Harajuku is an area located in Shibuya, Tokyo, stretching from the vicinity of Harajuku Station to Omotesando Station. Known as a hub for fashion and trends, it is a lively district frequented by many young people and tourists. Harajuku is also the center of “Kawaii” culture, where you can enjoy colorful and pop fashion and gourmet delights. This article introduces popular sightseeing spots, shopping destinations, and gourmet spots in Harajuku.
*Please note that the events introduced may have schedule changes. Please check the official website of the facilities for the latest schedule.
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Popular Sightseeing Spots
Harajuku boasts numerous sightseeing spots, including lush parks and historic shrines. If you get tired of the crowds, it’s a good idea to relax in one of these nature-filled locations.
Meiji Jingu
“Meiji Jingu” is a shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, surrounded by a lush forest. The man-made forest, with about 100,000 planted trees, offers a tranquil space that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a popular spot for Hatsumode (New Year’s shrine visit) and is also known as a power spot.
Yoyogi Park
“Yoyogi Park” is a vast park covering an area of 540,529 square meters, offering abundant nature. In spring, about 800 cherry trees bloom, making it a famous spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). Various events are held on weekends, making it a beloved oasis in the city.
Togo Shrine
“Togo Shrine” is a shrine dedicated to Admiral Togo Heihachiro of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Located within walking distance from Harajuku Station, it boasts a precinct of approximately 8,600 tsubo filled with rich nature. It is an ideal place to relax and forget the city’s hustle and bustle.
Watarium Museum of Contemporary Art
The “Watarium Museum of Contemporary Art,” opened in 1990, is a private museum that hosts a variety of exhibitions focusing on contemporary art. The building, designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, has a unique design and serves as a landmark in the city.
Shopping Spots
Harajuku is also famous for shopping, with a variety of shops gathered in the area. From fashion items to unique gadgets, a wide range of products is available. Here, we introduce particularly popular shopping spots in Harajuku.
Takeshita Street
“Takeshita Street” is a 350-meter-long shopping street stretching from Harajuku Station to Meiji Street. It is bustling with many people, especially young folks, and features many stores offering unique fashion items. From 11 AM to 6 PM, the street becomes a pedestrian zone, making it an ideal place for shopping.
Cat Street
“Cat Street” is a promenade that connects Shibuya and Harajuku. It is home to many popular shops and cafes among young people, offering a place to enjoy shopping and food. The street is lined with apparel shops and eateries, exuding a stylish atmosphere.
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
“Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku” is a commercial facility located in the heart of the Omotesando-Harajuku area. It houses popular domestic and international brands, offering a variety of shops for fashion, gadgets, accessories, and more. It is especially well-stocked with cosmetic shops, making it a perfect place for shopping.
Omotesando Hills
“Omotesando Hills,” opened in 2006, is a landmark complex facility. It is bustling with many people daily, featuring shops from famous domestic and international brands, trendy fashion, gadgets, cosmetics, and eateries. It is characterized by its elegant and stylish ambiance.
Laforet Harajuku
“Laforet Harajuku,” opened in 1978, is a shopping spot that represents Harajuku. It houses a variety of unique shops offering trendy fashion, gadgets, accessories, and more, continuously leading the latest fashion trends. It is a place where people of all ages, from young to adult, can enjoy.
Kiddy Land Harajuku
“Kiddy Land Harajuku” is a shop packed with popular character goods and toy variety items. It is popular among tourists from both domestic and international locations, and stands as one of Harajuku’s representative tourist spots. The store is filled with adorable items such as Rilakkuma and Sanrio characters.
Harajuku Gourmet
Harajuku, as the center of Tokyo’s youth culture, offers many unique and delicious gourmet spots. Here, we present 15 must-visit gourmet spots in Harajuku. Enjoy delicious food in between sightseeing and shopping.
Chakasho
The popular tapioca specialty shop “Chakasho,” also famous in Okubo Station, has made its way to Takeshita Street in Harajuku. The store sees long lines of customers daily. The shop is known for its super-large, chewy tapioca pearls, which can be customized in sweetness and ice level. The recommended Uji Matcha Brown Sugar Tapioca Tea (from 550 yen) offers a perfect blend of fragrant Uji matcha, domestic brown sugar, milk, and tapioca.
Shinanju
“Shinanju,” a tapioca drink specialty shop that uses tapioca imported directly from Taiwan, offers the authentic taste of tapioca drinks. The recommended Brown Sugar Bubble Milk (from 540 yen) features tapioca simmered in brown sugar and fresh milk, with a beautiful coral pattern. They also have a wide selection of fragrant straight teas and flavored teas.
Gokokudo
“Gokokudo,” Japan’s first fresh tapioca specialty shop, is located along Meiji Street, past Takeshita Street, and is greeted by a large bear master at the entrance. The interior is Scandinavian-inspired, with a stylish café space. The chewy texture of the fresh tapioca is addictive. The colorful “Blue Hawaii Soda” and “High Lemon Tea” are also popular.
Sweet XO Good Grief Harajuku Takeshita Street Store
California-born frozen popcorn shop “Sweet XO Good Grief” has made its debut in Japan. Their rainbow-colored frozen popcorn and baby bottle soda are very popular. Since lines can form an hour before opening, it’s recommended to visit early. Enjoy the Instagrammable appearance and unique flavors.
Marion Crepes
“Marion Crepes,” the pioneer of Harajuku’s crepe culture, features a batter blended with original flavorings and spirits, offering a refined aroma. Their signature “Mega Marion” is a gigantic crepe filled with ice cream, cheesecake, bananas, and more. Share it with friends for a delightful experience.
Santa Monica Crepes
“Santa Monica Crepes” is known for its light and crispy texture. The “Crepe Brulee,” with its rich custard cream and caramelized sugar crunch, offers a perfect balance. With stores along Takeshita Street and Meiji Street, you can choose based on the crowd.
Harajuku Cheese Hot Dog
Enjoy Korean-style American dogs at “Harajuku Cheese Hot Dog.” The Takeshita Street limited consomme powder flavor is a highlight, with hot and melty cheese inside. Customize your taste with unlimited ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, and chili sauce.
LONG! LONGER!! LONGEST!!!
Themed “Experience Japan’s Longest!”, this shop offers 52cm tornado potatoes. With an open kitchen adding to the performance, it’s an ideal spot for snacking while walking along Takeshita Street.
Calbee Plus
Enjoy freshly fried potato chips and “Poteriko” at “Calbee Plus.” The Harajuku store offers exclusive flavors, making the crispy texture irresistible. The new texture of “Potechuro” is also recommended.
Noa Cafe Harajuku
Located right at the entrance of Takeshita Street, “Noa Cafe Harajuku” is a long-established café with a 45-year history, offering freshly baked waffles and light lunches. Equipped with Wi-Fi, it is convenient for tourists from afar.
Strawberry Mania Harajuku
Specialized in strawberry sweets, “Strawberry Mania Harajuku” is run by the famous Tsukiji confectionery shop “Tsukiji Soratsuki.” Enjoy vibrant red “Harajuku Cheesecake,” strawberry daifuku, mille-feuille, and more. Takeout is available, making them perfect souvenirs.
TOTTI CANDY FACTORY Harajuku
“TOTTI CANDY FACTORY” offers colorful cotton candy and cake pops. The rainbow cup cotton candy features five flavors, making it a cute and enjoyable treat. These sweets make great gifts and souvenirs.
Croquant Chou Zakuzaku
The choux cream specialty shop “Croquant Chou Zakuzaku” bakes their croquant choux daily in-store, featuring a crunchy texture. The stylish packaging also makes it a perfect souvenir.
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