Harajuku Guide: What to Do and Eat in the City of Pop Culture
The cuteness of Harajuku can be found in the Shibuya area in the middle of Tokyo.
Japanese pop culture and youth culture gather in Harajuku.
Harajuku has become the fashion hub for young people and is known as a lively city with unique fashion, "kawaii" culture, tons of different kinds of street food, and shops that look great on Instagram.
For example, "Takeshita Street" is full of one-of-a-kind shops and young people and foreign tourists on the weekends.
Harajuku isn't just about pop culture, though. Nearby are also natural areas and historic places, like Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine. It's an interesting place where old and new come together.
As a Tokyo resident, I first started going to Harajuku when I was in high school. At that time, I remember being amazed by the Harajuku street style I saw on TV and in magazines. I wanted to try dressing in unique ways myself.
By talking about my own experiences, I hope to make Harajuku interesting to people from other countries in a way that is easy to understand.
Harajuku is a special city that made my high school years interesting and is still important to me. I hope you can fully enjoy it.
Table of Contents
・Basic Information About Harajuku
This section introduces Harajuku's zone map and access.
・3 Things Travelers Should Experience in Harajuku, the City of Pop Culture
This section introduces 3 things you should experience when visiting Harajuku.
・4 Recommended Shopping Spots to Feel Harajuku's Pop Culture
This section introduces 4 shopping spots in Harajuku where you can feel Tokyo's latest trends.
・6 Places to Enjoy Trendy Sweets and Cafes in Harajuku
This section introduces 6 spots where you can enjoy famous "cute" sweets and stylish cafes in Harajuku.
・2 Spots to Have Unique Experiences in the Pop City of Harajuku
This section introduces activities you can experience in Harajuku.
・4 Other Areas to Visit in Harajuku
This section introduces 4 spots in Harajuku where you can enjoy more than just pop culture.
・FAQs About Sightseeing in Harajuku
This section introduces questions that travelers often have about sightseeing in Harajuku and their answers.
・2 Tours to Enjoy Harajuku
This section introduces 2 tours that are perfect for enjoying Harajuku's pop culture.
If you are interested in explore Tokyo's trendy culture, check the article below! I summarize how and where you can enjoy them as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Basic Information About Harajuku
First, I will explain each area of Harajuku and how to access it. Harajuku is divided into the Harajuku Omotesando area including Takeshita Street around Harajuku Station, the Meiji Shrine/Yoyogi Park area with Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park, and the backside of Harajuku area centered around Cat Street.
Harajuku Zone Map
Here, I will introduce Harajuku divided into 4 areas.
Takeshita Street: Shopping & Youth Culture Area
Takeshita Street is where most of the young people in Harajuku hang out. Many of the shops on this street are geared toward teens and young adults. With a lot of one-of-a-kind items that follow the latest fashion styles, it's known as a fashion hub for young people.
There are also lots of stylish coffee shops, candy stores, and fast food places on Takeshita Street. Taking a break at a trendy café or snacking on treats that would look good on Instagram is fun.
Cat Street: Select Shops & Vintage Shops
Cat Street is a street located on the backside of Harajuku, an area where unique select shops and vintage stores gather. This street is characterized by select shops that handle items carefully selected from around the world and shops that sell unique and rare vintage items.
There are also many stylish cafes, making it an especially tasteful area within Harajuku. I recommend this place to experience the forefront of Tokyo's fashion and culture.
If you are interested in Cat Street in Shibuya and Harajuku, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Eri
Omotesando: High-Brand & Cafe Area
Omotesando is the street that runs from JR Harajuku Station toward Tokyo Metro Omotesando Station. This street is known for its high-end brand boutiques and is a popular area for those seeking luxury fashion.
At the same time as being a luxurious street lined with high-end brands, Omotesando also has plenty of cafes and restaurants to take a break, so I recommend it as an area where you can enjoy both shopping and dining.
Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park: Area to Enjoy History and Nature
Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park are a lush, quiet area in contrast to the hustle and bustle of Harajuku's Takeshita Street. Meiji Shrine is a solemn shrine surrounded by a vast forest.
