Harajuku

The Basics

Harajuku’s top sights include Yoyogi Park and Omotesando and Takeshita-dori shopping streets. These areas, where the colorfully presented youth typically hang out, are the best for people-watching and street photography. Also in Harajuku is the Meiji Shrine (Meiji-jingu), Tokyo’s grandest Shinto shrine, which was constructed in 1920. The atmospheric shrine is surrounded by forest and serene gardens and houses a memorial hall dedicated to Emperor Meiji, the man many credit with the modernization of Japan.

Sightseeing tours of Tokyo typically include a stop in Harajuku. If you want something more specialized, your options include walking tours of the area that focus on street fashion, architecture, and even kawaii food, or food with kawaii (cute) presentation—perfect for social media.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Harajuku is a must-visit for a taste of Japanese youth culture.

• The area is home to a rainbow of shopping opportunities, as well as many bars and restaurants.

• Cat Street offers a more sophisticated shopping alternative to Takeshita-dori, and its Tadao Ando–designed Armani Casa building is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.

• The sprawling Laforet department store is a good option for getting all of your shopping done under one roof.

How to Get There

Harajuku is in the southwest of Tokyo, in Shibuya ward. It is served by Meiji-Jingumae metro station on the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines, as well as Harajuku station on the JR Yamanote line. Takeshita-dori is in the northern part of Harajuku, and Omotesando is in southern Harajuku.

When to Get There

Harajuku hums with energy seven days a week, but for the best people-watching get there on a Sunday afternoon, when youngsters gather in and around Yoyogi Park to pose in their outlandish outfits. Yoyogi Park is particularly attractive in spring when the cherry trees are in bloom.

Street Photography

Outlandishly dressed youngsters flock to Harajuku to be seen. Typically, they will happily pose for photos without expecting payment, but it is always polite to ask first if it is OK to take their photo by saying “Shashin totte mo ii desu ka?”

Is Harajuku worth a visit?

Yes, Harajuku is definitely worth visiting and is a must-see place for all tourists in Tokyo. It’s a lively hub of fashion and youth culture and is interesting whether or not you’re wanting to go shopping yourself. It’s conveniently close to Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu, and upmarket Omote Sando, too.

What is the best time to visit Harajuku?

Weekday mornings are the best time to visit Harajuku to avoid the crowds. Afternoons, especially on the weekends, can get incredibly crowded in Harajuku because the roads are narrower than in some other parts of Tokyo. It can also be difficult to board trains from Harajuku at these busy times.

Which street is best in Harajuku?

Takeshita Street is the main thoroughfare through Harajuku and is a must-visit for tourists in the area. It has many boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. However, it can also get very crowded, so it’s also worth deviating from this main road and heading into the smaller side streets and alleys, too.

What is the best day of the week to visit Harajuku?

Weekdays are the best days to visit Harajuku to avoid the crowds, which can be especially oppressive on the weekends. These days are best for casual browsing. However, the greatest displays of youth culture are visible on the weekends, so visit on Saturday or Sunday if you don’t mind braving the crowds.

Is Harajuku good for tourists?

Yes, Harajuku is a very good neighborhood for tourists to visit and is a must-see place in Tokyo. It’s unique and quirky, and a great place to get a feel for contemporary Japanese youth culture and fashion. It’s also close to Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu, and upmarket Omote Sando.

Is Harajuku foreigner friendly?

Yes, like most other parts of Tokyo, Harajuku is a foreigner-friendly neighborhood. It’s mainly geared up for locals rather than tourists, but that makes it all the more authentic and interesting for tourists. Tourists won’t have any trouble navigating Harajuku or finding places to eat or shop.

Ways to explore

Harajuku’s top sights include Yoyogi Park (Yoyogi Koen) and the Omotesando and Takeshita-dori shopping streets. These areas are the best for people-watching and street photography. Also in Harajuku is the Meiji Shrine, one of Tokyo’s grandest Shinto shrines, constructed in 1920. The atmospheric shrine is surrounded by forest and serene gardens and houses a memorial hall dedicated to Emperor Meiji—the man many credit with the modernization of Japan.

Sightseeing tours of Tokyo typically stop in Harajuku. If you want something more specialized, options include walking tours of the area that focus on street fashion, architecture, and even kawaii foods (food with cute presentation that’s perfect for social media).

Accessibility

Crowded streets and stores with differing entrances can make Harajuku a challenging place to navigate in a wheelchair. Yoyogi Park has accessible restrooms, and its paths are wide and flat.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Takeshita-dori is a shopping heaven, so bring a tote bag to fill with everything from socks to skirts.

What to wear

There's no dress code, but fashionistas dress to impress in clothes inspired by styles ranging from gingham to Gothic.

Not allowed

Taking photos of stores and people without permission

Amenities

Stores, museums, street food, restrooms in the station and Yoyogi Park

Address

Harajuku is in the southwest of Tokyo in the Shibuya ward. Takeshita-dori is in the northern part of Harajuku, while Omotesando is in the south.

Driving

It's a nightmare to drive and park in this central section of Tokyo, so make use of Shinjuku’s plentiful public transportation and leave your car keys behind.

Public transportation

Travel to Meiji-Jingumae station on the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines, or Harajuku station on the JR Yamanote line.

Best times to visit

Most stores along Harajuku’s main shopping street don't open until 11am, so visit after then to browse.

Best days to visit

Harajuku hums with energy seven days a week, but for the best people-watching, get there on a Sunday afternoon, when youngsters gather in their outlandish outfits.

Best months to visit

In spring, when the cherry blossoms bloom in Yoyogi Park.

Special events

Coincide your visit with the Harajuku Omotesando Super Yosakoi to see dance troupes perform publicly, which typically takes place in August.