An eclectic and energetic place, Harajuku is a district in Shibuya known for its vintage shops, unique clothing, street art, cosplay, and youth-oriented stores. The well-known Takeshita Street and Omotesando Avenue have very different vibes but are both crucial to the Harajuku area. Renowned around the world as the birthplace of ‘kawaii’ culture and its distinctive fashion sense, Harajuku has a fascinating history. Harajuku Station opened in 1906, and soon after World War II, US armies were stationed in Harajuku, leading to the establishment of shops catering to them and their families. This started the American and European influence that is still seen today in the streets and shops of Harajuku.
Washington Heights was built here, housing a massive influx of foreigners in Tokyo in the 1940s. Harajuku locals connected with their new American neighbours, initiating the transformation of Harajuku’s fashion and overall culture. In the 1950s, Omotesando Central Apartments were built, attracting a mix of Americans and locals, including many creative minds. The 1964 Summer Olympics saw many Americans move from Harajuku, paving the way for more young Japanese people to settle in. Designers, artists, and other creatives flocked to Harajuku to create and sell their products, fostering the unique sense of individuality, fashion, and culture that defines Harajuku today.
Things to Do in Harajuku
Takeshita Street
The main strip that Harajuku is known for, Takeshita Street, is packed with shopping, street food, unique shops, and more. This pedestrian-only street offers a wide variety of shops catering to all tastes, from vintage items to gothic, lolita, and even some NSFW clothing. A visit to Harajuku isn’t complete without trying one of the incredible crepes from the many stalls along this vibrant street.
Mipig Cafe
A visit to Tokyo wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a themed cafe, and what could be cuter than a micro pig cafe? At Mipig Cafe, you can play with the pigs, snack, or simply relax and watch. Reservations are required, so plan ahead to ensure you get a spot.
Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−15−4 Barbizon76 1階
Hours: 10:00 AM- 8:00 PM
Price: 660 yen entrance fee, 1,100 yen per every 30 minutes
Togo Shrine
This beautiful Shinto shrine honours Navy admiral Heihachiro Togo, who led Japan to victory in the Russo-Japanese War. Destroyed during WWII and rebuilt 20 years later, the shrine is close to Meiji Jingu Shrine. The garden, with its pond and scenic surroundings, is a popular wedding destination.
Address: 1 Chome-5-3 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Hours: 6:30 AM- 5:00 PM
Tokyu Plaza
Located in the heart of the Omotesando and Harajuku area, Tokyu Plaza features well-known brands, smaller shops, restaurants, and a beautiful terrace with a city view. The distinctive “kaleidoscope” entrance is hard to miss. The sixth floor houses the Omohara forest, an open-air garden offering a perfect view of the city.
Address: 4 Chome-30-3 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Hours: 11:00 AM- 8:00 PM
Omotesando
Connected to Harajuku but with a different energy, Omotesando is known for luxury shopping and a more mature clientele. Omotesando Hills, a 12-storey shopping complex, spans 250 meters and offers a mix of designer stores and excellent restaurants.
Address (Omotesando Hills): 4 Chome-12 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Hours: Monday- Saturday 11:00 AM- 11:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Ragtag
Harajuku’s unique fashion scene extends to second-hand clothing stores like Ragtag. This three-storey store offers a mix of luxury brands and streetwear, with the option to sell your own clothing. From Marc Jacobs and Chanel to fashionable streetwear, Ragtag embodies Harajuku’s eclectic fashion.
Address: 6 Chome-14-2 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Hours: 11:00 AM- 8:00 PM
Cat Street
A more relaxed alternative to Takeshita Street, Cat Street offers trendy clothing, accessories, and food in a hipster and vintage style. With cool boutiques and stylish cafes, it’s a fun and laid-back place to explore in Harajuku.
Laforet
One of Harajuku’s biggest shopping malls, Laforet, boasts over 140 shops, from well-known Japanese brands to small boutiques. The mall also has a floor dedicated to food and drinks, offering a variety of options to refresh after shopping.
