Harajuku is located in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward and is famous in Japan as a city of young trends.
Omotesando, an area just past Harajuku Station, is lined with high-end brands and fine restaurants, making it enjoyable for adults as well. This time, I’d like to introduce the Harajuku area.
If you’re planning to explore Tokyo, check out this site to choose the best transportation pass for your trip.
Where is Harajuku
As I mentioned earlier, Harajuku is in Shibuya Ward and can be accessed via the Yamanote and Chiyoda Lines, making it a very convenient location. However, since Harajuku is situated between Shinjuku and Shibuya, it tends to get crowded. So, if you’re staying near Shinjuku or Shibuya Station and traveling with family, taking a taxi could also be a good option.
Popular Sightseeing Spots in Harajuku
Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine is one of Tokyo’s most famous shrines. Located near Harajuku, it’s a serene escape from the busy city, set within a lush 170-acre forest with over 100,000 trees, creating a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. Visitors enter through towering torii gates and follow paths through the forest to reach the main shrine, where they can observe traditional Shinto practices like cleansing hands and mouths at the temizuya (purification fountain) and making offerings or prayers at the honden (main hall).
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is a large park that doesn’t feel like it’s in the middle of the city. It’s similar to Central Park in New York, with people cycling, having picnics, and enjoying the open space. If you’re looking to have a picnic in Japan, Yoyogi Park is highly recommended.
Takeshita Street
Takeshita Street is well-known for its distinctive style, oddball stores, and vibrant confections. With its 400-meter length and abundance of vintage clothing, accessories, and character items, it’s a popular destination for young people and fashionistas.
Takeshita Street is also known for its delicious street food, like rainbow-colored cotton candy, crepes, and bubble tea, adding to its fun, youthful vibe. It’s an iconic destination for anyone wanting to experience Japan’s pop culture and latest trends.
3 Shopping Spots in Harajuku
Cat Street
Cat Street is a pedestrian-friendly side street that runs parallel to the main road connecting Shibuya and Harajuku. Known officially as part of the “Old Shibuya River Promenade” starting near the Jingumae police box, it’s affectionately called Cat Street. Especially popular among young people, Cat Street is lined with unique boutiques and shops, including famous brands and independent stores, making it a haven for those seeking a more “hidden” shopping experience.
Often referred to as “Ura-Harajuku” (Backstreet Harajuku), Cat Street has a deep, trendy vibe and offers a diverse range of shops with a strong sense of style and individuality.
Tokyu Praza
Located in the heart of the Omotesando and Harajuku area, this shopping complex hosts popular domestic and international brands. With a total of six shopping floors, it offers a variety of stores featuring fashion, accessories, and unique items. Known especially for its wide selection of cosmetic shops, it’s a popular destination for beauty enthusiasts looking to explore the latest trends in makeup and skincare.
Omotesando Hills
Omotesando Hills, which opened in 2006, has become a landmark of the Omotesando area. Its architectural design matches the sophisticated and stylish atmosphere of the Omotesando neighborhood, making it an eye-catching destination.
Vintage Store in Harajuku
If you’re interested in vintage clothing, definitely check out Shimokitazawa!
Yoifukuya
The store offers a wide selection of Japanese anime-themed T-shirts and other merchandise. It’s a popular spot for anime fans looking for unique and stylish items featuring their favorite characters and series
GATHER
This store has a wide selection of items, with plenty of American-style clothing available.
Doluke
It’s a thrift store that offers items at relatively low prices.
Kindal
This store, located in Omotesando, has nearly 20 locations across Tokyo. The interior is spacious, with a good selection of items for both women and men.
BRING
This store offers a wide selection of rare, high-value items, including archive pieces from luxury brands.
ALLU
This store is satisfyingly spacious, with a layout spread across four floors.
My Recommended Restaurants in Shibuya
I used to live in Shibuya, where I visited many delicious restaurants. Among them, Harajuku is known as a youth-centric area, attracting attention for healthy foods like pancakes and acai bowls. On the other hand, when you visit Omotesando, you’ll find many high-end shops and restaurants that celebrities often frequent. This time, I’ll introduce some recommended restaurants from the Harajuku and Omotesando area.
Tonkatsu Maisen
You might not be familiar with Tonkatsu Maisen, but it’s a very famous tonkatsu restaurant in Japan. Because it’s so well-known, they even collaborate with Lawson to offer special products. At Maisen, you can enjoy delicious tonkatsu and experience authentic Japanese flavors!
CITRON – VEGITARIAN
This restaurant is great for vegetarians as well. They offer vegetarian meals unique to Japan, and their quiches and lemon tarts are particularly famous. I’m not a vegetarian, but I often go there because the food is delicious and it’s a great way to enjoy vegetables!
Shabushabu Yamawarau Omotesando
This restaurant specializes in shabu-shabu, a dish where thinly sliced meat and vegetables are dipped into a special broth. What sets this place apart is that each person gets their own pot. Typically, shabu-shabu involves sharing one pot with everyone, but here you can select your ingredients individually. They also offer premium Japanese beef, known as Kuroge Wagyu, so be sure to check it out!
CHAVATY OMOTESANDO
This shop sells sweets like ice cream, and it’s particularly famous for its scones and ice cream. The tea served with the ice cream is also exceptional. Plus, the interior of the shop is absolutely lovely, making it a perfect spot for Instagramable photos!
Menchirashi
This restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including udon, yakitori, and tempura. One of their most famous dishes is the carbonara udon, which has a delicious texture and combines flavors you won’t find in other countries. Be sure to check it out!