Yoyogi Park, adjacent to Meiji Shrine, is one of the largest parks in Tokyo. Various events and festivals are also held here, showing different faces each season.
I recommend visiting this area along with Takeshita Street to fully enjoy Harajuku.
Access to Harajuku from Other Areas
Harajuku is a very convenient area to access from Tokyo's major stations. Below, I will introduce the routes from major stations and airports.
・Tokyo Station → Shibuya Station:
Using the JR Yamanote Line, it takes about 25 minutes directly from Tokyo Station to Harajuku Station. Alternatively, you can take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line from Tokyo Station to Kasumigaseki Station, then transfer to the Chiyoda Line and get off at Meiji Jingumae Station. Meiji Jingumae Station is within walking distance of Harajuku Station.
・Shinjuku Station → Shibuya Station:
Using the JR Yamanote Line, it takes only about 4 minutes directly from Shinjuku Station to Harajuku Station.
・Ueno Station → Shibuya Station:
Using the JR Yamanote Line, it takes about 30 minutes directly from Ueno Station to Harajuku Station.
・Narita Airport → Shibuya Station:
Take the Narita Express directly from Narita Airport to Shinjuku Station, then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to head to Harajuku Station. The total travel time is about 90-100 minutes.
・Haneda Airport → Shibuya Station:
Take the Keikyu Line from Haneda Airport to Shinagawa Station, then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to head to Harajuku Station. The total travel time is 40-50 minutes.
3 Things Travelers Should Experience in Harajuku, the City of Pop Culture
Harajuku is known as the center of Japanese pop culture and is a popular area visited by many travelers from around the world. As a Tokyo local, I will introduce 3 unique experiences you can have in Harajuku, which has a distinct fashion and culture.
Shopping for Unique Fashion and Items
Source：Wikipedia
Harajuku is first associated with its unique fashion. It feels like I've stepped into a new world every time I walk through Harajuku. In Harajuku, there is a free spirit of young people who aren't afraid to be themselves.
In different parts of Harajuku, like on Takeshita Street and Cat Street, there are rows of shops selling one-of-a-kind things. Designs on clothes, bags, items, and other things in these shops aren't available anywhere else.
Many of the shops in Harajuku also pay attention to how they look on the inside and how they show their goods. As someone who lives in Tokyo, I like to walk through the unique, art-like stores even when I don't have anything to buy.
The style of clothing from Harajuku is a sign of Japanese pop culture. Experience the spirit of Harajuku, where people are free to express themselves without following rules, by shopping.
Enjoying "Cute" Sweets and Instagrammable Cafes
Source：Tabelog by Foodie Nontan
Harajuku is also famous as a hub of "kawaii" culture. When I was in high school, I loved eating sweets in Harajuku and often walked along Takeshita Street with my friends while eating Instagram-worthy sweets.
The sweets and cafes in Harajuku are fun just to look at, with their colorful and pop designs and adorable character cakes.
I would definitely like travelers to experience Harajuku's "cute" sweets and cafe hopping. If you take an Instagrammable photo, it will also be a wonderful memory of your trip.
By the way, "crepes" are popular among Tokyo locals in their teens, and even now, when I go to Harajuku, I get a craving for crepes!
If you are interested in kawaii sweets special in Harajuku, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Enjoying Unique Experiences Only in Harajuku
Source：Wikipedia
Harajuku offers not only shopping and gourmet food but also a variety of unique activities. Typical examples are purikura and kimono experiences.
Purikura is a photo booth originating in Japan and has become an indispensable part of Harajuku culture. When I was in high school, I often took purikura with my female friends when I went to Harajuku.
Purikura is not just about taking photos. The charm is that you can freely combine backgrounds, text, stamps, etc. to create your original stickers. Purikura shops in Harajuku have the latest functions, such as animation and AR effects, so there are plenty of fun performances.
Kimono rental is also a popular activity in Harajuku. You can enjoy renting stylish kimonos unique to Harajuku, such as denim designs.
