Known as a hub for the latest trends, the Harajuku-Omotesando area of Tokyo.
At the Jingumae intersection, where commercial facilities such as Tokyu Plaza Omotesando "Omokado" (formerly "Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku") and Laforet Harajuku face each other, a new facility will open in 2024! Its name is Tokyu Plaza Harajuku "Harakado".
In this article, we will navigate how to enjoy "Harakado" from among the 70+ stores that will be housed there, based on the three purposes of "buying, eating, and experiencing". From apparel shops and general stores to restaurants, cafes, and public baths, why not create your own travel plan!
※The information featured in this article is as of April 2024. Please check the official website or other sources for the latest information.
New Landmark in Harajuku-Omotesando Area: Tokyu Plaza Harajuku "Harakado"
Tokyu Plaza Harajuku "Harakado" (hereinafter referred to as "Harakado"), which opened in the Harajuku-Omotesando area in April 2024. It is located right in the middle of Harajuku, a 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro "Meiji Jingumae
The name "Harakado" embodies three thoughts: the "corner" (角 'kado') where Harajuku and Omotesando intersect at the Jingumae intersection, a place where creators with various "talents" (才 'kado') meet, and a "gate" (門 'kado') to a new culture.
True to its name, the lineup of 75 stores includes not only apparel shops, restaurants, and cafes, but also public baths, galleries, and libraries. It's a space where you can easily encounter new art and creativity, in addition to shopping and searching for souvenirs.
Highlights of Each Floor at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku "Harakado"
'Harakado' consists of 9 floors from the basement 1F to the 7F rooftop terrace.
While the lower floors are perfect for shopping and searching for souvenirs, with shops selling food, apparel, and miscellaneous goods, the 5th and 6th floors are home to a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy a wide range of gourmet food. In addition, there is a public bath on the B1F to soothe the fatigue of your journey, and an art space on the 4th floor with ample rest areas. It's also fun to explore each floor with its unique concept in mind.
| B1F | Chikaichi | A floor designed to resemble a "town centered around a public bath". The "Kosugi-yu Harajuku" produced by a long-established public bath is also available for tourists |
| B1F～2F | Shopping Floor | There are many retail stores where you can find stationery, miscellaneous goods, men's and women's fashion, sake, cosmetics, and more |
| 3F | Creators' Platform | Supports various creators' activities through a membership lounge, studios, and art galleries |
| 4F | "Harappa" | A space created by creators active in various fields, where you can experience digital art and see art works themed on nature |
| 5F～6F | Harajuku Town Diner | More than 20 restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, including ramen, sushi, and other Japanese foods, as well as Chinese, Mexican, and Italian dishes |
| 7F | Rooftop Terrace | Surrounded by a lush garden space, you can overlook the Jingumae intersection and the town of Harajuku |
There are many stores that are opened the first time in Tokyo or Japan. From here, the editorial department will pick up recommended stores for the purpose of "buying, eating, and experiencing". If you are wondering where to start at "Harakado", please refer to this.
【Buy】Hitotsubu Kanro Harajuku Store (Sweets｜1F)
※First store in Harajuku
The candy shop "Hitotsubu Kanro", known for its Kanro candies and Pure gummies, has opened its second permanent store in Tokyo, following the one at Tokyo Station.
Their most popular product is the "Gumitzel", a gummy candy that resembles a pretzel with a crispy exterior and a moist interior. At the Harajuku store, in addition to the usual sets, you can buy individual "Gumitzel". They also sell a 6-piece "Gumitzel can" and a 6-piece set of "mofuwa", a marshmallow in the shape of a cloud, in limited edition packaging. Once you try them, you're sure to be captivated by their unique texture.
- Official website:https://kanro.jp/
【Buy】MOLESKINE (Stationery & Miscellaneous Goods｜1F)
※First store in Tokyo
The lifestyle brand based in Milan, Italy, is opening its first directly managed store in Tokyo.
In addition to a collection of notebooks, diaries, and bags, there are also many products with limited designs in collaboration with artists. Among them, we would like you to pay attention to the collaboration notebook with the manga artist Momoko Sakura and "The Little Prince", which has been popular since its release in 2023.
- Official website: https://www.moleskine.co.jp/ja-jp/
【Eat】Harajuku Oyster House TokyoSeafood (Oyster Bar, Japanese Food, Seafood｜5F)
※First store in Harajuku
"Harajuku Oyster House TokyoSeafood" offers carefully selected oysters from Japan and seasonal seafood in a Japanese style. There are always 6 to 10 kinds of domestic oysters available, and in addition to oyster dishes unique to oyster bars, they also have a wide selection of domestic wines and natural wines. It's a must-try for oyster lovers!
- Official website: https://forstar-dining.com/
【Eat】Giolitti (Italian Gelato｜6F)
The third store in Tokyo, a long-established gelato shop from Rome.
Known for the scene in the movie "Roman Holiday" where Princess Ann, played by actress Audrey Hepburn, is enjoying it on the Spanish Steps, it is said that Giolitti's gelato can only be eaten in Rome and Tokyo worldwide. Enjoy the Harajuku Harakado limited flavors of "Matcha" and "Gianduja" while strolling around.
- Official Website:https://giolitti.jp/
【Experience】Kosugiyu Harajuku (Public Bath | B1F)
※First store in Harajuku
Founded in 1933, "Kosugiyu", a long-established public bath in Koenji of Tokyo, is a rare commercial facility that operates a public bath, "Kosugiyu Harajuku".
You can enjoy the soft touch "Milk Bath", the 42-43 degree "Hot Bath", and the "Alternating Hot and Cold Bath" where you alternate between the hot bath and the cold bath to recover from fatigue. While looking at the public bath painting of Mount Fuji, which can be said to be the symbol of public baths, you can experience the typical public bath culture of downtown while in the middle of Harajuku.
There is also a space where you can casually try out many beauty and health appliances, such as a drink stand where you can drink draft beer, beauty devices, and head spas, which is perfect for healing the fatigue of your trip.
※Depending on the congestion situation, there may be times when some areas are not open to the public. Please check the official website for detailed business hours.
- Official website: https://kosugiyu-harajuku.jp/
【Experience】Harappa (Entertainment | 4F)
A space where you can enjoy installations focused on weather and natural phenomena, as well as art and content themed on sustainability, all created by creators active in various fields.
In the central atrium, a digital installation called "Sun Bonfire" with a motif of a 4.5m diameter sun is exhibited. Take a break in the public space adorned with a variety of plants, and enjoy a moment of relaxation while looking out at the Jingumae intersection with a coffee from the "Harakado Cafe" on the same floor.
Meet Tokyo's diverse culture at Harajuku's new landmark "Harakado"
Already a new landmark in the Harajuku/Omotesando area, "Harakado" houses numerous retail stores, restaurants, and even a public bath. With Tokyo's trends condensed, you're sure to make new discoveries and experiences each time you visit! As one of the new tourist spots to watch in 2024, be sure to visit on your next Tokyo trip.
- Address: 6-31-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, inside Harajuku Square
- Business hours:
【Shopping Floor (B1F～4F)】11:00～21:00
【HARAJUKU KITCHEN & TERRACE (5F～7F)】11:00～23:00
【Kosugiyu Harajuku (B1F)】07:00～23:00
【Chikaichi (B1F)】07:00～23:00
*Some stores have different business hours - Closed: January 1st, and irregular holidays
- Access: 1 minute walk from "Meiji Jingumae
Station" on the Tokyo Metro, 4 minutes walk from "Harajuku Station" on the JR - Official website: https://harakado.tokyu-plaza.com/
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