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Guide to Harajuku & Omotesando | MATOKA's Japan Travel Guide
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items Known as the central hub of fashion and shopping, Harajuku and Omotesando appeal to the budget shopper and the high-end connoisseur alike. From thrifting to name-brand clothing, this area has it all. And when you're not shopping, you can visit one of...
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What to do
Where to eat
Where to shop
What to do
While both Harajuku and Omotesando are known for fashion, there are so many other things to do! Enjoy Harajuku for the Meiji Jingue Shrine and Takeshita street, then go to Omotesando to spoil yourself with designer goods.
Surrounded by forest, this venerable Shinto shrine features a seasonal iris garden.
Meiji Jingu
Sometimes you need a guide to tell you where to get the giant cotton candy, where to get the best maid outfit or which crepe is the tastiest. Get familiar with the Harajuku area with a registered guide!
Kawaii Walking Tours in Harajuku, Tokyo
Freaky fashion used to line Takeshita street, and you may see some of the remanents of maid or goth culture. But nowadays, most come for the snacks, like crepes and giant cotton candy. Walk through the street to get to a less touristy shopping area w...
Takeshita Street Square
Large, public city park with lakes, fountains & forested areas with mature trees. Great place for Hanami during Cherry Blossom Season
Yoyogi Park
Home of the escalator with all the mirrors that you've probably seen on your Instagram or TikTok feed
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
Art village decorated with colorful murals, hosting diverse contemporary work by local talent.
Design Festa Gallery
If you've already tried the cat cafe, shiba inu cafe, hedgehog cafe and owl cafe, why not try a miniature pig cafe. They're known as one of the smartest animals and are definitely more approachable than some of the cats.
MiniPig (mipig cafe) - Harajuku
We love finding picturesque spots and you're not gonna miss this one as you walk towards Meiji Jingue Shrine. Just look and take pics, don't try to drink out of them tho!
Meiji Jingu Consecrated Sake Barrels
Art gallery showcasing different exhibits depending on the time of year. Make sure to do your research as to what the current exhibit will be when visiting
Espace Louis Vuitton
The iconic rooftop Starbucks - great to visit but there are also a lot of other coffee shops in the area (with better coffee ^.^)
Rooftop Starbucks
If you're not traveling down to Shiga in order to become a ninja, this is the next best thing in the heart of Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the ninja way by visiting this unique cafe.
Ninja Experience in Harajuku
Japanese & East Asian art museum with pre-modern pieces in various media, plus a cafe & gift shop.
Nezu Museum
This shrine is hidden away next to Takeshita street and used mostly for weddings and events. If there isn't an event going on though you can take a look around!
Kamiike Shinto Shrine
Another walking tour option in Harajuku for those who are interested in immersing themselves in Harajuku culture and other “kawaii” things!
Harajuku Half Day Walking Tour
Where to eat
This area has some of the best snack foods and cafes, especially the aesthetic ones that will impress all your Instagram followers!
While Harajuku is knowing for “kawaii” culture, it doesn't just apply to the fashion - it also applies to the food. Enjoy a walking tour that also includes some unique and Insta-worthy eats!
Tokyo City, Harajuku Food & Culture Private Half Day Walking Tour
While the walk from the station to Meiji Jingue Shrine isn't too far, there is a lot of foot traffic, so you might want to take a break and people watch in this conveniently located cafe next to the main gate.
CAFÉ Mori no Terrace
Japanese fluffy pancakes have always been the rage. They even have a song about it (it's a bit old now but I remember singing it all the time). If you're looking for fluffy pancake shops, Harajuku has the most of them, but this one is a favorite with...
Rainbow Pancakes
Opened by the brand Maison Kitsune, a popular brand featuring a fox, you can find other cafes featuring this brand throughout Japan, or stop by their flagship store to get merchandise!
Café Kitsuné Aoyama
Kinari gives you the treat of experiencing a traditional kaiseki, delivering multiple different courses of specialty dishes. This is a super great cultural experience and a must for you foodies out there!
KINARI
I love the Harajuku cafe culture, and this is another on my cafe list. With the nostalgic architecture and radiant vibes, I could spend a day just cafe hopping through this area if I could drink an endless amount of coffee without having a panic atta...
qu'il fait bon
This was the first place that I remember trying fluffy pancakes, and it doesn't disappoint. But, you should think about getting a reservation, since they only make a limited amount each day!
A Happy Pancake Omotesando
A little farther out into the Harajuku neighborhood nestled between shopping districts, this is a great place to grab a snack and coffee before you get back to your adventures!
Higuma Doughnuts × Coffee Wrights Omotesando
I don't want to be a broken record, but themed cafes are a hit. And most people want to know about them, so for those who are into the Peanuts universe, come check out this Snoopy inspired cafe!
PEANUTS Cafe SUNNY SIDE kitchen
Selection of black & herbal teas, plus light sweet & savory fare, in a cozy flower market.
Aoyama Flower Market Tea House
A more unassuming cafe that screams “MINIMALISM”. If Marie Kondo opened up a cafe, I'm sure she would want her cafe to be as simple and elegant as this one!
dotcom space Tokyo
Where to shop
The hub of shopping for unique and crazy fashion, you can find street wear to designer goods all in this one area. The used shops also have great finds that you cannot miss! And this is usually the area where all the popup stores are.
Artsy, minimalist showroom for an on-trend Japanese streetwear label inspired by American vintage.
HUMAN MADE OFFLINE STORE
If Harajuku is for the young, semi-budget shopper (and tbh Harajuku is still pretty pricy) then Omotesando is for the rich housewife with no limit on their credit card. This area screams bougie and while it's no crime to window shop, you better come ...
Omotesando Hills
Funky, high-fashion casualwear & sneakers in a boutique with unique, Zen-like architecture.
GR8
Onitsuka Tiger is a brand name in Japan specializing in shoes and this flagship store is definitely going to have the best styles!
Onitsuka Tiger Omotesando Store
Even if you're not looking to buy, this Comme des Garcons store is set up like an exhibition, showcasing some of the brand's best work.
COMME des GARÇONS Aoyama Store
I am not a high end shopper in any way, but I always have to visit some of the great stores in the Omotesando area, and Acne Studios is always on the list.
Acne Studios Aoyama Store