Shinjuku vs Harajuku - Which is better for shopping? Also, tips for Kansai region!
My husband and I will be visiting Japan for the first time in a couple of weeks, and I am faced with a shopping dilemma! According to the tour package we've booked, we'll have one free day in Tokyo (Sunday), two free days in Kyoto (Wednesday and Saturday), and possibly another free day around the Kansai region (Sunday) while we wait for our flight back home.
My main goal is to go shopping - I am not a lifestyle lolita by any stretch of the imagination, I am not getting dressed up while I'm in Japan, and I don't care too much for taking photos of random strangers, no matter how well dressed they are. I've looked up the shopping guides in the memories, so I'm not asking how to get to places, but rather, where would you go to optimise your shopping experience in a limited amount of time?
Here's how I see it.
Harajuku:
+ Cosplay bridge!
+
+ It's HARAJUKU, and therefore, all my friends say I need to go.
+
- It will be crowded.
- Cosplay bridge is apparently not so popular anymore, due to too many tourists.
-
Shinjuku:
+ Marui One and (
+ Less crowded (as such) as everyone should be in Harajuku.
+ Easier to navigate than Harajuku.
+ Square Enix store!
- ... it's not Harajuku (... big whoop?).
We're staying in Shiba, so advice on how long travel would take would also be useful!
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We've got a lot more free time around Kansai, and have JR passes, so let rip with your ideas!
I've already seen the following entries on

* 2010 Osaka and Kyoto shopping guides
* 2006 Kyoto guide
* 2007 Osaka guide
If it helps, I lean more towards classic lolita, not a big fan of sweet. I'm also
Finally, as a very long shot off-topic - any recommendations for vegetarian places to eat? We're pescetarian, but sometimes Hubby just wants to eat plant matter.
Thanks, everyone!