If you wear a kimono that is stylish and different from others and stroll around the streets of Harajuku, you can take a lot of Instagram-worthy photos, so I recommend it.
4 Recommended Shopping Spots to Feel Harajuku's Pop Culture
Harajuku has many shopping spots where you can experience Japanese pop culture. Here, I will introduce 4 of Harajuku's representative shopping spots that I have carefully selected. If you visit these places, you can fully enjoy Harajuku's pop atmosphere and fashion world.
Takeshita Street: The Center of Tokyo's Youth Culture
Source：Wikipedia
Takeshita Street is a great place to be if you want to be in the middle of Tokyo's youth culture. As someone who lives in Tokyo, I get pumped up every time I walk down this street because of all the young people.
A lot of shops line the street and sell bright and one-of-a-kind "kawaii" clothes. Shopping with friends is a fun thing to do because you can find trendy clothes and items at low prices.
Besides fashion, Takeshita Street has a lot of other nice places to visit. I'm glad there are a lot of food shops, especially ones that sell crepes. Like most people who live here, I take a break and eat something sweet when I get tired from walking and buying.
You can feel the latest styles and lively atmosphere on Takeshita Street, which I think is an important place to visit in Harajuku. I want tourists to come here at least once and enjoy the unique atmosphere.
Address: 1-16-6 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Cat Street: Lined with Unique Vintage Stores and Cafes
Source：Wikipedia
There is a street called Cat Street between Harajuku and Shibuya. It is also known as "the backside of Harajuku." This place is great; it's a little less busy than Takeshita Street, which I love.
Cat Street has a lot of clothes stores and coffee shops, just like Takeshita Street. But there aren't as many people on Cat Street, which is nice.
Away from the noise and chaos of Takeshita Street, you can take a slow walk. One thing that makes Cat Street stand out is its many unique vintage shops. I get so excited about finding one-of-a-kind items that I forget what time it is and end up going from one vintage shop to another.
Cat Street is also fun to walk down because there are cute shops all over it. My best thing to do here is take a break from shopping at a cafe on a quiet street.
For a different experience from Takeshita Street, I would tell tourists to go to Cat Street, which has unique clothes and a calm atmosphere.
Laforet Harajuku: Iconic Shopping Facility for Harajuku Fashion
When it comes to Harajuku, it is known as a city at the forefront of youth fashion, and along with Takeshita Street, the iconic presence is Laforet Harajuku. I always stop by this shopping facility whenever I visit Harajuku.
Laforet Harajuku houses many street brands popular with young people and unique select shops. Since it has items at the forefront of trends, you can enjoy a different kind of fashion by shopping here.
The nice thing about Laforet Harajuku is that it also has stylish cafes and restaurants. When you get tired from shopping, you can relax inside the facility.
If you want to know about Harajuku's fashion scene, I recommend visiting Laforet Harajuku along with Takeshita Street.
<Store Information>
Address:1-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3475-0411
Hours: 11 AM–8 PM
Website: https://www.laforet.ne.jp/
If you are interested in Laforet Harajuku, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Kiddy Land: Facility with Abundant Character Items
Source：Google Map by Megane GG
One of the places that symbolizes Harajuku's kawaii culture is Kiddy Land.
Kiddy Land is a large store consisting of 4 floors and 1 basement level, and its charm is the abundant character goods. It has goods of all popular characters, both domestic and international, such as Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Pokémon, and Nintendo characters.
There are also many limited-edition items, so I think it's a must-visit place for character lovers. Ever since I was a child, it has become a regular occurrence for me to stop by Kiddy Land whenever I go to Harajuku, even now.
I believe Kiddy Land is a place where not only families with children but also adults can become absorbed. You can meet nostalgic characters and discover new characters, making it an exciting experience. Choosing cute souvenirs for friends at Kiddy Land should be fun too!
