Harajuku – A Holy Land of Tokyo Fashion and Unique Styles

Harajuku is Tokyo’s leading sightseeing location. A district at the forefront of youth culture, with new trends being born at astounding rates. In recent years the area has been dispatching information not only to Japan, but also to the rest of the world. The style itself is known as “Kawaii” and to the many foreign travellers who visit here, the location is known as the “Kawaii” holy land.

About Harajuku

Harajuku is the name given to the area centred around Takeshita Street which runs across the east of JR Harajuku Station. To the east you have Meiji Street, to the south Omotesandō, the area is surrounded by the two. From around the 1970’s, many shops started to be built here, and from then on it saw a great increase in younger visitors and many new trends. Even now the culture that was born here grows stronger and stronger, a town where trends are not only born, but spread across the entire world.

Harajuku’s 4 famous streets

Harajuku’s sightseeing area can be split into 4 large, famous streets.

• Takeshita Street
• Ura-harajuku
• Harajuku Cat Street
• Meiji Street

As the various names suggest, each has it’s own characteristics, however all have the same atmosphere as Harajuku.

Takeshita Street

Takeshita Street is the main street of Harajuku. It is 350 meters in length, and is around a 10 second walk from JR Harajuku Station Takeshita.

Being the stronghold of “Kawaii”, there are always many sightseers gathering here. The edges of the street are not very wide, but you will see many different stores rightly packed together all displaying the “Kawaii” style such as clothes stores, general goods stores, colourful sweet stores and cafes.

Ura-harajuku

Ura-harajuku is found in-between Takeshita Street and Meiji Street, and has Harajuku Street at its centre. You can find many stores in Harajuku Street such as old clothes stores and cheap yet stylish interior goods.

Furthermore, there are not only stores on Harajuku Street itself but also in the back streets. There are even some stores that don’t have a sign out front, so make sure to keep an eye out as you are walking to surely find a unique and interesting store.

Harajuku Cat Street

Harajuku Cat Street is a street that runs side-by-side with Meiji Street; it stretches over Omotesandō and even continues to Shibuya. Unlike Takeshita Street, Harajuku Cat Street has a more calm and collected atmosphere.

On the street you can find very unique and characteristic general goods stores and antique stores, even stores of very famous brands. There are also fashionable cafes and sweet stores that offer items you can walk and eat with.

Meiji Street

Meiji Street is a street that runs to the north and south of the Harajuku area. There are various large-scale fashion buildings such as “Laforet” and “Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku” as well as famous brands’ flagship stores to the stores that fit in with the current trends can be seen everywhere.

Also, while you may think all of the stores are for fashion, there are quite a lot of stores that house general goods that are used for things such as everyday living.

What you can do in Harajuku

In Harajuku there are many shopping facilities including general goods stores, food and drink restaurants and cafes among many more, if you come to Harajuku you should try out the following activities:

• Buy something from a store that is overflowing with cute items
• Eat some fresh and colourful sweets
• Drink some tea whilst playing with animals
• Take a photo at one of the popular SNS photo spots
• Check out the ukiyoe and understand Japan’s culture a little more

Harajuku’s Shopping Spots and Fashion Stores

There are many different fashion stores in Harajuku such as brand stores on the ground level and fashion buildings which house many different stores on various floors.

Here we would like to introduce some of the most unique fashion stores.

Laforet Harajuku

Laforet Harajuku is a shopping institution at the front of Meiji Street. It mainly houses stores that focus on both fashion and general goods. A large portion of the fashion stores contain casual brands.

Within some of the shops there are specific items which are only sold within Harajuku. Sweets which scream “Harajuku” and many items which have the “Kawaii” style as their motif, we highly recommend buying some souvenirs here.

Also, make sure to check out the limited time stores which are ever changing. They typically only house the latest and greatest in recent trends so you can understand what the current trends are very quick.

Spot information

• Spot name: Laforet Harajuku
• Street address: 1 -11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 5 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station Omotesando Exit
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English
• Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku is a shopping centre just across the street from Laforet Harajuku. It has many different types of stores including fashion, lifestyle, cosmetics and also cafes where you can purchase pancakes and coffee.

