibuya Fashion Festival, where hundreds of retailers throw in-store events and provide snacks or freebies to shoppers at Miyashita Park, right by the Shibuya venue of Tokyo Fashion Week. (M.J.)