<Store Information>
Address:6-1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3409-3431
Hours: 11 AM–8 PM
Website: https://www.kiddyland.co.jp/harajuku/
6 Places to Enjoy Trendy Sweets and Cafes in Harajuku
Exploring sweets and cafes is one of the things I look forward to every time I visit Harajuku. In the trend-sensitive Harajuku, new shops often open, so there are always new discoveries. Here, I will introduce my recommended shops, divided into two categories: "food walk" and "cafe".
3 Recommended Shops for Popular "Cute" Food Walk Sweets in Harajuku, the Center of Tokyo's Pop Culture
The food walk sweets in Harajuku are characterized by their pop appearance at the forefront of trends, just like fashion. Here, as a Tokyo local, I will carefully select and introduce popular "cute" food walk sweets that I recommend in Harajuku, the center of Tokyo's pop culture. Please stop by while enjoying a stroll in Harajuku.
Marion Crêpes Takeshitadori: Taste the Sweets That Symbolize Harajuku
"Marion Crêpes Takeshitadori" on Takeshita Street in Harajuku is a crepe specialty store popular with young Tokyo locals. When I think of Harajuku sweets, the first thing that comes to mind is the crepes here.
Actually, crepes have long been a classic sweet loved in Tokyo. The crepes at Marion Crêpes are characterized by their large size and wide variety of fillings to choose from.
The menu is so extensive that I always have trouble choosing, which is one of the joys of Marion Crêpes. I recommend sharing with friends and enjoying various flavors.
Prices are mostly 500-700 yen per crepe, so it's nice to be able to enjoy them casually. Please try the crepes, an essential food walk sweet in Harajuku, by all means.
<Store Information>
Address:Juness Building 1F, 1-6-15 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3401-7297
Hours: 10:30 AM–9 PM
Hours(Saturdays, Sundays): 10 AM–9 PM
Website: https://x.gd/gUyso
If you are interested in Marion Crepes in Harajuku, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Totti Candy Factory: "Cute" Candy and Sweets Specialty Store
Source：Tabelog by PekopekoAnnie
"Totti Candy Factory" on Takeshita Street in Harajuku is a specialty store for colorful and pop sweets, hugely popular among young people.
The signature menu at Totti Candy Factory is the colorful cotton candy. The fluffy rainbow-colored cotton candy has a tremendous visual impact. There are also various other sweets, with many menus priced at 700-1,000 yen each.
The sweets at Totti Candy Factory are cute in both taste and color, and can be fully enjoyed by not only children but also adults. Whenever I take my foreign friends to Harajuku as a Tokyo local, I always bring them to this store, and not a single person has been disappointed!
<Store Information>
Address: Ryu Apartment 2F, 1-16-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3403-7007
Hours: 10 AM–7 PM
Hours(Saturdays, Sundays): 9:30 AM–8 PM
Website: http://www.totticandy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/totticandyfactory/
If you are interested in TOTTI CANDY FACTORY in Harajuku, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
SweetXO HARAJUKU: A Collection of Instagrammable Sweets
Source：Tabelog by run723m
"SweetXO HARAJUKU" on Takeshita Street in Harajuku is hugely popular among young Tokyo locals as a treasure trove of Instagram-worthy sweets.
In particular, the drinks in baby bottles have been a big topic on Instagram for their visual impact. You can also enjoy other unique sweets such as uniquely shaped soft-serve ice cream for 700-900 yen each.
Since it is a popular store, there are often lines. To enjoy smoothly, I recommend going with a bit of time to spare.
<Store Information>
Address: Harajuku 77 Building, 1F, 1-16-6 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5413-6683
Hours: 11 AM–6 PM
Hours(Saturdays, Sundays): 10 AM–7 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetxo_goodgrief/
If you are interested in sweet xo harajuku, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Instagrammable Cafes in Harajuku, Where You Can Feel the Trends
The cafes in Harajuku also focus on the cuteness and uniqueness of their interior design and menu, with visuals that make you want to take pictures.
Here, I will introduce cafes in Harajuku that are Instagrammable, as recommended by a Tokyo local.
