Harajuku is a neighborhood in Tokyo known for its unique and quirky fashion, culture, and attractions. From colorful street style to iconic landmarks, there’s no shortage of interesting things to see and do in Harajuku. Awesome Harajuku attractions such as the Meiji shrine, Takeshita Street, and the expansive Yoyogi Park all made our list of the best things to do in Tokyo, but there’s plenty more to do in this uniquely fashionable area.
Here are 20 of the best things to do in this vibrant neighborhood.
Visit the Meiji Shrine
The Meiji Shrine is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit in Harajuku. Set within a dense forest, this shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Visitors can walk along the forest paths and admire the beautiful architecture of the shrine buildings.
Explore Takeshita Street
Takeshita Street is a bustling and colorful street in Harajuku known for its trendy fashion, street food, and souvenirs. This street is a must-visit for anyone interested in the unique and quirky fashion of Harajuku. You’ll find everything from colorful hair accessories to kawaii clothing and accessories on this street.
Try Some Delicious Street Food
Speaking of street food, Harajuku is a great place to try some delicious snacks and treats. From fluffy pancake sandwiches to creamy soft-serve ice cream, there’s something for everyone on the streets of Harajuku. Don’t miss the chance to try some of the local specialties while you’re here.
Visit the Laforet Museum
The Laforet Museum is a contemporary art museum located in Harajuku. The museum features a range of exhibitions by up-and-coming artists, as well as workshops, talks, and other events. This is a great place to visit for anyone interested in contemporary art and culture.
Shop at the Cat Street Market
The Cat Street Market is a popular shopping destination in Harajuku, featuring a range of unique and independent stores selling everything from clothing and accessories to home decor and gifts. This is a great place to find one-of-a-kind items and support local designers.
Visit the Kiddy Land Toy Store
The Kiddy Land toy store is a must-visit for anyone with a love for cute and kawaii items. This store is packed with all kinds of adorable toys, stationery, and other items featuring popular characters like Hello Kitty and Rilakkuma.
Check Out the Omotesando Hills Shopping Mall
The Omotesando Hills shopping mall is a luxurious and stylish destination in Harajuku, featuring a range of high-end fashion and design stores. This is a great place to shop for designer brands and high-quality items.
Explore the Creema Cafe
The Creema Cafe is a popular and unique cafe in Harajuku that’s worth a visit for its cute and quirky decor alone. The cafe serves a range of drinks and snacks, and is a great place to take a break and relax.
Explore the Trendy and Bohemian Ura-Harajuku Area
The Ura-Harajuku area is a trendy and bohemian neighborhood located just a short walk from the main shopping district in Harajuku. This area is known for its independent stores, vintage clothing shops, and live music venues. It’s a great place to explore and discover hidden gems.
Relax in Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is a large and beautiful park located in the heart of Harajuku. This park is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of open space, walking paths, and beautiful gardens. The park also hosts a range of events and festivals throughout the year.
Try Some Soft Serve Ice Cream
Soft-serve ice cream is a popular treat in Japan, and you’ll find some delicious flavors in Harajuku. From green tea and matcha to sweet potato and black sesame, there are all kinds of unique and delicious flavors to try.
Visit the Shimokitazawa Neighborhood
The Shimokitazawa neighborhood is a trendy and bohemian area located just a short train ride from Harajuku. This neighborhood is known for its independent stores, live music venues, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great place to explore and discover hidden gems.
Try Some Delicious Japanese Crepes
Japanese crepes are a popular and delicious treat in Harajuku, and you’ll find a range of creperies on Takeshita Street and other areas in the neighborhood. These crepes are typically filled with a range of sweet and savory ingredients, from fruit and whipped cream to savory fillings like chicken and avocado.
Check Out the Harajuku Gyoza Lou
The Harajuku Gyoza Lou is a popular and tasty gyoza (dumpling) restaurant located in the heart of Harajuku. This restaurant serves up a range of delicious and flavorful gyoza, as well as other dishes like ramen and udon noodles.
Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a beautiful and elegant art museum located in the heart of Harajuku. The museum features a range of exhibits of Japanese and Western art, as well as a beautiful garden and cafe.
Shop at the Oriental Bazaar
The Oriental Bazaar is a popular and colorful shopping destination in Harajuku, featuring a range of souvenirs and gifts inspired by Japanese culture. This is a great place to shop for traditional items like kimonos, lanterns, and other decorative items.
Visit the Yoyogi National Gymnasium
The Yoyogi National Gymnasium is a modern and impressive sports facility located in Yoyogi Park. This gymnasium is known for its iconic architecture and was the main venue for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. It’s a great place to visit for sports fans or anyone interested in architecture.
Shop at Daiso Harajuku
Daiso is a popular and affordable chain of 100 yen stores that’s a must-visit for anyone looking for bargain buys. In Harajuku, there is a 3 story store that has some different products to your average Daiso stores
Try Some Delicious Ramen at Kyushu Jangara
Kyushu Jangara is a popular and tasty ramen restaurant located near the station in Harajuku that is known for its fantastic tonkatsu ramen. This restaurant serves up a range of delicious Kyushu-influenced ramen dishes, made with high-quality ingredients and flavorful broth.
Stroll Along the Beautiful Omotesando Street
Omotesando Street is a beautiful and upscale shopping street located in the heart of Harajuku. This street is known for its high-end fashion and design stores, as well as its beautiful tree-lined avenue. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll and admire the architecture.
Shop for Unique and Funky Gifts at Condomania
Condomania is a unique and fun gift shop located in Harajuku, featuring a range of quirky and humorous gifts, souvenirs, and yes, Condoms. This is a great place to go for a laugh and to shop for something different and unexpected.
Take Some Cute Photos at a Purikura Shop
Purikura shops are popular in Japan and offer a chance to take some fun and cute photos with friends. These shops have a range of props and backgrounds to choose from, and you can edit and decorate your photos with stickers and other effects. NOA is a popular purikura shop in Harajuku.
Overall, there’s no shortage of interesting and fun things to see and do in the vibrant neighborhood of Harajuku. From iconic landmarks and street food to shopping and cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in this unique and quirky part of Tokyo.