Harajuku
| The Good | The Not-So Good |
| A lot to do in the area | Very crowded |
| Great for shopping |
Harajuku is a busy shopping area located in the center of Tokyo within a fairly doable walk from Shinbuya or Shinjuku (“When Japan” recommends the Tokyo Parks Walk – or you can take the train to Harajuku station or Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ station).
In Japan, it is famous for its cute culture, girls fashion, overcrowded Takeshita Street, nearby Omotesando with high-brand fashion shops, nearby Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park. Basically, there is a lot of things to see, eat and experience all packed into a small area. It is easy to spend an entire day exploring the various narrow streets looking for a place to eat or shop, occasionally dipping out into the arterial flow of pedestrian traffic to move onto the next area.
Everyone takes this photo!
The place everyone goes to is Takeshita street, which is right opposite the appropriately names “Takeshita Street Exit” of Harajuku station. The other exit is closer to the Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park entrances. Both get stupidly busy, which is why the station is being renovated in time for the 2020 Olympics.
Major things to see and do
The map below shows the major streets and tourist draws. The red line is the famous Takeshita Street, the orange the High-Bran shops, and the green the less brand stores such as Paul Smith and some local brands.
Takeshita street is the reason most people go to Harajuku. However, as the crowds have increased over the years the place has lost its sub-culture identity in favor of commercialization. There are a number of big-looking guys touting for business outside some of the shops which is annoying, and the shops themselves are very much focused on “cute” and cheap. There is a great little T-Shirt place at the back of Le Ponte (map) that sells some amusing designs. The official shop for this brand was here but according to Google Maps it has closed down.
The yellow area highlighted on the map is a network is narrow paths with some boutiques and restaurants. Harajuku is certainly an area of contrasts. The extremely busy Takeshita Street compared to the quite relaxed side streets. There is also a district called Ura-Harajuku, which is where a lot of the more unique shops and eateries have moved since the main streets became more touristy and commercial.
Things to avoid in Harajuku
Don’t enter the Daiso (100 yen shop), they are literally everywhere in Japan and the Harajuku one is so crowded you’ll end end up wanting to hurt someone. Google “Daiso” wherever you are in Tokyo and there will be one nearby with the same things to buy.
An experience in Japan – Shopping gridlock!
You “can” have a crepe, which the area is famous for, but again you can get sweet crepe everywhere in Japan and the queues in Harajuku will be snaking down the road. This crepe shop in Shinjuku is recommended. Again, Google “crepe” and something will be nearby. The “Strawberry Chocolate Whip Cream” one is a personal favorite of “When Japan”.
Don’t go in a Hedgehog cafe. It’s cruel. They are terrified of humans and want to sleep during the day.
Don’t buy a Kimono. You know you’ll never wear it again and they aren’t exactly cheap. Or buy one, if you want. But they are heavy, you won’t ever wear it again (because it is a pain to put on and uncomfortable), and they are not cheap if you want a nice one.