Furthermore, on the 6th floor it has a terrace where you can find “OMOHARA no MORI”. OMOHARA no MORI is a location where you can sit on benches surrounded by trees such as the Japanese zelkova and Japanese Judas tree, many people use this space as somewhere to eat, drink and take a rest during their busy travels.

Spot information

• Spot name: Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
• Street address: 4 -30-3 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 4 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English
• Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International

Nike Harajuku

Known around the world, Nike has a huge shop located in Harajuku. Here you can find the latest sports fashion trends with a great selection of clothing and footwear.

Nike Harajuku is open from 11:00am to 8:00pm every day and their staff offers professional and friendly service with many able to speak English. It is located only 5 minutes from Harajuku station and is hard to miss!

Spot information

• Spot name: NIKE HARAJUKU
• Street address: 1-13-12 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 2-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station Omotesando Exit
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English
• Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International

Bape Harajuku

Bape, short for A Bathing Ape, is a popular Japanese clothing fashion brand created by fashion designer and rapper Nigo way back in 1993. They offer a variety of fashion choices for men, women, and children for both daily life and streetwear.

Known for popular collaborations with other brands and sported by many celebrities, Bape is one of the leading fashion shops that got its start in the back streets of Harajuku. Open from 11:00am to 8:00pm everyday with friendly staff, it’s a great place to find the latest streetwear fashion.

Spot information

• Spot name: BAPE STORE® Harajuku
• Street address: 4-21-5 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 10 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English
• Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International

H&M Harajuku (H&M 原宿)

H&M is a worldwide fashion store that is known for their great quality and prices. Located along Meiji dori between Takeshita street and the popular La Foret, H&M’s Harajuku store offers clothing and accessories for men, women, teens, and children!

Spot information

• Spot name: H&M Harajuku
• Street address: 1-8-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 5 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station Omotesando Exit
• Wi-Fi: Available
• Language: English
• Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International

Related Articles:

• Amazing Harajuku Spot WITH HARAJUKU - What to See & Do
• JINGUMAE COMICHI - Harajuku's New Restaurant and Food Institution
  
• A Report on the Brand New Harajuku Uniqlo - UT Fans Shouldn't Miss This!
  
• IKEA Harajuku - Central Tokyo's First Ever Ikea Store!
  
• A Cosmetics Heaven! Japan's Largest Beauty Platform "@cosme TOKYO" Is Now Open!
  

Harajuku’s Cute General Goods Stores

Harajuku is abundant with cute general goods stores. Not only street-level stores but there are also entire buildings dedicated entirely to these cute general goods.

We would love to introduce some of them for you to visit here:

Related articles:

• Harajuku’s Kawaii Fashion Culture
• Harajuku Girls and Teenage Fashion
• Where to Try Lolita Fashion in Harajuku

WEGO 1.3.5...

WEGO 1.3.5... is a street brand born in Harajuku. They have many items that have set prices at 100, 300, and 500 yen. Many of their products have bright red, pink or yellow colours.

They have many accessories, smart-phone goods, badges / emblems, stationary and much more.

Spot information

• Spot name: WEGO 1.3.5...
• Street address: Jingumae Tower Bldg. 1F, 1-5-8 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 5 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station Takeshita Exit
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English
• Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International

PARIS KID’S Harajuku

PARIS KID’S Harajuku main store is located in Takeshita street and sells various accessories. The prices are very reasonable and typically start from 300 yen. They have taken the “Kawaii” concept and used it to sell cheap yet cute hair accessories, earrings, and necklaces.

They also sell things such as wrist watches, umbrellas, and other various general goods.

Furthermore, they have goods which have taken the traditional Japanese cup and ball game and turned it into a new-style cute motif.

Spot information

• Spot name: PARIS KIDS Harajuku
• Street address: Harajuku Family Building 1F, 1-19-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 1 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English
• Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard

KIDDY LAND Harajuku

Kiddy Land Harajuku is an entertainment store that sells Japanese character goods. This speciality store is currently set up as a tenant and many different character goods can be seen in one place including very popular characters in Japan such as Hello Kitty, Snoopy, and various Disney characters.

Also, the store is tax-free meaning it is possibly better to buy things here than other stores.

