Harajuku, the compact space around a train station in Tokyo waving subtly between the famous Shibuya and Shinjuku on the Yamanote Line, epitomizes everything Japan’s official catchphrase speaks about—endless discovery.
The way Harajuku presents itself to tourists from all over Japan and around the world as a cozy setting reflects its market: the teenage culture—rebellious yet loving. In this guide, you’ll learn what you can do in this vibrant youth district.
1. Shop at Takeshita Dori
The most popular shopping alley in Harajuku is Takeshita-dori, where sweet scents like bubble gum fill the air, like the aroma of fresh doughnuts nearby. Walking around, you’ll question yourself if you’re in a Japanese Barbieland because pink just bursts all over the place. It’s like the sister street of Hong Kong’s Mongkok, but Japanese style.
2. Retreat to Yoyogi Park
If you started your day at Takeshita Dori but became culture-shocked by the youth atmosphere around, you can take a retreat to Yoyogi Park. Tokyo’s biggest public park is relaxing with abundant flowers and cherry blossoms where they’re in season. Some Sundays, the park hosts performers who dance to the beat of 1950s rock and roll. Perfect, right?
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3. Pair Coffee With Fresh Japanese Doughnuts
While there’s no literal smell and taste of doughnuts along Takeshita Dori, you can satisfy your cravings at Higuma Doughnuts × Coffee Wrights Omotesando, probably the best place that serves the mouthwatering pairing of Japanese doughnuts with coffee. It’s a break from the usual mochi you’ll have here in Japan.
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4. Visit Cat Street
A short walk from Takeshita Dori is the must-see Cat Street. It’s an even tinier pedestrian street, but there are more quirky youth shops here. From youth fashion brands to globally-renowned stores like Comme des Garçons, you can experience what it’s like to wear what’s trendy for the youth today. If the shopping here becomes tiring, you can find places that offer yummy takoyaki for your growling tummy.
5. Experience Purikura, the Japanese Traditional Photo Booth
Long before camera phones took over the world, the youth of yesterday would head to the purikura or Japanese photo booths. Believe it or not, they are still alive today, and many of these photo boots are in Harajuku. Pose for a shot and bring home unforgettable memories.
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6. Sneak into a Wine Shop and Restaurant
Alcoholic beverages are not for the underage, but you’re in Harajuku, so you sneak into the district’s natural wine shop and restaurant. The store is named no.501, which can teach you about the strict farming of wine sources and how they are organically cultivated to produce the wines that will make you forget your name.
7. Make a Ceremonial Wish at Meiji Shrine
No visit to Harajuku will ever be complete without heading to Meiji Shrine, where you can make a wish – not just any wish, but a ceremonial wish. Like other Japanese temples, you’ll start by passing through torii or shrine gates. Once inside, begin cleansing your hands first at the purifying water fountain, which is a must as a form of respect to Shintō customs. Before you make your wish, throw a coin into the offerings box, deeply bow twice, then utter your wish. It doesn’t end there. You must clap your hands twice, then bow again for the third time. If you’re wearing a hat, make sure to remove it. You’re in Japan’s youth hub, after all.
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8. Lay Your Hands on Stickers
Stickers are also things of the past nowadays. If you want stickers, you can head over to your Instagram and find one from a wide array of choices in the catalog. When you want to own and collect those traditional stickers, it’s very difficult to find a store today that sells them. Not when you’re in Harajuku. Since stickers were the favorites of the youth – like what, about 20 years ago? – Harajuku’s backstreets make sure they can provide for what you’re looking for. Find stickers, t-shirts, and accessories here.
9. Attend Harajuku’s Happiest Festival
Several tourists who visit Harajuku love this festival. The Harajuku Omotesando Super Yosakoi happens every August, where Japanese youth showcase their dancing talent in a competition for first place in the traditional yosakoi dance.
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10. Try Japanese Crepes, Harajuku’s Best
It’s not okonomiyaki that’s the specialty of Harajuku. That’s Hiroshima’s. Not even sushi is the best tasting in this youth area. Rather, it’s crepes. True, the Western dessert. Here, you can find several crepe boutiques that offer crepes in various flavors. They wouldn’t fail you.
Harajuku is Tokyo’s youth and pop culture district, so since teenagers love to indulge in desserts, its food scene may be too sweet for you. Or, the place itself may be too loud and upbeat for your tastes. But listening to the voices of the Japanese youth is what inspires tourists, both local and foreign, to keep visiting.
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