If you are interested in photogenic cafe in Harajuku, check the article below! I summarized food I recommend and how I felt each cafe.
sena kanda
Rainbow Pancakes: Cute Interior and Voluminous Pancakes
Source：Tabelog by Jasmine_m
"Rainbow Pancakes" in Harajuku is a specialty store for Instagram-worthy pancakes that are hugely popular among young Tokyo locals.
The toppings on the stacked pancakes use plenty of fresh fruits, ice cream, whipped cream, etc., and I always want to take pictures when I come here.
The pancakes are a bit pricey at 1,000-1,500 yen each, but they are quite satisfying in volume, so I like to share with friends and enjoy several flavors. They are not only visually appealing but also delicious, so I highly recommend them!
<Store Information>
Address: 4-28-4 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays
Phone: 03-6434-0466
Hours: 11 AM–6 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowpancake/
If you are interested in Rainbow Pancakes in Harajuku, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Panes: Enjoy Retro and Stylish Food and Sweets in a Pop Interior
Source：Tabelog by karin
"Panes" is a popular store known for its colorful exterior and interior design.
The menu mainly consists of sweets and food that stylishly arrange Tokyo's retro menus such as "pudding". Here, simple menus from the past are reborn with an Instagram-worthy appearance and exquisite taste.
The sweets menu is reasonably priced at 500-1,000 yen. When I ate the pudding before, I was impressed by the not-too-sweet and easy-to-eat flavor.
Panes also has a substantial food menu. Toasts and other items are offered at around 1,500 yen, and the portions are very generous. If you eat the food, you may not be able to eat the sweets...
I recommend this place for those who want to relax in a cute interior that is typical of Harajuku.
<Store Information>
Address: Miyazaki Building 101, 6-28-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 03-6427-4577
Hours: 10 AM–6 PM
Website: https://bread-espresso.jp/shop/junkissa_panesu.html
If you are interested in Panes in Harajuku, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
THE GREAT BURGER: Popular for Voluminous and Instagrammable Hamburgers
Source：Tabelog by cybersurfer4u
"THE GREAT BURGER" is a popular store among Tokyo locals for its thick, juicy hamburgers that are Instagrammable.
The voluminous hamburgers, consisting of thick patties, plenty of ingredients, and fluffy buns, make you hungry just by looking at the photos. I often take a photo of the thick cross-section by slightly shifting the bun and post it on Instagram. Of course, the taste is also the best!
The menu also offers a wide variety, from simple burgers to healthy ones using avocado. Prices range from 1,000-1,400 yen, which is a bit high for a hamburger, but I think it is a satisfying price considering the volume.
As a popular store, it is often crowded, but the hamburgers are worth the wait in terms of both appearance and taste.
<Store Information>
Address: 6-12-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3406-1215
Hours: 11:30 AM–10 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 11 AM–10 PM
Website: http://www.the-great-burger.com/
2 Spots to Have Unique Experiences in the Pop City of Harajuku
In Harajuku, you can enjoy experiential entertainment in addition to shopping, Instagram-worthy sweets, and cafes. Here, I will introduce 2 places recommended by a local where you can have unique experiences in Harajuku.
Purikura Land NOA: Take Pop Photos and Make Memories of Harajuku Sightseeing
Source：Google Map by Necotan
"Purikura Land NOA" in Harajuku is hugely popular among young people as a specialty store for "purikura".
Purikura is short for "Print Club" and refers to a sticker-type photo booth originating in Japan. You can pose and take photos yourself, add decorations, and create your original stickers.
The appeal of Purikura Land NOA is that it has the latest models of purikura machines in a wide variety. When I used to come here often in high school, it was fun to ponder with my friends about which booth to take photos in.
At Purikura Land NOA, makeup rooms can be used for free, so it's nice to be able to do your makeup before taking photos.
When you visit Harajuku, please try taking purikura at Purikura Land NOA with lots of your own arrangements. Creating your own "cute" original stickers will surely become a special memory of your trip!