Spot information

• Spot name: Kiddy Land Harajuku
• Street address: 6- 1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 7 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station Omotesando Exit
• Wi-Fi: Available
• Language: English
• Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International

Cute Cube Harajuku

Also known as the Harajuku Cube, the Cute Cube Harajuku is actually a building with a collection of accessory, candy, and fashion shops, topped off with the very cute Pom Pom Purin café!

The building has 4 floors dedicated to Harajuku Kawaii culture and food! Although busy hours may vary, they are generally open from 10:00am until 8:00pm on floors B1 to 2F and from 11:00am to 9:00pm for the third floor.

They also have a currency exchange station meaning you don’t have to worry about not having enough money.

Spot information

• Spot name: CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU
• Street address: 1 -7-1 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 4 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station Takeshita Exit
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English
• Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International

R27

R27 is a squeeze speciality store located on Takeshita Street. “Squeeze” is, as the name suggests, a squeezable toy. Some of the types that they sell include animals, fruits, sweets, sushi, and various characters.

Since it’s in Harajuku there are a lot of colourful products, just looking at them can be enjoyable. The typical prices for these items are very reasonable at 300-1000 yen making them perfect as souvenirs. (As of November 2019)

Spot information

• Spot name: R27
• Street address: 1-16-5 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 4 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station Takeshita Exit
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English
• Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB

Harajuku’s Japanese General Goods Stores

There are also many traditional Japanese stores in Harajuku. They have Japanese items that still have the slight Harajuku style, things such as antique kimonos, sashes, and other small items.

Ooedo Kazuko

Ooedo Kazuko is a speciality store that has both kimonos and kimono sashes known as “obi” in Japanese. They mainly stock antique kimonos with simple yet refined designs.

Kimonos can be a little expensive costing upwards of 20,000 yen; however, you can purchase things such as antique hair pins and coin purses for just a few thousand yen. (As of November 2019)

Spot information

• Spot name: Ooedo Kazuko
• Street address: Omotesando Building B1, 4-29-3 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 2 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station Omotesando Exit
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English
• Credit cards: No credit cards accepted

Oriental Bazaar

Oriental Bazaar is a souvenir store that has many different traditional Japanese arts and crafts as well as products relating to the culture. It has floors down to 1 and 2 underground, with not only lightweight products but also things such as tableware, drawers, flower vases and much more.

We especially recommend the personalized-kanji printed T-shirts as well as the traditional Japanese Fan; they have very reasonable pricings at around 1,000 yen so you should definitely check them out. (As of November 2019)

Spot information

• Spot name: Oriental Bazaar
• Street address: 5- 9-13 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 5 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station Omotesando exit
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English
• Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International

Musubi Tokyo Store

Musubi Tokyo Store is a wrapping cloth (Furoshiki) specialty store. Furoshiki, as the name suggests when translated to English, is something used for wrapping items in. There are various sizes included very large pieces over 100cm in length as well as smaller ones such as 50cm.

Also, they have various prints with things such as flowers, nature, animals and many more. The price ranges from 600 to 3,500 yen. (As of November 2019)

Spot information

• Spot name: Musubi Tokyo Store
• Street address: 1-13-12 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 2 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station Omotesando Exit
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English
• Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International

Kanzashiya wargo

Kanzashiya wargo is Japan’s greatest kanzashi (Ornate hairpin) specialty store. They have many different traditional Japanese products in things such as glass and metalworks. Their designs are modern yet keep an air of traditional Japanese to them making them very attractive.

The price ranges from 1000 – 2000 yen. Traditional crafts as well as items using tortoiseshell are considerably higher in price due to the materials. (As of November 2019)

Spot information

• Spot name: Kanzashiya wargo Harajuku
• Street address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 4 Chome−28−14 Janzerize Harajuku Building 1F
• Access: 6 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English
• Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International

Recommended Sightseeing Spots around Harajuku

In the Harajuku area there aren’t only shopping institutes but also lots of various sightseeing locations. Furthermore, there is Shibuya, Omotesando, and Aoyama within walking distance.

Here we would like to introduce not only the sightseeing spots nearby, but some spots which you should try and visit if you are fine with a little walking.

Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu is a shrine located on the west side of the JR train line in the Harajuku area. It was erected in the year 1920 to enshrine and worship Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken.

