Let’s Discover “Kawaii”! Harajuku Takeshita Street
What interests you about Japan? Anime? Cosplay? Or maybe you want to shop for cute fashion and items you’ve seen in Japanese dramas? If you’re looking for “Kawaii,” you must visit Takeshita Street in Harajuku.
Why Takeshita Street Is Popular with Tourists
When people think of Japan, they imagine traditional culture like kimono, tea ceremonies, and temples—but Japan is also the birthplace of “Kawaii” fashion. Takeshita Street in Harajuku is the holy ground of “Kawaii” and is always packed with foreign tourists. It’s said that 40% of the people walking there are tourists.
But it’s not just for tourists—many Japanese teenagers, people in their twenties, and even young parents with small kids visit Takeshita Street to enjoy “Kawaii.” For anyone who wants to experience Japanese pop culture, this street is a must-visit.
Takeshita Street is the main street of Harajuku, located right in front of JR Harajuku Station’s Takeshita Exit. It’s a narrow pedestrian-only road, about 350 meters long with a width of only 5 meters, sloping gently downhill from the station to Meiji Street.
On both sides of the street, you’ll find small shops selling clothes, shoes, accessories, crepes, sweets, anime merchandise, capsule toys, cat cafes, owl cafes, and even mini pig cafes! Takeshita Street is the birthplace of affordable and trendy “Kawaii” culture.
Tips for Visiting Takeshita Street
- Soliciting or street sales are prohibited. If someone approaches you, don’t follow them.
- Takeshita Street gets very crowded. Please walk on the left side of the street.
Takeshita Street Shops
Paris Kids Harajuku Flagship Store
A shop selling cute and affordable accessories like earrings, rings, and hair accessories, starting at just ¥300.
Address: 1-19-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00–19:30 (Open every day)
SUGAR HIGH! Harajuku Alta Store
A shop full of cute and cheap stationery and interior items.
Address: 1-16-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Marion Crepes
A famous crepe shop that has been open since 1976. Popular menu items include:
Banana Chocolate Cream: ¥490
Strawberry Banana Chocolate Cream: ¥580
Custard Chocolate Special: ¥580
Address: 1-6-15 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:30–20:00 (Weekends and holidays: 10:00–)
mipig cafe Harajuku
Japan’s first micro pig café where you can interact with adorable micro pigs. It’s very popular, so be sure to make a reservation through the website (available in English) before visiting.
Address:
Barbizon76 1F, 1-15-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001
https://mipig.cafe/en/locations/harajuku/
Other Must-Visit Places Near Takeshita Street
Laforet Harajuku
A shopping center with fashion and accessories for people in their teens and twenties. If you want to explore the latest trends unique to Harajuku, start here. You can also find pop-up shops that offer seasonal items like yukata (summer kimono) and photo studios where you can transform into “Kawaii” fashion.
Address: 1-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00–20:00
https://www.laforet.ne.jp/en/
Harakado
Opened in 2024, Harakado is a new shopping spot near the corner of Omotesando and Meiji Street. It features 75 unique shops, including a Japanese bathhouse in the basement!
Address: 6-31-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00–21:00
https://tokyu-plaza.com.e.auj.hp.transer.com/harakado/
Cat Street
Cat Street is not an official name but a nickname for the area between Jingumae 4–6 in Harajuku. It’s known for its cute, small shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a fun area to explore.
For a Relaxing Break
Brahms Path
A quiet street in Harajuku, named after a bust of Brahms located there. Unlike Takeshita Street, this area has retro cafes and old-fashioned restaurants offering Japanese-European dishes.
Recommended Cafe: Christie Harajuku
A cozy cafe open since 1980, known for its perfectly brewed tea and handmade cakes.
- Address: 1-16-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
https://www.harajuku-christie.com/home
Design Festa Gallery
If you’re into edgy art, check out this gallery showcasing works by young artists.
- Address: 3-20-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
https://designfestagallery.com/gallery/
Harajuku Tourist Information Center
Located just a minute from JR Harajuku Station, this center provides help with activities, discounted tickets, and bus tours to popular destinations like Mt. Fuji. They also offer Wi-Fi rental, SIM cards, luggage storage, and cultural experiences.Address: 1-19-11 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Closed on New Year’s holidays)
https://tokyotouristinfo.com/detail/M0378
