Harajuku is the heart of Japan’s rapidly evolving fashion scene, where all the latest trends—from street fashion and vintage clothes to cosplay and everything in between—can be found. Beyond fashion, the area is home to many trendy and unique cafes.
Whether you’re interested in the latest fashion, food, or sweets, Harajuku is a must-see part of Tokyo!
Just a short distance from Harajuku, you’ll find Aoyama, one of Tokyo’s wealthiest areas, known for its trendy stores, upscale restaurants, and contemporary cafes. Aoyama offers a glimpse into what it’s like to live in the high-tiers of society—perfect for those wanting to experience the glamour and sophistication of the big city.
Let’s take you through Harajuku and Aoyama by exploring their history, iconic landmarks, cool cafes, fun places to shop, and of course, their best bites.
History
A long time ago, during the Edo Period, Harajuku was a small village owned by the Iga Clan, one of the largest and most famous ninja clans of the time. This gave Harajuku its unique roots as a ninja village! The Iga Clan’s primary duties consisted of protecting the Shogunate in Edo. Because Harajuku was in the perfect location to do this, it became an important strategic area.
Due to the area’s poor land quality, Harajuku did not prosper much until after World War II. The United States built a housing complex for soldiers and their families, which led to a surge in shops opening to cater to them. This is said to have marked the beginning of modern Harajuku.
By the 1970s, the area slowly transformed into the vibrant and trendy fashion hub that we all know it as today.
Aoyama, on the other hand, was a residential area for samurais during the Edo period. The name Aoyama is actually derived from a master samurai named Aoyama Tadanari who served and protected the Shogunate.
Despite their different roles, both ninjas and samurai were united in their duty to safeguard the Shogunate.
Landmarks
Cat Street
Unlike the rest of Harajuku, Cat Street is a calm and relaxed area, and a perfect place for fashion lovers! The street is lined with high-end stores, trendy and popular brands, and also some lesser known boutiques.
You’ll find second-hand stores that carry vintage clothes from various decades, Japanese start-up designer brands, and much more! It’s a great place to discover all the diverse clothing styles Tokyo has to offer. Take a break and enjoy a leisurely stroll along this quieter, peaceful street.
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Jingu Shrine, located just a minute away from Harajuku Station, is one of the most visited shrines in Japan. This is because of its beauty, historical significance, and accessibility.
Built to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the shrine commemorates their contributions to the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912), which marked the restoration of imperial power from the Shogunate after the Edo period (1603-1868).
The shrine has two precincts: the Naien (inner precinct), which includes a treasure museum, and the Gaien (outer precinct), which contains many murals from the Meiji period. Both are fascinating and are perfect for some nice photos!
Takeshita Dori
Takeshita Dori, or Takeshita Street, is the kawaii culture capital of the world. This long and narrow street starts from the JR Yamanote Line Station, and is home to colorful and cute shops. From fashion brands and accessories to Instagram-friendly food, like rainbow cotton candy and famous Harajuku crepes, there’s something for everyone. It’s almost too sweet to be true!
During weekends, the street is full of young Japanese people who are all eagerly looking for the latest trends and accessories. Here, you’ll see shops selling very distinct and original styles that originated in Japan, such as gothic, lolita, streetwear, and decora.
You’ll also spot people dressed in bold, creative outfits—some even world-famous celebrities. Takeshita Street has become a global tourist hotspot for those wanting to witness Japan’s vibrant youth fashion scene and its unique “kawaii” culture.
Yoyogi Park
After some shopping and enjoying a crepe in one of the many charming side streets off Takeshita Dori, it’s time to find a place to relax that’s away from the crowds. But do you know where Harajuku’s colorful teens go to relax? If the weather is nice, Yoyogi Park is just a few minutes away and provides the perfect spot to take a break.
As one of the largest parks in Tokyo, Yoyogi Park is famous for cherry blossom viewing in the spring and vibrant autumn foliage. It also hosts several festivals throughout the year and is an ideal place for a picnic year-round!
Omotesando Hills
Omotesando Hills is a stylish shopping complex in Harajuku, featuring elegant architecture. This expansive center boasts a modern design, filled with trendy Japanese designer brands, global luxury names, and a variety of unique stores from around the world.
The building is uniquely designed with a circular slope that allows visitors to walk up and around the interior, so there’s no need to take stairs or escalators to switch floors. You can walk from the bottom to the top without missing any of the stores! There are also a variety of restaurants here, so if you get hungry, you can easily stop for something delicious!
Cafes
CAFE REISSUE
Looking for a cafe with insanely creative latte art? Then look no further, Cafe Reissue has got you covered. From cute 3D Pokémon latte art to even 2D Gollum latte art (from LOTR), the latte artists that work in this cafe can make your latte into anything you desire! Plus, their espresso is absolutely delicious.
Hungry for more than just a beautiful latte? No worries, because Cafe Reissue also serves savory food, such as sandwiches, and cute cakes that go perfect with a latte.
ANAKUMA CAFE Harajuku
Looking for a crazy cafe that you can only find in Harajuku? At Anakuma Cafe, your coffee gets delivered to you by a bear that pokes their hand through a hole in the wall!
The cafe is decorated in a unique and trendy way, with the entire building painted in a monochrome forest green color that stands out blocks away. The inside has tons of cute bear-themed items that make the small space feel cozy. Since the space in the cafe is so limited, there isn’t much room to sit, so it is more of a grab-and-go type place.
Hedgehog Cafe Harry
Japan is famous for its animal cafes, with cat cafes being among the most well-known. But that’s not all—there are many more, including pig cafes, owl cafes, and even capybara cafes. In Harajuku, there’s a hedgehog cafe where you can interact with hedgehogs while enjoying a cup of coffee. Opportunities to get up close and personal with hedgehogs are rare, so why not give it a try? You can even pick them up! Don’t worry, it won’t hurt. It’s just a little prickly.