Even though it is in the centre of the city, it is full of plant life, and the inside of the shrine has a very holy feel to it. It is a place where you can get away from the noise and bustle of Harajuku for a while.

Furthermore, there is the Meiji Shrine Museum inside of the shrine which has various articles with regards to Empress Yukari.

Spot information

• Spot name: Meiji Jingu
• Street address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052
• Access: 1 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station Omotesando Exit
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English
• Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
• Credit cards: No credit cards accepted

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is a large public park that spans the western side of Harajuku. It is split between a forest park and a running field. In the centre of the forest section there is a grove of mixed trees and field of flowers. It is an ideal place to see lots of nature.

Furthermore, you can see wild birds at the bird sanctuary. There have been 10 different types of birds that have been spotted in the past including the spot‐billed duck, the tit, and the white wagtail.

Spot information

• Spot name: Yoyogi Park
• Street address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052
• Access: 3 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station Omotesando Exit
• Wi-Fi: Available（Free Wi-Fi & Tokyo）
• Language: English, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Korean

Ukiyo-e Ōta Memorial Museum of Art

Ukiyo-e Ōta Memorial Museum of Art specializes in Edo period woodblock print and is located on the southern side of the Harajuku area. Ukiyo-e were popular art pieces that were typically sold from the 17th to the 19th century.

The museum has over 14,000 pieces which covered various periods and methods. Also, every month they have lots of different exhibitions with different themes, you can attend these irregular lectures and learn about the charm of Ukiyo-e.

Spot information

• Spot name: Ukiyo-e Ōta Memorial Museum of Art
• Street address: 1- 10-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 5 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station Omotesando Exit
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English
• Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
• Credit cards: No credit cards accepted

Omotesando Area

Omotesando is a location that has very stylish buildings and streets together alongside refined sightseeing spots. It has many stores and institutions that have the latest fashion and culture trends.

One thing we would highly suggest checking out within those stores is the New York Museum of Modern Art store “MoMA Design Store”. There are many different genres such as furniture stores, general goods stores, and fashion stores among many more.

We also recommend the shopping-dedicated buildings of “Omotesando Hills” and “GYRE”. There are lots of high-quality brands and restaurants. Furthermore both of the buildings have a very futuristic appearance so make sure to give them a good look.

Enjoy Shopping and Foods in Omotesando!

Shibuya Area

Shibuya is one of the leading tourist spots within Tokyo. It has everything from fashion buildings full of fashion stores to bars and restaurants and even small theatres.

If you’re looking for fashion spots we would recommend “109” and “Shibuya Center Street”.

Also, whilst the scramble intersection is for crossing the street, it is also one of Shibuya’s most famous and visited tourist attraction sites. It typically surprises foreign visitors as there are always people crossing no matter the time or day.

5 Things to Do in Shibuya that You Cannot Miss

Aoyama Area

Aoyama is a trendsetting location filled with fashion and cosmetic stores. It is around a 20 minute walk away from Harajuku, and there are many things to see along the way.

The area closest from Harajuku is the southern Aoyama area, with has things such as museums and art galleries as well as many more cultural institutions. For example, there is the Nezu Museum which has a very large park, or the lipstick museum which holds lots of history which you can learn about with regards to lipstick.

How to Enjoy a Elegant Day at Aoyama!

Harajuku’s Photo Spots

If you come to Harajuku, try visiting some of the more photogenic spots. Don’t forget any of the memories you have made here and take some pictures of the “Kawaii” style that can only be experienced within Harajuku.

Related article: How to Use Japan’s Purikura Photobooths

Princess one Spoon Tokyo

Princess One Spoon Tokyo is a store that is located very close by to Cat Street. With “A small serving of princesses desires” as its theme, it sells various general goods and accessories.

One of our most recommended photo spots for this store is the appearance of the store itself. Be it the huge clock that is pointing to 11:59 in the entrance, or the horse-drawn carriage, it sets the scene of what a princess would expect.

You can also take pictures on the princess stool inside of the store.

Spot information

• Spot name: Princess One Spoon Tokyo
• Street address: 4-27-4 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 5 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station Takeshita Exit
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable

AWESOME STORE & CAFE HARAJUKU

AWESOME STORE & CAFE HARAJUKU is a joint café and general goods store located on Meiji Street. The street art which is painted on the storefront is an amazing spot to take a picture.