<Store Information>
Address: 1-17-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001,
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3401-7655
Hours: 8 AM–11 PM
Website: http://www.printclub.jp/
Kimono Tokyo Harajuku: Walk Around the Streets of Harajuku Wearing a Stylish Kimono
Source：Google Map by Yama
"Kimono Tokyo Harajuku" is a store where you can rent and experience wearing a "kimono," a traditional Japanese garment.
However, this store offers a wide range of options, from authentic traditional patterns to pop designs that match the streetscape of Harajuku, such as denim. The staff also provides advice on choosing a kimono, so even those who have never worn one before can feel at ease.
The kimono rental fee starts at 4,180 yen for the basic plan for women and 4,500 yen for men, which is a reasonable price range, making it easy to experience.
When I took my foreign friends there, the staff's service was very kind and polite. The staff beautifully finishes the dressing with professional techniques.
They also rent hairstyling and accessories here, so you can coordinate your total look. How about taking lots of selfies while walking through the streets of Harajuku in a stylish hairstyle and accessories to match your kimono?
<Store Information>
Address: Harajuku Family Bldg., 306 1-19-8 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6812-9471
Hours: 8 AM–3 PM
Website: https://www.kimono-tokyo.com/
4 Other Areas to Visit in Harajuku
Harajuku is famous for Takeshita Street and Cat Street, but there are also many other attractive areas nearby. To fully enjoy Harajuku, I recommend exploring other areas as well, venturing a little off the main streets. Here, I will introduce 4 areas to visit in conjunction with your trip to Harajuku.
Meiji Shrine: Enjoy Historical Sightseeing in Harajuku
Source：Wikipedia
People usually think of pop culture and fashion when they hear the word "Harajuku," but there are also historical sites that people can visit. We are looking at Meiji Shrine.
Emperor Meiji controlled Tokyo more than one hundred years ago and is buried at Meiji Shrine. You would not believe it is in the middle of Tokyo because it is in the middle of a huge forest.
In particular, I think you should go for a walk in the cool morning. The best way for me to get to Meiji Shrine is to take my time walking around it, and then I like to go to Takeshita Street for lunch, sweets, and shopping.
It is suggested that you go there to relax away from the busy world of Harajuku and see a different side of the city.
<Information>
Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3379-5511
Hours: 6:40 - 16:00 (varies by season)
Website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/
Omotesando: The Luxurious Street in Harajuku
Takeshita Street is Harajuku's well-known main street, but "Omotesando," which is a little farther away, has a very different vibe.
The street Omotesando runs from Harajuku to Aoyama and is lined with zelkova trees for about 1.1 km. Street is surrounded by shops that sell popular high-end brands.
Omotesando is more elegant and quiet, while Takeshita Street is popular with young people because it is busy and full of life.
There are also a lot of stylish bars and restaurants on Omotesando where you can relax in a nice space.
However, Omotesando has a lot of shops with more expensive items, so if you want to shop, you should bring extra money. I often enjoy window shopping here.
Yoyogi Park: A Spot to Feel the Seasons in Harajuku
Source：Wikipedia
There is another place where you may feel nature close to Meiji Shrine, which I previously described. That is "Yoyogi Park".
Currently regarded as one of Tokyo's typical big parks, it was the location of the Olympic Village for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
You can visit Meiji Shrine as well, as it is close by, but if you don't have much time, I suggest giving strolling about Meiji Shrine first priority.
Many Tokyo residents take pleasure in the park's seasonal trees during the cherry blossom season in April and the autumn foliage season in November. Please think about visiting Yoyogi Park as well if you are in Harajuku during these seasons.
<Information>
Open 24 hours
Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052
Phone: 03-3469-6081
Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/yoyogi/
If you are interested in Yoyogi Park, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Shibuya Station Area: The Tokyo Metropolis Near Harajuku
Source：Wikipedia
Shibuya, a big city symbolizing Tokyo, is located directly adjacent to Harajuku.
Along with many buildings and retail areas, Shibuya is home to the famed "Scramble Crossing." You can take the JR Yamanote Line one stop from Harajuku Station or stroll there from Cat Street.