Mori no Terrace (Forest Terrace)
Right at the entrance to the forest surrounding Meiji Jingu Shrine, you’ll find a charming little cafe. The seats are lined up against a large window, offering a superb view of the towering torii gate marking the entrance to the shrine. Relax with a cup of coffee and some sweets as you take in the surrounding nature.
Being in a bustling city like Tokyo can be exhausting, but this is the perfect spot for a peaceful forest escape without leaving the city. And don’t forget to visit the Meiji Shrine while you’re there!
Aoyama Flower Market Tea House
Walking through the crowded Harajuku to the quieter Aoyama area can be quite tiring, so why not take a break at one of the most beautiful tea houses in the area? The Aoyama Flower Market Tea House is filled with flowers from around the world, making it feel like you’re inside a blooming flower shop. Let the soothing aroma of the flowers and a cup of herbal tea help you unwind and relax.
If you’re in the mood for something stronger, alcohol is also available—after all, you’re on vacation, so it’s never too early for a drink!
Where to Shop in Harajuku
There is an overwhelming amount of things you can do and see in Harajuku, so let us introduce a few places that you have to see for yourself!
Angelic Pretty
Have you ever heard of lolita fashion? It is a clothing style that takes heavy influence from the Victorian and Rococo periods, but adds a modern and cutesy twist to it. Becoming popular in the 1990s and 2000s, many stores in Harajuku popped up that followed this trend, and Harajuku became on of the main centers for this kind of fashion.
Opened in 1979, Angelic Pretty is one of the longest running lolita fashion store in all of Japan. Take a look inside this store to fully get an understanding of this unique subculture. Maybe you’ll become interested in trying out lolita fashion for yourself!
Laforet Retail Mall
Harajuku is home to many large shopping complexes, and one of the must-visit spots is Laforet. Conveniently located on the main street of Harajuku, Laforet is very easy to find. Inside, you’ll discover a wide variety of popular and well-known Japanese brands across every style of clothing.
Most of the stores in this complex offer tax-free shopping, so you can save money while enjoying your time in Harajuku. (Just be sure to bring your passport for tax-free shopping!)
A+S (Architecture and Sneakers)
Who doesn’t love shoes? Stop by A+S for the highest quality sneakers in Harajuku. This store has a unique selection of sneakers from major brands, such as Nike, Adidas, and more. The interior of the store gives off relaxing and minimalistic vibes, which ties in with the architecture part of the store. Designed to be simple and clean, you can actually hang out and relax in this store as well.
Many stores in Harajuku are trying a new style of shopping experience, making the stores not only a place to shop but a place to relax and enjoy conversations as well. Your outfit won’t be complete without a nice pair of shoes, so make sure to stop by!
What to Eat in Harajuku
Wagyu
Kuroge Wagyu Restaurant Hachi ($$$)
Have you tried wagyu beef yet? If not, it’s a must-have before you leave Japan! You can enjoy A-5 grade, top-tier Kuroge (black hair) wagyu steak at an affordable price. You can choose to sit at a table or at the counter, but we highly recommend the counter so you can watch your wagyu being cooked right in front of you.
They also have an excellent wine selection, allowing you to pair your delicious steak with a nice wine specifically chosen to complement the rich flavors of your wagyu beef!
Salmon Bowl
Salmon Bowl Kumada ($$)
Sushi is Japan’s most beloved dish and a favorite for many around the world. But what you might not know is that there are other amazing Japanese dishes where you can enjoy fresh seafood. One of our personal favorites is the salmon bowl. This dish features fresh, locally caught salmon, along with other seafood, that have been beautifully arranged on top of a bowl of rice.
The presentation is so stunning, you might hesitate to eat it, so make sure to snap a photo to show it off to your friends before digging in! And as for the taste? Let’s just say you absolutely have to try it.
Kaiseki Fusion
Itoya ($$-$$$)
At Itoya, you’ll find traditional Japanese food with a unique twist. Here, the chefs prepare classic Japanese dishes with a French flair. In Japan, food presentation is everything, and Itoya takes this to the next level, turning it into an art form.
The dishes are so beautifully presented, you’ll feel tempted to snap tons of pictures before even thinking about eating it. After all, the camera eats first! And the best part? The taste is even more incredible than the appearance.
Okonomiyaki
Usagi ($$)
Okonomiyaki is one Japanese dish you have to try when coming to Japan. Often referred to as a “Japanese savory pancake,” it’s a savory mix of ingredients like cabbage, meat, seafood, noodles, and just about anything else you can imagine.
There are two main styles of okonomiyaki: Osaka style and Hiroshima style. At Usagi, you can enjoy the Hiroshima style (which we personally think is the tastier option), where the ingredients are layered on top of one another. If you’re looking to try something that feels homey and full of flavor, give okonomiyaki a go!
Yakitori and Craft Beer
Harajuku Taproom ($$-$$$)
For all the craft beer lovers out there, the perfect spot for you is located right in Harajuku. At the Taproom, you can sample a wide variety of Japanese craft beers, including ales, stouts, lagers, IPAs—you name it, they’ve got it!
Taproom also serves yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), one of Japan’s most popular traditional snacks to have while drinking. From personal experience, we can confidently say that yakitori and beer make the ultimate combination. See for yourself—stop by the Taproom and enjoy!
Head on over to Harajuku to explore the ever-evolving fashion scene and delicious food options. Treat yourself to the amazing cafes and sweets, or enjoy a delicious meal after exploring. You’re sure to have a fantastic time in this vibrant part of Tokyo.