Also, the café’s main menu items are decorated bagels which are quite a popular item when taking pictures for SNS.

Spot information

• Spot name: AWESOME STORE & CAFE HARAJUKU
• Street address: 6-27-4 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 7 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station Omotesando Exit
• Wi-Fi: Available

Alice on Wednesday Tokyo

Alice on Wednesday is a place that has taken the image of “Alice in Wonderland” and turned it into a store. At the store they have many different cute and mysterious items and sweets which seem like they would appear in the Alice in Wonderland world.

The outward appearance of the store which has several doors painted on it is perfect for taking pictures for SNS. The wide range of small and large colourful doors creates a colourful and cute atmosphere. The contrast in the afternoon is good, but we would recommend seeing the wonderful scene at night where the doors are lit up by spotlight creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Spot information

• Spot name: Alice on Wednesday
• Street address: 6-28-3 Jingumae, Shibuy, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 5 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station Omotesando Exit
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable

TOTTI CANDY FACTORY

The TOTTI CANDY FACTORY is a popular sweets store with one of its more popular items being the rainbow cotton candy. Inside of the store, which is lit up by neon, the staff will skillfully wind up some cotton candy for you.

Beside the cotton candy, they also have vividly colored candy that look like crystals and gems, cake pops in the shape of various animals, and much more to offer. Taking pictures of these various items is also good, but how about taking a picture with these products around the entirety of Harajuku.

Spot information

• Spot name: TOTTI CANDY FACTORY
• Street address: 1-16-5 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 4 minute walk from JR Harajuku Station Takeshita Exit
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable

Brahms Lane

Brahms Lane is a small alleyway located just a little after Takeshita Street. It has stone paving down the thin streets with houses and stores across both sides.

This spot is great for taking pictures and almost feels like you’ve travelled to Europe. Brickwork restaurants and hidden houses, this is a location where you won’t feel the hustle and bustle from the busy streets of Harajuku and instead a more retro atmosphere.

Spot information

• Spot name: Brahms Lane
• Street address: 1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: 1 minute-walk from JR Harajuku Station Takeshita Exit
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable

Harajuku’s Food & Restaurants

In Harajuku there is a wide variety of stores ranging from stylish cafes to traditional Japanese. From here on out we would love to introduce you to some in various categories.

• Cute Restaurants
  
• Ramen Restaurants
• Gyoza Restaurants

Related article: Exciting Street Foods in Harajuku

Harajuku’s Cute Restaurants

In Harajuku there are many restaurants that will offer cute and photogenic food items. All of these stores can be enjoyed not only visually but also through their delicious taste. The estimated prices range from 1000 to 2000 yen. (As of November 2019)

For example you have the “Kawaii MONSTER CAFÉ” and “RAINBOW SWEETS HARAJUKU” stores which were created by MASUDA Sebastian who is the founder of the “Kawaii” style. At these stores you can experience multicolored pasta and sweets.

You can also visit places such as “Pompompurin Café Harajuku” which is a café created with a “Kawaii” mascot. All of the menu items take the shape of “pompompurin” and have pictures drawn on them which can make you unknowingly captivated by their cuteness.

Harajuku Ramen

There are many ramen restaurants in Harajuku along the JR Railway. Unlike your typical ramen restaurant, they have lots of character and style influenced from the Harajuku area.

For example, if you’re looking for somewhere that has an outward appearance of a stylish café, we would recommend visiting “AFURI”. Or maybe you want somewhere that has modern interior design such as “一 (Hajime)” or “Noodle Stand Tokyo”. They all have their own Japanese style with seafood base used in their dishes. However, “一 (Hajime)” is slightly different from the rest in that it has a cold Chinese noodle style where you dip the noodles into the soup.

Another store which has an amazing amount of character is “Taiyo Tomato”. Here you can try ramen in a different way with tomato as the base.

