Harajuku is one of the most exciting areas in Tokyo – it’s got the teen fashion of Takeshita Dori, the high-end brands and galleries on Omotesando and the traditional culture of woodblock prints and Meji Shrine. Plus it’s home to kawaii mecca Kiddyland! Harajuku really shouldn’t be missed and if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably need to visit at least twice.
Shopping in Harajuku
Kiddyland
The greatest kawaii store in the world, crammed with cuteness from toys and stationery to figurines and homeware. You’ll find all the top Sanrio, San-X and Ghibli character goods, plus anime, gaming and other random fun stuff. See my full post »
Daiso
¥100 stores crammed with bargain stationery, homeware/ kitchenware and fun little gifts and novelties. See my full post »
Aranzi Aronzo
Newest store for the independent character designers for homeware, stationery, accessories, crafts and more featuring their cute and weird animal characters. See my full post »
Mighty Soxer / Kutsushitaya
Addictive little sock shops by Tabio full of cute and crazy designs. See my full post »
B-Side Label
Sticker shops where you can buy cool and cute illustrated stickers, plus badges, stickers and more. Website »
Swimmer
Kawaii zakka goods with a bit of an eighties retro feel. Website »
The World Connection
Cute little shop on Takeshita Street that looks a bit tacky upstairs but has a basement crammed full of character goods. Website »
LaForet
This is a great one stop building to check out the latest fashion trends. There’s six floors of big name and up and coming designer brands. Website »
6% DOKIDOKI
Iconic fashion boutique from kawaii designer Sebastian Masuda, the man behind Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s crazy colourful music videos. Website »
Musubi
This shop specialises in furoshiki, patterned fabric squares for gift wrapping and carrying. They also run classes. Website »
Oriental Bazaar
Always recommended for a affordable traditional souvenirs and handily placed in Harajuku. Website »
Where to Eat
Pom Pom Purin Cafe
This cafe dedicated to Sanrio’s happy pudding dog has a permanent place on Harajuku’s Takeshita Street just above the Sanrio store. The food and decor are adorable and you’ll nd seasonal items too. Read my post at Super Cute Kawaii »
Nicolas Usagi
Super cute bunny parfaits, bunny cream puffs and lunch plates. Website »
Kawaii Monster Cafe
Exactly what you’d expect from a cafe in Harajuku designed by Sebastian Masuda of 6%DOKIDOKI. The decor is colourful and crazy with 4 themed areas, a giant cake-shaped merry go round, costumed monster girl waitresses and rainbow coloured food. Website »
Q-Pot Cafe
If you’ve ever wished you could eat some of the adorable miniature food jewellery, this cafe does just that with photo-perfect edible versions of their sweets-themed jewellery. Website »
Crepes
Harajuku is famous for crepes and you really should try one. You can’t really go wrong with any of the crepe stands, which all have fillings from simple cream and fruit to a whole slice of cheesecake, plus savoury options too.
Art, Culture & More
Design Festa Gallery
If you can’t make it to the bi-annual Design Festa event, this gallery is open year round showcasing independent artists and designers. See my full post »
Meiji Shrine & Garden
Take a break from shopping to visit one of the biggest and most impressive shrines in Tokyo where you’re very likely to spot a traditional wedding party and locals in kimono. Don’t miss the garden, which is well worth the small entry fee. Website »
Moshi Moshi Box
If you need some help, pop into this super kawaii tourist information centre with friendly staff, maps, free listings magazines and souvenirs. Website »
Ota Memorial Museum of Art
A tiny old fashioned museum of ukiyo-e woodblock prints in Harajuku. It’s so small they only show themed selections of their full collection so you never know what you might get to see. Website »
Mocha
Fashionable cat cafe chain where you can turn up to pet cats in stylish surroundings. Website »
Getting Around
The main shopping streets are Omotesando and Takeshita Dori, both close to JR Harajuku station and Omotesando and Meiji-Jingumai subways. If you have time, wander off into the side streets as there are lots of quirky little shops and cafes to discover.
Last updated: 15 May 2017
Useful Links & Guides
- My Tokyo Shopping Guide (craft & kawaii shopping in Tokyo and beyond)
- My Japan Trips (more links and guides)
- Planning For Japan (my Japan guide with 200+ shops, cafes and places of interest plus tips and resources to help you plan the perfect trip!
