“Harajuku” is renowned as a trendsetting hub in Tokyo. It’s a place where various shopping and gourmet food spots are gathered, and you can see bustling crowds every day. Enjoying delicious snacks while strolling and shopping, and experiencing “kawaii” (cute) culture, is one of the great pleasures of visiting Harajuku. This article will provide a detailed introduction to unmissable attractions, excellent shopping facilities, and must-try trendy foods when visiting Harajuku. If you’re planning your first trip to Harajuku, please be sure to use this as a reference.
Table of Contents
- What kind of place is Harajuku?
- 7 Must-Visit Attractions in Harajuku
- 5 Must-Try Gourmet Spots in Harajuku
- 7 Must-Visit Shopping Spots in Harajuku
- Frequently Asked Questions about Harajuku Sightseeing
- Conclusion
What kind of place is Harajuku?
Located in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, the “Harajuku” area extends from around “Harajuku Station” to the vicinity of “Omotesando Station” and is one of Japan’s foremost shopping districts. It attracts a large number of young people along with the trendiest brands and fashion items, making it a hub that sets new trends. At the same time, this is the birthplace of the colorful and cute “kawaii culture” that has spread throughout the world. It’s not just about fashion items; various trendy foods are also gathered here. Enjoying eating and drinking while shopping is also part of Harajuku’s unique charm. Furthermore, the area around Omotesando Station is a district where major luxury brands congregate. It features buildings designed by renowned architects and art spots, making it a stylish neighborhood that adults can also fully enjoy.
When is the best season for Harajuku sightseeing?
Summers in Tokyo are hot and humid. In the Harajuku area, where shops are densely packed and crowds throng all day, the muggy and humid conditions feel even more pronounced. If you plan on shopping for an extended period, you will surely get tired. Therefore, it is recommended to schedule your trip during the pleasant spring or autumn seasons.
Harajuku Seasonal Dressing Guide:
Spring (March - May): Light jackets, thin sweaters Summer (June - August): Light clothing, short sleeves Autumn (September - November): Light jackets, coats Winter (December - February): Overcoats, thick sweaters, and jackets How to get to Harajuku?
From “Shinjuku Station” or “Shibuya Station,” two of Tokyo’s main urban hubs, you can reach the Harajuku area in just 5 minutes. Transportation methods and required times from major Tokyo stations to Harajuku Station are as follows:
From JR Tokyo Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line, approximately 30 minutes. From JR Shinjuku Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line, approximately 4 minutes. From JR Shibuya Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line, approximately 2 minutes. From JR Shinagawa Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line, approximately 15 minutes. From JR Ueno Station: Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and JR Chuo Line, then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line, approximately 30 minutes.
Main Transportation for Harajuku Sightseeing:
The Harajuku area extends from “Harajuku Station” to the vicinity of “Omotesando Station.” The two stations are not far apart, and there are many pedestrian-only streets or areas where it’s difficult for cars to pass. Therefore, there’s no need to take a train or taxi; exploring on foot is the easiest and most convenient way.
7 Must-Visit Attractions in Harajuku
Harajuku gives the impression of a bustling street that is lively all day long; for example, its iconic “Takeshita Street” is packed with people from morning till night. However, there are also many rest spots rich in natural scenery. If you feel tired from shopping, why not head to a lush green shrine or park to rest and allow your mind and body a moment of healing?
1. Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine)
Meiji Jingu is a shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It consists of the main shrine buildings, the Inner Garden (Naien), the Outer Garden (Gaien), and the Meiji Memorial Hall. The Inner Garden, the heart of the shrine, is tranquil and profound. The Outer Garden is centered around the Seitoku Memorial Picture Gallery and also features numerous sports facilities. The shrine’s forest is an artificial one, created with over 100,000 donated trees. Despite being in the heart of Tokyo, it is enveloped by this vast forest, creating a mysterious and incredible atmosphere. Furthermore, Meiji Jingu is also known for its many “power spots” (spiritually charged locations).
2. Takeshita Street (Takeshita-dori)
Takeshita Street is located directly opposite JR Harajuku Station. It is a shopping street approximately 350 meters long, stretching from Harajuku Station towards “Meiji Dori” (Meiji Street). The street is lined with various trendy clothing stores, drugstores, and accessory shops, all centered around the theme of “kawaii” (cute), attracting many young people who come to “check in” (take photos for social media) and shop. Every day from 11 AM to 6 PM, it becomes a pedestrian-only zone, with vehicles prohibited.
3. Cat Street (Ura-Harajuku)
Cat Street is a promenade located in an alleyway one street removed from the main thoroughfare connecting Shibuya and Harajuku. Extending from near the Jingumae Police Box, a section of what is officially named the “Kyu Shibuyagawa Yuhodoro” (Old Shibuya River Promenade) is known as Cat Street, and it’s packed with shops popular among young people. There are various theories about the origin of its name, such as “there were many cats in the vicinity” or “the street is as narrow as a cat’s forehead.”
