Fashion, costumes, cultures, and street food – those are the most descriptive bullet points if anyone asks me what’s there to do at Harajuku. One of the best things about this lively hub of Tokyo is the strong kawaii spirit with lots of sweet treats and rainbow-colored food.
Harajuku is not your average Japanese city. It’s been taking off since the post-war Allied occupation of Japan, when American soldiers and civilians introduced their western lifestyle into the usual routine of the locals. Ever since, the entire culture has gotten into a huge transition when fashion boutiques and thrift shops popped up like mushrooms after rain, dedicated to a thirsty ambition to change and the never-dying curiosity of the native young generation.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at this list of my favorite things to see and do in Harajuku for a day full of fun (or two).
More Tokyo Destinations to Explore: Asakusa｜Akihabara｜Odaiba｜Shibuya｜Ginza｜Shinjuku
Takeshita Street
Takeshita-Dori is the bloodline of Harajuku, lined up with fashion boutiques, street food spots, sweet treats, and a stronghold of the Kawaii spirit.
I’ve never seen any other places that celebrate the strong, vibrant, and never-ending soul of the Kawaii fans until I got here. Colorful “costume play” getups turn this street into one of the best places to visit in Harajuku. From goths to Japanese cartoon characters, from the sweet-and-innocent Lolita looks to goth-lolly and everything in between.
Sunday becomes the festive day of the week when cosplay characters converge on Takeshita.
Totti Candy Factory
Totti Candy Factory has been a household name for families with kids. Their crazy collection of artisan candies and sweets puts a bright smile on the kids’ faces every day. Every option here is colorful and vibrant and rings true to the style of Harajuku.
Marion Crepes
This well-established brand is known as one of the longest-running crêpe shops all over the country with its history traced back to 1976 before moving to its current home on Harajuku’s Takeshita-dori in 1977.
The store has been dominating Harajuku for so long that, according to the locals, it’s seen as an ever-lasting street food symbol of the area.
Every variety of flavor here will keep you on the edge of your seat. Strawberry, azuki bean and whipped cream, or tuna and curry sauce are just a few to be named.
Santa Monica Crepes
Other than the stronghold of Marion, Santa Monica also serves yummy crepes with over 70 different fillings.
Zakuzaku
Who would have thought there lies a hidden spot serving some of the best French éclair types of snack you’ve ever tasted? While it’s not exactly the same thing, what you find at Zakuzaku is pretty similar. The puff is so hearty and aromatic as you bite your way in before the cold cream stuffed inside explodes on your tongue.
Calbee
To satisfy your sweet tooth, come over to Calbee and order some savory and sweet crinkled freshly made potato chips. You can choose from various flavors and toppings such as honey and chocolate or stick to some hot, spicy sauce to beat the chilly days.
Read More: Laforet Harajuku: Where Tokyo’s Fashion Trends and Harajuku’s Trendiest Youth Collide
With Harajuku
Nestled between the famous Takeshita Street and Omotesando, WITH HARAJUKU is a brand new shopping mall that has become the talk of the town. The highly anticipated opening of its sleek new UNIQLO on Friday, June 5th, marks the triumphant return of this renowned Japanese clothing brand to the Harajuku neighborhood after an eight-year absence. And the excitement doesn’t stop there—on Monday, June 8th, the world’s first-ever city-center IKEA opened its doors within the With Harajuku complex, offering a glimpse into the future of retail, with its innovative blend of digital experiences.
Read More: With Harajuku: New Shopping Hub of Harajuku Station
Meiji Shrine
Take a step back in time and celebrate the invigorating cultural aspect of Harajuku with a visit to Meiji Shrine. Dubbed one of the most popular shrines in Japan with millions of visitors a year, Meiji Shrine is soaked in complete serenity, something totally in contrast to the chaotic vibe of the surrounding streets outside the two huge torii gates.
Meiji Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. The two are known as the first king and empress of a ‘modern Japan’ during the era when the country converted into a more westernized transition.
One of my favorite spots to stroll along the shrine is the gorgeous, tranquil forest with over 100,000 trees flanking the main pathway leading into the halls.
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is not far away from Meiji Jingu Shrine. It is sandwiched between the Yoyogi Park Keyaki Namiki and Shibuya Koen-dori.
The best time to hit the park is during winter, especially in December when a festive celebration known as Blue Grotto takes over the place. It happens from November 1st through December 31st.
