Harajuku is a district located in Shibuya, one of the liveliest districts of Tokyo, Japan. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, extravagant fashion stores, cafes, street food stalls and art galleries. Due to its proximity to the famous Shibuya Station, Harajuku is easily accessible by train, bus or on foot from other parts of Tokyo.
Harajuku is best known for its unique and eccentric fashion style. Young Japanese people, called Harajuku kids or Harajuku girls, walk the streets wearing colorful clothes, fancy wigs and bold makeup. The fashion stores on Takeshita-dori, the main street of Harajuku, offer a wide variety of clothes, accessories and cosmetics that allow fashion fans to create their own unique style.
In addition to fashion, Harajuku also offers a wide variety of culinary choices. Street food stalls offer traditional Japanese snacks such as takoyaki (octopus dumplings), taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes), as well as Japanese-style pancakes called “Harajuku pancakes”, which have become a popular attraction on Takeshita-dori Street.
Harajuku also has many art galleries that exhibit the works of emerging and established artists. The 6% DOKIDOKI Gallery is one of the most famous, exhibiting works by local and international artists, as well as colorful pop art installations.
Finally, Harajuku is also home to the famous Yoyogi Park, where Tokyoites go to relax and enjoy nature in the heart of the city. The park is especially popular on weekends, when groups of musicians and dancers gather for outdoor performances.
focus on Takeshita-dori Street
Takeshita-dori Street is an iconic shopping street in Tokyo, Japan. It is located in the Harajuku district and is known as a mecca for fashion, pop culture and sweet treats. This street is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world, offering a unique experience of Japanese urban life.
Takeshita-dori has a history dating back to the Edo period, but it became famous for its lively atmosphere in the 1990s. Today, it is a shopper’s paradise. Fashion stores offer unique clothes and accessories, ranging from kawaii (cute) to punk rock. Cosmetic stores also offer high-end Japanese beauty products, as well as makeup and skin care items for cosmetic lovers.
But Takeshita-dori Street is more than just a shopping destination. It is also a center of Japanese pop culture, with stores selling products related to J-pop idols, anime and manga. Visitors can find clothes and accessories inspired by their favorite characters, as well as exclusive goodies.
Besides its stores, Takeshita-dori Street is also a great place to observe Japanese fashion. Visitors can see young Japanese people dressed extravagantly, wearing original clothes, colorful wigs and unique accessories. This street is a real meeting place for young people who want to express themselves freely through their clothing style.
Here are some good addresses not to be missed on Takeshita-dori street in Tokyo:
- Totti Candy Factory: This store is famous for its “Harajuku crepes”, colorful Japanese pancakes topped with fruit, ice cream and whipped cream. Their strawberry crepes are a must-try.
- Wego Clothing Store: Wego is a chain of clothing stores that offers unique clothing and accessories ranging from kawaii to punk rock. Their selection of socks is particularly impressive.
- Kiddy Land Store: Kiddy Land is a toy store that sells products related to Japanese pop culture characters such as Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma and Pikachu. There is a wide variety of products for all tastes and ages.
- Etude House Cosmetic Shop: This store sells high-end Korean beauty products, as well as makeup and skin care items for cosmetic lovers.
- Spinns Clothing Store: Spinns offers women’s and men’s clothing with unique designs, ranging from kawaii to punk rock. Their selection of leather jackets is particularly impressive.
These stores are all very popular and can get very busy, especially on weekends. Therefore, it is recommended to visit Takeshita-dori street early in the week or during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.