Besides clothing stores, the street also has many dining establishments, making it convenient to take a break while shopping. You’ll find stylish and comfortable cafes and restaurants, as well as street food trucks where you can casually enjoy a snack.
4. Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park covers an area of approximately 540,529 square meters. Within its expansive grounds, there are water features such as fountains and ponds, as well as abundant natural scenery filled with lush greenery. The leisurely and tranquil natural environment makes you forget you are in the middle of a bustling, noisy city. The paths within the park are divided, with the Forest Park to the north and the Plaza to the south. The South Plaza includes facilities such as an outdoor stage and an athletics field. There are about 800 cherry trees within the park. Every spring, the captivating sight of the cherry blossoms blooming in profusion, especially when viewed in conjunction with the fountain on the south side of the central plaza, is particularly enchanting, making it a very popular cherry blossom viewing spot.
5. Togo Shrine
Togo Shrine, located near Harajuku Station, is dedicated to the former Fleet Admiral and Navy Admiral, Tōgō Heihachirō, who was once active on Japan’s political stage. Although situated in the lively and bustling Harajuku area, its spacious 8,600-tsubo (approximately 28,380 square meters or 7 acres) grounds are lush with greenery and filled with a quiet, solemn atmosphere. The shrine was built in 1940, following nationwide requests and donations after Togo’s passing.
6. Meiji Jingu Museum
The Meiji Jingu Museum is located beside the approach to Meiji Jingu, which is lined with towering trees. It is a museum dedicated to preserving and exhibiting items related to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the enshrined deities of Meiji Jingu. The Meiji Jingu Museum was designed by the master architect Kengo Kuma. The building is designed to blend into the lush forest of Meiji Jingu, with its gently sloping roof being a distinctive feature. The “Forest Exhibition Room” on the 1st floor introduces the history and daily activities of Meiji Jingu through models and videos. It is recommended to visit here first before proceeding to worship at the shrine.
7. WATARI-UM, The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art
This private art museum opened in September 1990. The building is the only work in Japan designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta. Its design, reminiscent of giant outstretched wings, and its vertically striped exterior of granite and concrete, have made it a well-known local landmark. Today, it primarily focuses on contemporary art from both Japan and overseas, hosting three to four exhibitions annually that span various fields including architecture, photography, film, and design. The museum is also dedicated to introducing young Japanese artists and holds various events to allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the exhibition content.
5 Must-Try Gourmet Spots in Harajuku
In Harajuku, a hub for fashion and trends, you can discover many stylish and buzzworthy dining establishments. Below, we have carefully selected some popular restaurants that satisfy both taste and atmosphere. If you want to experience the charm of Harajuku’s trendy cuisine, please use this as a reference!
1. MARION CREPES Harajuku Takeshita Street Store
A lobster sandwich specialty store highly popular in Manhattan, New York, opened its first Japanese branch in Omotesando in 2015. It then relocated to Omotesando Cat Street in 2021 with a newly renovated store. The relocated store features an attached wooden terrace where you can sit and leisurely enjoy your meal.
2. TOTTI CANDY FACTORY Harajuku Store
This is one of Harajuku’s most popular sweet shops, once creating a buzz with unprecedented queues lasting up to five hours. Its signature item is the giant, colorful cotton candy, so popular that it’s said you’re bound to see one if you walk the streets of Harajuku. It’s currently a trend among female high school students and foreign tourists and is frequently uploaded to social media. The number one bestseller is the “Harajuku Rainbow Cotton Candy.” With its five pastel colors, round shape, and surprisingly super-large size – two to three times bigger than a person’s face – it’s a delightful surprise.
3. Eggs ‘n Things Harajuku Store
Based on the concept of “All Day Breakfast,” “Eggs ‘n Things,” founded in Hawaii in 1974, opened its first overseas branch in Harajuku, located near the Jingumae crossing. Open from 8 AM, it’s not only perfect for breakfast but also allows you to enjoy hearty classic breakfast dishes even during lunch or dinner. Their signature dish, which spearheaded the pancake boom in Japan, is their classic pancakes. The fluffy pancakes are piled high with a mountain of whipped cream and various fruits, offering a treat that is satisfying both visually and in taste!
4. Banana no Kami Harajuku Takeshita Street Store (God of Bananas)
This is a smoothie specialty shop that uses domestically produced bananas, which are available in small quantities and are high-priced. The bananas, cultivated in high-quality Kagoshima soil, are rich in nutrients. They are not only low in calories but also offer excellent beauty benefits and high nutritional value due to their abundance of amino acids. The shop’s signature drink is the “Kami no Banana Smoothie” (“God’s Banana Smoothie”). It is made without added sugar, using the entire banana, including the peel, allowing you to fully savor the appealing flavor of domestic bananas.