Address: 1 Chome-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Hours: 11:00 AM- 8:00 PM
Galaxy Harajuku
In an unassuming phone store, an extravagant art exhibit by TeamLabs awaits. The interactive digital artwork, Sacred Forest, allows visitors to use their phones to collect creatures and build their own collection. The exhibit is free to enter and offers a captivating experience.
Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−8−9 原宿宝エステートビル
Hours: 11:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Watari Museum of Contemporary Art
For a break from Harajuku’s bustling activity, visit the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art. Known for showcasing international artists and Japanese culture, this museum offers a variety of art events, lectures, workshops, and a gift shop.
Address: 3 Chome-7-6 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Hours: Tuesday- Sunday 11:00 AM- 7:00 PM, Closed Monday
Purikura
Experience a true Harajuku activity by visiting the Purikura photo booths. With 25 different booths to choose from, these photo booths offer a fun and serious photo-taking endeavour. You can add filters, stickers, and even use a touch-up app to enhance your look.
Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, 渋谷区Jingumae, 1 Chome−17-5
Hours: 8:00 AM- 11:00 PM
Top Restaurants in Harajuku
Totti Candy Factory
Known for its massive colourful cotton candy, Totti Candy Factory offers a wide assortment of other candies as well. The store is cute and colourful, perfect for Harajuku’s vibrant streets.
Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−16−5 Ｒｙｕあぱるとまん 2F
Hours: Monday- Friday 10:00 AM- 7:00 PM, Saturday- Sunday 9:30 AM- 8:00 PM
Amam Dacotan
This rustic-looking pastry shop offers the best homemade bread in a variety of flavours. With European influences, the shop provides fresh bread daily and a cosy atmosphere.
Address: 3 Chome-7-6 Kitaaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0061
Hours: 11:00 AM- 8:00 PM
Luke’s Lobster
If you love sandwiches and seafood, then this restaurant is a great quick stop to get both in one. They make sure to get the best quality shrimp and lobsters from fishermen every day to make high-quality food. From classic lobster rolls and shrimp rolls to a grilled cheese filled with lobster, you can get something new you’ve never tried before or go with a well-known favourite. No matter what you choose, you can be sure that the quality and taste of the food are the highest they can possibly be.
Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 5 Chome−25−4 BARCAビル 1F
Hours: 11:00 AM- 8:00 PM
Long! Longer!! Longest!!!
On Takeshita Street, this fun shop offers fried potato, churro, or cotton candy on a stick. Choose from sizes long, longer, or longest for a heaping portion of your favourite street food.
Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−7−3 1F Cute Cube Harajuku
Hours: Monday- Friday 11:00 AM- 6:00 PM, Saturday- Sunday 10:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Yurinan
For a classic Japanese dessert, Yurinan offers ichigo daifuku (strawberry mochi). Enjoy this sweet treat with a range of fruit tea and coffee options.
Address: 1 Chome-7-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Hours: 11:00 AM- 8:00 PM
Harajuku Gyoza Lou
This intimate gyoza spot serves delicious fried or steamed dim sum, accompanied by a selection of sake and beer. The simple menu ensures a satisfying meal.
Address: 6 Chome-2-4 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Hours: 11:30 AM- 10:00 PM
Gyukatsu Motomura Harajuku
Enjoy a sit-down meal at Gyukatsu Motomura Harajuku, known for its delicious and tender beef cutlets. Pair your meal with sides like rice, ochazuke, or miso soup for a filling experience.
Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 3 Chome−23−2 地下１階 エヌエスビル
Hours: Monday- Friday 11:00 AM- 4:00 PM; 5:00 PM- 10:00 PM, Saturday- Sunday 11:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Mushroom Tokyo
For mushroom enthusiasts, Mushroom Tokyo offers a unique menu featuring various types of mushrooms. The restaurant ensures all mushrooms are hand-selected and safe to eat, with a focus on domestic agricultural products.
Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 6 Chome−2−4 岡島ビル 1F
Hours: Wednesday- Sunday 11:30 AM- 3:00 PM; 6:00 PM- 10:00 PM, Closed Monday- Tuesday
Eggs ‘n Things
This restaurant believes breakfast food is so good it should be eaten all day. With a variety of breakfast options and a selection of Hawaiian foods, there’s something for everyone.
