Things to do in Harajuku, Tokyo

Things to do in Harajuku You can experience the gap between sacred world and a secular world at the same time at Harajuku. Behind Harajuku station, there is a vast forest-like Meiji Shrine, one of the biggest Shinto (indigenous religion of Japan) shrines in Tokyo. As for shopping, you can choose from luxurious Omotesando which is called “Japan’s Champs-Elysees” to reasonably priced shops at Takeshita Street which is always packed with teenagers.

 

Meiji Shrine（明治神宮）

This is a shrine sacred to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It was built in 1920. About 100,000 trees were donated at the time of enshrinement from all over the country, and now more than 170,000 trees create forest-like tranquil atmosphere. Up to 3 million visitors come during three days at New Year.

Address:

1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya 151-8557, Tokyo

Opening Hours:

From dusk till dawn

Cost:

Free

 Website

 

Omotesando（表参道）

The boulevard lined up with trees offers brand shops, cages and nice restaurants. It is called “Champs-Elysees in Japan”. Omotesando Hills and Tokyu Plaza are especially popular shopping malls.

Address:

Jingumae, Shibuya 150-0001, Tokyo

 

Takeshita Street（竹下通り）

In this 350m-long street, there are stores containing miscellaneous character and idol goods popular among teens. Boutique Takenoko has been well known for its flashy costumes, and Lady Gaga dropped by during her stay in Tokyo in 2011.

Address:

Jingumae 1 chome, Shibuya 150-0001, Tokyo

 Opening Time:

Different shops close at different times but usually 10:00 – 20:00

Yoyogi Park（代々木公園）

This spacious park has a central square with a beautiful lawn, fountains and bird sanctuaries. Nearby National Yoyogi Stadiums were designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964.

 Address:

2-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya 151-0052

 

Pancake and other sweet shops

 Harajuku is full of all kinds of different shops with different kind of sweets among them maybe most well-known are the pancake shops. So, after shopping you might want to get a fix for that sweet tooth ache and taste them. From this link you can read the best Pancake restaurants in Harajuku . One of these places is also the Kawaii Monster Café where the place looks like something you might see after taking acid.

 Address to Kawaii Monster café:

4-31-10 Jingumae | 4F, YM Square Bldg, Shibuya 150-0001, Tokyo Prefecture

 Business Hour:

Lunch 11:30 – 16:30 (Lo 16:00)

Dinner 18:00 – 22:30 (Lo 22:00)

Sundays and holidays 11:00 – 20:00 (Lo 19:30)

 Sitting charge:

500yen

 Website

 

 Bar Half Moon

 If you are looking for a great little bar to go to in the evening after all the shopping. Bar half moon plays old rock among other music straight from their big selection of Vinyl records, if you see an vinyl you like go and ask for them to play it. The owner of the bar who works most nights also speaks English and helps to make a perfect mood for the bar.

 Address:

3-21-20 Jingumae | 2f, Shibuya 150-0001, Tokyo

 Opening hours:

Tue to Sat: 18:40 – 4:30

Mon and Sun 18:40 – 2:30

 Website

 

Daisou 100 yen shop

 Daisou is a 100-yen shop whit 3 floors having a wide selection of different kind of stuff and an easy place to find some cheap and interesting souvenirs. This shop is also located at the Takeshita street so you can find it easily when going through the street.

 Address:

Jingumae 1 chome, Shibuya 150-0001, Tokyo

 Opening time:

10:00 – 21:00

 Website

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Feel the mystical energy of the Meiji Shrine
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Omotesando

A trendy area. A neighborhood where you can encounter cutting-edge fashion and various other items
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Harajuku

Shopping in the neighborhood where the “Kawaii” culture began
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Yoyogi Park

After shopping in cute and poppy Harajuku, relax in Yoyogi Park.
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