Ura-Harajuku – Harajuku Back Street: What Is There To Do?
Ura-Harajuku, also known as Ura-Hara, is located just steps behind the main street of Harajuku. If Harajuku is the holy land for all things Kawaii, then Ura-Harajuku is the paradise of all things streetwear-related.
The two bustling boulevard lines alongside each other, emerging like siblings, similar but not identical. Ura-Harajuku is more on the quiet side, charming and low-key. As the locals attest, Ura-Harajuku is filled with all the coolest thrift shops and second hand clothing stores. Lesser-known eating holes and modest galleries team up with one another. On top of the shopping and dining scene, there’s a whimsical hippie undertone that makes Ura-Harajuku even more interesting to visit.
Digging deeper into the beginning of Harajuku’s affair with fashion, let’s trace back to the end of the Second World War. In 1845, the archipelago was under American occupation, injecting a strong influence of the west into the daily life of the local young Japanese. Ever since, the big curiosity about the interesting gap between the two cultures, east, and west, has been established as the bloodline of the area and strongly nourished ever since.
Cat Street
This pedestrian is the main street of Ura-Harajuku, bridging the two districts of Shibuya and Harajuku. Cat Street emerges as a fashion hub where independent clothing stores and small cafes with a hippy vibe make a statement.
The entire street runs just over 1 kilometer. It’s loved and cherished by quirky-dressed teenagers who go shopping in Tokyo for ages. However, Cat Street has been offering a small slice of its market share to luxury boutique stores that are on the rise.
They are also much quieter than the main streets of Shibuya or Harajuku, where the majority of people shop.
Omotesando
Tokyu Plaza
If you’ve visited a brand new place for the very first time with no idea where to go for the main happenings, check out the malls. Tokyu Plaza is one of the most talked-about malls in Omotesando. One of my favorite spots to check out is the outdoor terrace on the 6th-floor rooftop. Soak in a dramatic view of Harajuku while grabbing some thirst-quenching drinks in the breezy air. Meanwhile, the entrance is another cool spot to snap some shots, with an intriguing kaleidoscope of mirrors that capture all of your reflections from every angle imaginable.
Omotesando Beech Avenue Christmas Lighting
Every year when Christmas is around the corner, crowd after crowd spills out to Omotesando Beech Avenue to immerse into the dazzling lighting period. When the sun beams down, the entire tree-lined avenue puts on the most romantic atmosphere with cozy lights blanketing famous brand shops on both sides, delivering an extraordinarily beautiful festive moment.
Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama
Nestled at a busy corner of Omotesando is Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama. Call it a house of pork and come over if your rumbling stomach is dying for some fatty, flavorful, and well-seasoned cuts.
Luke’s Lobster
Who would have thought they can turn such a fancy dish like lobster into a daily takeaway staple? Well, if you don’t want to spend an arm and leg behind a five-star restaurant waiting on half a lobster to be served on a white-clothed table, check out Luke’s Lobster and delight your palate with the cheapest meal!
The store is part of Omotesando’s famous Cat Street, offering everything seafood fanatics have ever dreamed of. From lobsters to crab and prawn rolls, you name it.
Wondering what’s the best of the best? Maine lobster rolls for the win! A huge portion of juicy lobster is a sin for an empty stomach. What a pity that the roll itself is unlikely to be satisfying enough on its own for a filling meal.
Read More: Craving Delicious Lobster Rolls? Try Luke’s Lobster Harajuku in Tokyo, Japan
Eggs ‘n Things
As the name suggests, Eggs ‘n Things dishes up some of the best munchies centered around everything egg-related. Steeped in a distinctly Hawaiian theme, Eggs’n Things beckons insane queues of people waiting to slurp on mountains of cream piled on pancakes. Other than that, don’t forget to check out their omelets, waffles, Eggs Benedict, and even vegetarian options available in the house as well.
Waratako
Get in here for a soft and mouth watering serving of some hot, smoky delicious takoyaki topped with mayo and green onions.
Read More: Waratako: Unleash Your Taste Buds with Authentic Kanto-Style Takoyaki on Ura-Harajuku Cat Street
Everything You Need to Know about Tokyo
Explore more of our adventures around Tokyo:
- Guide: A Comprehensive Tokyo Travel Guide
- Attractions: Best Places to Visit in Tokyo
- Food: Ultimate Tokyo Food Guide
- Hotel: Where to stay in Tokyo
- Tokyo Disneyland Planning Guide
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