5. MICASADECO&CAFE
This is a cafe famous for its pancakes, located in an alleyway in Harajuku. Besides its signature pancakes, they also offer “PUFFIN,” a dessert that combines pancakes and muffins, as well as meals suitable for lunch or brunch. Their classic popular pancakes come in two types: the fluffy “RICOTTA CHEESE PANCAKE” and the thin, springy “PLAIN PANCAKE.” There are various flavor options with toppings such as seasonal fruits, custard cream, and mochi. You also shouldn’t miss out on their limited-time seasonal flavors.
7 Must-Visit Shopping Spots in Harajuku
Harajuku, home to numerous large shopping facilities and a variety of unique shops both big and small, is a place where you can enjoy shopping all day long. The style of shops gathered differs greatly depending on the shopping area and commercial district, making it not only popular among young people but also offering many great places for mature adults to enjoy shopping. Next, we will recommend several iconic shopping spots that represent Harajuku.
1. Omotesando Hills
Since its opening in 2006, Omotesando Hills has been a landmark building in Omotesando. Its architectural design, which harmonizes with the elegant and stylish cityscape of Omotesando, is truly impressive. The facility houses approximately 100 renowned and talked-about shops, including famous Japanese and international brand boutiques, trendy fashion stores, miscellaneous goods shops, cosmetics stores, and restaurants. It is bustling with shoppers every day. The 3rd floor features a collection of restaurants where you can sit by the window and enjoy views of the zelkova tree-lined avenue of Omotesando.
2. Tokyu Plaza Omotesando “OMOKADO”
This shopping center is located in the heart of the Aoyama, Omotesando, and Harajuku areas. It is a commercial facility that brings together well-known brands from both Japan and overseas. The shopping floors extend from the 1st basement level to the 5th floor above ground. The 6th-floor rooftop garden, “OMOHARA Forest” (Omohara no Mori), is filled with beautiful trees, creating a very healing atmosphere where you can take a break from shopping and enjoy a moment of tranquility.
3. Tokyu Plaza Harajuku “HARAKADO”
This is a commercial facility that opened near the Jingumae crossing, a central point between Harajuku and Omotesando. Across its nine floors, from the 1st basement level to the 7th-floor rooftop terrace, the building not only hosts 75 shops and restaurants but also brings together unique leisure and cultural facilities such as a public bath (sento), an art gallery, and a library. The shops include many well-known domestic and international brands, and even brands that previously only sold online or locally have established physical stores here. The rooftop is designed as a terrace full of natural ambiance, allowing people to enjoy a healing moment surrounded by greenery despite being in the city.
4. Laforet Harajuku
Laforet Harajuku opened in 1978 and has consistently been a trendsetting hub for Harajuku fashion. It has guided successive generations of Harajuku youth from various perspectives, including fashion, art, and music. The complex houses approximately 140 shops, ranging from world-renowned brands to trendy Tokyo fashion labels, catering to a wide variety of fashion tastes. The building features a unique floor structure, with levels ascending in 0.5-floor increments. From the 1.5 basement level to the 5th floor, popular stores showcase distinctive apparel, miscellaneous goods, and accessories befitting its status as a source of trends.
5. Q plaza Harajuku
“Q plaza Harajuku,” located in the Omotesando and Harajuku area, is a brightly colored building. In addition to many restaurants and cafes, it also houses select multi-brand fashion stores. There is an interconnected shared terrace on the 2nd and 3rd floors where you can sit, enjoy a cool breeze, and overlook the cityscape. Although situated along Meiji Dori, it is a healing space surrounded by greenery, quite suitable for mature adults to enjoy leisurely shopping.
- Kiddy Land Harajuku Store
“Kiddy Land Harajuku Store” is a landmark shop in the Harajuku and Omotesando area. The store brings together currently popular character merchandise, toys, miscellaneous goods, and more. It is not only popular with domestic and international tourists but is also a representative shopping destination in Harajuku. The basement 1st floor hosts the Snoopy specialty store “SNOOPY TOWN Shop”; the 1st floor is filled with many of the latest trendy items; the 2nd floor is “Disney Avenue”; and the 3rd floor features toys and model products such as “TOMICA” and “PLARAIL Kingdom.” In addition to characters originating from Japan, there are various mascots and international characters, ensuring that both adults and children can enjoy their shopping experience.
- RAGTAG Harajuku Store
This is the Harajuku branch of “RAGTAG,” a second-hand designer goods store with multiple locations nationwide. It’s a large street-facing store on Harajuku’s Cat Street. The first floor is dedicated to women’s wear, the second floor to men’s wear, and the third floor displays high-end luxury brand items.
RAGTAG handles over 5,000 brands, ranging from trendy casual labels and coveted luxury goods to notable designer brands. They sell a wide variety of brand items at excellent value, with some priced as low as 50-80% off their original retail price. The Harajuku store boasts a rich collection of items characteristic of Harajuku, offering a wide variety from up-and-coming brands to uniquely designed products.
The above has introduced tourist attractions, shopping facilities, and various creatively styled dining establishments in the Harajuku area where you can fully enjoy shopping and gourmet food. Please refer to the content in this article to plan a wonderful and perfect Harajuku trip!