The typical price of all of these stores ranges from 900 to 1,200 yen. (As of November 2019)

Harajuku Gyoza Restaurants

If you’re looking to eat gyoza in Harajuku then you should visit either one of the gyoza specialty restaurants or a Chinese restaurant. There are many specialty stores that include cheap plates or set meals. On the other hand, the gyoza you can purchase from Chinese restaurants is a little more expensive; however they are some of the highest quality boiled gyoza you can buy. （As of November 2019）

If you’re looking to go to a specialty gyoza restaurant we would recommend “Nagomi-Gyouza” or “Harajuku Gyoza Lou”. For Chinese restaurants we would recommend “東坡 (Tonpo)”.

Harajuku’s Entertainment Spots

When visiting Harajuku, you should not only look around the stores and eat some great food, but also enjoy the various entertainment facilities. Here we would like to introduce some entertainment locations for you to visit.

Karaoke

Harajuku’s Karaoke locations are mostly grouped up around Meiji Street. There are 3 stores where you can do Karaoke Box as well as one Karaoke Live House.

For Karaoke Box there are 3 “Karaokekan” stores spread out along Meiji Street. There are a lot of stores nearby so even if one store is completely full the others may have available rooms.

The Live House is called “LIVE NOTE CAFÉ”. It is located just behind Meiji Street on Harajuku Street. Here you can sing at a live house where the acoustics and lighting have been perfected.

Escape the room

In Harajuku there is a facility where you can experience the “Escape the room” game. For example you have a “Super-Secret Room” which has lasers spread throughout connected to an alert system that you have escape from the so-called “Laser Trap”. There are 2 types of room, one where you simply have to dodge the lasers as well as rooms where you must solve puzzles whilst passing through lasers. It is only 300 yen for just the lasers with the price rising to 2,500 yen for the full set of 30 minutes to solve the puzzles as well as dodge the lasers.（As of November 2019）

Furthermore, you have the main puzzle institution called “HIMITSUKICHI OF SCRAP”.

Animal Cafés

In Harajuku there are cafés where you can spend your time resting alongside animals which you can pet. There are lots of animals such as rabbits, owls, capybara and many more.

For example if you want to pet some owls, you can visit “Owl Village in Harajuku” which costs around 1,500 yen for 35 minutes.

If you’re looking for rabbits then give “Ra.a.g.f” a visit, or maybe you want to pet some Shiba Inu for which we recommend “Harajuku Owl's Forest Shiba Inu Café”. Ra.a.g.f costs 1,200 yen for 1 hour and the Harajuku Owl’s Forest Shiba Inu Café costs 880 yen.

Furthermore, you can spend 1,500 yen for 30 minutes at “Harajuku Kawaii Zoo” to spend some with 4 types of animals including capybara! (As of November 2019)

Hotels in Harajuku

If you’re looking for places to stay around the Harajuku area then you should look towards Shibuya. Between JR Harajuku station and JR Shibuya station there are many different hotels all of which are reasonably prices with stylish designs.

For example if you’re looking for economy hotels you have places such as “Dormy Inn PREMIUM Shibuya Jingūmae” and “HOTEL EMIT SHIBUYA”. Even with them being economy hotels they have paid great attention to the furniture and food. The typical prices are anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 yen per night.

If you’re looking for an even more reasonable location to stay in at night we recommend looking for a capsule hotel. You have places such as “The Millennials Shibuya” and “Albida Hotel Aoyama” prices which range from 4,000 to 6,000 yen. (As ofNovember 2019)

Harajuku Station Access

If you’re heading towards Harajuku station, first of all you need to reach Hamamatsucho Station. Ride the monorail from Haneda airport for around 13 minutes until you reach Hamamatsucho station. From there you can ride the Yamanote Line for 21 minutes until you reach your destination.

Spot information

• Spot name: Harajuku (JR Harajuku Station)
• Street address: 1 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Access: Haneda Airport→[Tokyo Monorail] Approx. 13 minutes→JR Hamamatsucho Station→[JR Yamanote Line] Approx. 21 minutes→JR Harajuku Station
• Wi-Fi: Available (-play-shibuya-free)
• Language: English, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Korean
• Credit cards: VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International

Other interesting articles:

• Japanese Nightlife Series Vol.6: What is Condomania in Harajuku?
• Japanese Nightlife Series vol. 7 “Made-in-Japan” is High-Spec and Safe! Try out Condomania in Harajuku!