In addition to its famous fashion and shopping culture, Harajuku in particular is also known simply as a hang-out area for Tokyo’s youth. From Yoyogi Park to cafes and just the streets themselves, the area is made for socialising, and with the nearby presence of the solemn Meiji Shrine there’s enough counterbalance to even out the masses of people in the backstreets. Where to go purely depends on your tastes, but there are a few key places that you just have to go.
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01
Meiji Shrine
Dedicated to Emperor Meiji, the first emperor after the Edo Period (late 1800’s) this is a peaceful, expansive shrine grounds right next to Yoyogi Park, and just a short stroll from Harajuku Station. Once inside you can barely imagine the hustle and bustle going on outside the perimeter, so it’s a perfect retreat in any season to get away from city life.
![Meiji Shrine]()
Meiji Shrine
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02
Yoyogi Park
Once home to both an American military family town, and then the Olympic Village for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Yoyogi Park is now a large park famous for its cherry trees and as a hangout spot for some of Shibuya and Harajuku’s more interesting subcultures. You can play sports, run, bike, or just have a picnic under the cherry blossoms (along with thousands of other people when the weather is right). It’s well worth bringing some food and having lunch in the sunshine while you people-watch to your heart’s content.
![Yoyogi Park]()
Yoyogi Park
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03
Nezu Museum
Built to exhibit the private collection of businessman Kaichiro Nezu, you’ll find 7,400 items from paintings to ceramics, and sculptures housed in a beautiful building designed by Kengo Kuma. With rotating exhibitions and a cafe, you can always pop in and find something new, as well as take a break from your fashion hunting in Aoyama.
http://www.nezu-muse.or.jp/![Nezu Museum]()
Nezu Museum
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04
MOSHI MOSHI BOX
Right at the end of Takeshita Street you’ll find this little information center. They’re great for helping you find where you need to go, and what’s happening right now. You can also get free wifi, charge your devices, or even ship your shopping bags back to your hotel. Super useful and worth checking out.
http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/harajuku/4182![MOSHI MOSHI BOX]()
MOSHI MOSHI BOX
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05
Takeshita Street
Right down from Harajuku station is Takeshita Street, often packed by midday with young people socializing, shopping, and just hanging out. The streets are filled with shops that sell fashion and accessories as well as food. This is where the Harajuku subculture was born, and you can still see a fair bit of its legacy in both the shops and on the kids in the streets.
![Takeshita Street]()
Takeshita Street
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06
Department Stores
There are three major department stores worth checking out in the area. La Foret is the classic one for women, located right on the main intersection in Harajuku, and is always evolving to the latest trends. Across the street is the newer Tokyu Plaza, with its mirrored entranceway and various shops inside, including an outside observation deck upstairs to view the neighborhood from. Up further towards Aoyama is Omotesando Hills for higher-end brands. Even if you aren’t interested in that level of shopping, it’s worth checking out the Tadao Ando-designed concrete structure with its unique interior.
![Department Stores]()
Department Stores
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- 東京都渋谷区代々木神園町1-1
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Tokyo Shopping Private Tour by Chartered Car
¥84,706
Update date：2024/04/20
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