In the 1990s, the area was the epicenter of a new look that came to represent the exuberance of Japan’s fashion-forward youth culture — Eclectic, unruly, candy-colored, exaggerated and cartoonish.
Culture & Landmarks
Meiji Shrine. Awesome in the original sense of that word. Behind a veil of forest built in honor of Emperor Meiji, clean lines, gravel paths, and the slow rhythm of ritual.
Ota Museum. Dedicated to ukiyo-e, rotating exhibitions from its 14,000-piece collection, can get crowded.
Harajuku Main Drag
Takeshita Street. The heart of Harajuku style, this street offers cute, colorful and cheap fashion. You’ll find costumes, wigs, accessories, vintage clothes and crepe stands.
@cosme TOKYO. Cosmetics paradise, can try trending beauty products ranked by @cosme online, weekly and all time rankings for each category.
LaForet. LaForet, multi-level fashion, over 140 shops w a diverse array of youth-oriented styles, from casual and elegant to Lolita and goth.
Parisien. T-shirts with funny prints, parody items, can make your own custom tee.
Kiddyland. A multi-story toy and character goods store, each of the five levels are dedicated to different themes and beloved characters.
Thrift & Vintage Shops
RagTag - three floors of used designer goods.
Kinji - expansive, overwhelming with potential finds, worth exploring fully.
JAM Harajuku - diverse collection of vintage clothing, commitment to quality, inclusive
QOO - specializing in vintage luxury fashion, particularly items from the 1990s to mid-2000s
Shakedown Street. Where Deadheads can get t-shirts, special tie-dyes and vintage beadwork.
Sneaker Alley. Take a side quest into this narrow lane where sneaker culture thrives
Onitsuka Tiger
Kicks Lab
WORM TOKYO
Mita Sneakers
Atmos Pink
Art, Streetwear & Design
Street Art. The street art scene is more polite than in, say Brooklyn, but you’ll see graffiti by local and international artists.
Design Festa. Exhibition spaces available for artists to rent, features diverse range, outdoor space adorned with artistic murals, street art.
Espokyo. A concept store and gallery by Stephen Powers (ESPO), blend of graffiti and contemporary design, limited-edition prints, apparel, and accessories.
More Shopping
APC Harajuku. French minimalist label’s Tokyo outpost, known for clean lines, raw denim, and understated basics in a crisp, uncluttered space.
GR8. High-concept boutique known for avant-garde streetwear, bold curation, and limited-edition drops.
Beams. Longtime Japanese retailer blending classic Americana, modern basics, and playful collaborations.
Pure Blue. Denim-focused label specializing in deep-dye indigo and traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Hoek. Minimalist lifestyle shop with a Scandinavian-Japanese aesthetic and a focus on handmade goods.
Fullcount. Heritage denim brand using Zimbabwe cotton and vintage sewing techniques for selvedge purists.
United Arrows. Polished, urban style with Japanese tailoring and a rotating selection of global brands.
Edwin. One of Japan’s original denim giants, known for quality jeans and wide mainstream appeal.
Regatto (Hats). Specialty hat shop offering both casual and refined headwear in natural materials.
Harakado
Harakado. Latest retail extravaganza, fashion, food, and art converge. It’s OK.
Kosugiyu Harajuku Sento. A retro sento in the basement level of the mall.
Angelina. French dessert shop, go for the mont blanc but be ready to queue and endure surly waitstaff.
Rooftop. Lush rooftop spans multiple levels and provides panoramic views.
Where to Eat
Mushroom Tokyo. Pioneering restaurant dedicated exclusively to mushroom cuisine. The menu showcases the versatility of mushrooms. Lunch is available without reservations, while dinner offers seasonal multi-course menus, including vegan options, by reservation only.
Sweets
I’m Donut? It’s a trend known for chewy nama donut, with some unusual savory flavors. Don’t be deterred by the queue, the shop is said to be efficient and the line moves quickly.
Tokyo Matcha. A serene Harajuku café offering 100% organic matcha in modern tea ceremony style, with lattes, ice cream, and takeaway-friendly drinks.
Daikanyama Candy Apple. Specialty shop serving seasonal Japanese apples coated in thin candy shells with flavors like yogurt chocolate and kinako.
Number Sugar. Handmade caramels crafted without additives, available in elegant packaging, with flavors like vanilla, raspberry, and salt.
Tarikihongando. A tiny shaved ice stand in Harajuku offering delicate kakigori with seasonal fruit syrups and condensed milk.
Coffee & Cafés
Koffee Mameya. A minimalist coffee lab where you sample—beans, roasts, and quiet precision.
Wrights Coffee X Higuma Donuts. Popular, often has a line, strong brew, good donuts.
Anakuma Cafe. Tiny stand with bear-shaped coffee and a loyal following.
Lattest. Stylish espresso bar, mostly latte art and startup meetings in progress.
Reissue. Known for custom 3D latte art—order your face, sip carefully.