I highly recommend you to visit Shibuya as well if you intend to spend a half or full day exploring the Harajuku region. Particularly Center Gai, which is always crowded with fashion buildings, stores, cafes, etc., is regarded as a thoroughfare of youth culture with Takeshita Street in Harajuku.
How about having drinks and the nighttime view in Shibuya after exploring Harajuku throughout the day? Shibuya has more nightlife alternatives than Harajuku, including clubs and pubs.
Address: 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002
FAQs About Sightseeing in Harajuku
Here, I will introduce questions that travelers often have about sightseeing in Harajuku and their answers.
What is the best season for Harajuku?
All year round, Harajuku is worth seeing, but the springtime cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons are particularly noteworthy. You can also take in the natural beauty during these seasons, when Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park are adorned with lovely flowers and autumn foliage.
What souvenirs do you recommend in Harajuku?
I suggest cutesy stationery and accessories as well as T-shirts that capture the "kawaii" style of Harajuku fashion. Things that capture the distinct style of Harajuku will undoubtedly create one-of-a-kind mementos that are difficult to come by elsewhere!
How much budget do I need for sightseeing in Harajuku?
The budget for sightseeing in Harajuku varies depending on your travel style and preferences, but please refer to the following.
Food: Lunch and sweets are around 1,000-2,000 yen, and dinner is around 2,000-5,000 yen. However, there are more options for dinner if you move to the Shibuya Station area.
Shopping: Prices for clothes and sundries vary widely, from a few thousand yen to tens of thousands of yen.
Activities: Purikura is 500-800 yen, and kimono rental is around 5,000 yen per person.
2 Tours to Enjoy Harajuku
Lastly, I will introduce 2 tours that allow you to fully enjoy Harajuku, the city of pop culture.
"Harajuku Kawaii Fashion & Pop-culture Tour" by Magical Trip
Source: Magical Trip
Merits of this tour
・3-hour walking tour around Harajuku
・Stroll through Takeshita Street, the sacred ground of Harajuku's pop culture
・Enjoy a lunch of Tokyo's traditional dishes such as okonomiyaki and monjayaki
Demerit of this tour
・Does not stop by nearby areas such as Shibuya
You can really appreciate the charm of Harajuku with our 3-hour strolling "Harajuku Kawaii Fashion & Pop-culture Tour" offered by Magical Trip.
With a local guide, you can meander about Takeshita Street, the epicenter of Harajuku's pop culture, and savor some unusual shopping and desserts.
The fact that lunch is included and you may eat classic Tokyo food like okonomiyaki and monjayaki appeals as well.
But as Harajuku is the tour's specialty, it skips over neighboring neighborhoods like Shibuya. I heartily suggest it to those who wish to fully experience Harajuku.
Click here for more details: Harajuku Kawaii Fashion & Pop-culture Tour
"Harajuku & Shibuya Half Day Walking Tour" by GoWithGuide
Source: GoWithGuide
Merits of this tour
・Enjoy Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya
・4 hours, a relatively long tour time
・Efficiently tour the Shibuya/Harajuku area
Demerits of this tour
・Since it ultimately moves to Shibuya, the time spent on Takeshita Street is not very long
The "Harajuku & Shibuya Half Day Walking Tour" by GoWithGuide is a 4-hour walking tour that enjoys Meiji Shrine and Harajuku and then heads to Shibuya. A feature is that you can enjoy the charms of both Harajuku and Shibuya.
It covers various spots in 4 hours and ultimately heads to Shibuya, so it is not suitable for those who want to enjoy Harajuku for a long time. However, it is a recommended tour for those who want to efficiently enjoy this area.
Click here for more details: Harajuku & Shibuya Half Day Walking Tour
As a Tokyo resident, I wrote this article about the coolness of Harajuku, which is the center of pop culture.
Overseas visitors come to Harajuku to experience its fashion and culture. Harajuku's special "kawaii" culture can be experienced in many places, including the shops, cafes, and sweets that are centered around Takeshita Street.
Please use this article as a guide when you go to Harajuku to see all of its different sides, such as its fashion, food, culture, history, and nature, like Meiji Shrine!