Address: 4 Chome-30-2 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Hours: 8:00 AM- 10:30 PM
Kyusha Jangara Ramen
A classic ramen experience awaits at Kyusha Jangara Ramen. With options for classic ramen, vegan ramen, and customisable toppings, this restaurant offers a great variety of dishes.
Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−13−21 １Ｆ
Hours: 10:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Baird Beer Taproom Harajuku
This traditional yakitori-izakaya style pub offers a warm and intimate atmosphere. Enjoy craft beers and yakitori while relaxing away from Harajuku’s hectic streets.
Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−20−13 ノーサレンダー 2F
Hours: Monday- Friday 5:00 PM- 11:00 PM, Saturday 12:00 PM- 11:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM- 10:00 PM
Wonder Bowl
A staple in Harajuku, Wonder Bowl offers fun and tasty food items, cocktails, and a homey atmosphere. Open until the early morning, it’s a great spot for friends, family, or couples to hang out.
Address: 〒150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jinnan, 1 Chome−9−4 NCビル2階
Hours: Thursday- Tuesday 6:00 PM- 5:00 AM, Closed Wednesday
Cafe Reissue
Known for its unique 3D latte art, Cafe Reissue offers social media-worthy coffee. Watch as the barista creates impressive latte art using the foam to make your coffee experience memorable.
Address: 3 Chome-25-7 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Hours: Tuesday- Sunday 10:00 AM- 7:00 PM, Closed Monday
Chop Coffee
This modern coffee shop excels in simplicity, serving delicious coffee with beans roasted and brewed in the shop. Enjoy your coffee in a chic and industrial setting, either indoors or on the outdoor seats.
Address: 5 Chome-11-13 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Hours: 11:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Recommended Accommodations in Harajuku
Hotel Wing International Premium Shibuya (3 Stars)
This spacious and sophisticated hotel reflects the city’s cutting-edge designs. Rooms are equipped with modern amenities, and the on-site cafe offers a choice of Japanese, American, or pancake breakfast.
Address: 4-3 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042
Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya Jingumae (3 Stars)
Combining the sophistication of a business hotel with the comfort of home, this hotel features simple but comfortable rooms, a sauna, and hot springs. It is conveniently located near Yoyogi Park and Takeshita Street.
Address: 6 Chome-24-4 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Trunk Hotel (4 Stars)
Focusing on socialisation, the Trunk Hotel emphasises the environment, local culture, and health. It features a public lounge, bar, two restaurants, and home-like rooms.
Address: 5 Chome-31 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Hotel Allamanda Aoyama (4 Stars)
Offering Japanese hospitality, this hotel features comfortable rooms, a fitness gym, a spa, and multiple restaurants. It’s located near the Nezu Art Museum and Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Address: 2 Chome-7-13 Kitaaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0061
Oakwood Residence Aoyama (4 Stars)
Ideal for extended stays, this residence offers fully serviced apartments with kitchens, free wifi, and laundry services. Located near Takeshita Street and Watarium Art Museum.
Address: 3 Chome-1-29 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Shibuya Creston Hotel (3 Stars)
This moderate and classic hotel offers comfortable rooms with free wifi and modern amenities. A continental and Japanese breakfast is served in the first-floor restaurant.
Address: 〒150-0047 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Kamiyamacho, 10−8, Shibuya Creston Hotel, B1
Exploring Exciting Harajuku
Harajuku is a fun and exciting place to visit during your time in Tokyo. With an interesting history, unique atmosphere, and trendy activities, this district in Shibuya is definitely a one-of-a-kind place. Whether you want to branch out and try some new fashion, try some delicious street food and feed your sweet tooth, look at all the art, or just enjoy the sites, Harajuku is an energetic place to stay.
You can really get a feel for the culture by just walking down the main streets of Harajuku, and you can experience a whole different vibe by just walking a little further into Omotesando. Two connecting areas, but vastly different from one another. It encapsulates Tokyo well, that no matter what place you go to, you are sure to feel and experience something unique.
Not sure which part of Japan to explore next? Get inspired by our other detailed area guides!
Trackbacks/Pingbacks