Harajuku, the fashion district of Tokyo 原宿
A laboratory for future fashions
Frequently visited by young people in their trendsetting clothing, Harajuku is a continually evolving area where excentric fashion meets luxury stores and vintage stores. A few steps from Meiji-Jingu Shrine, it is the perfect example of the modern and traditional Tokyo juxtaposition.
Japanese Street Fashion
Harajuku established itself in the 1990s as the meeting place for young Japanese people who were discouraged by mass consumption and the standardization of frantic globalization. The faithful of the Harajuku district want to carry an offbeat culture, both in clothing and music.
In this district of Harajuku, young people in search of trends and innovations find themselves. Young Japanese people are putting their uniforms, pleated skirt, navy jacket, loafers and white socks in the closet, and some even dress like their manga heroes or heroines or wear amazing looks. The population transgresses by having fun. The shops in the area are full of original goods.
You can see gothic, sweet, victorian, punk, industrial lolita, more colorful and cute kawaii fruit looks very accessorized and other more vintage looks. A mix of colors, cosplay, thrift store and designer pieces.
- Read more: Japanese fashion and cosplay in Japan
Places You Must Visit in Harajuku
Takeshita-Dori is the most famous street in Tokyo. This pedestrian lane is the temple of Japanese Kawaii fashion and you can find everything popular with Japanese high school girls: clothes, accessories, makeup and even trendy foods. The street is also particularly popular for its sweet pancake shops!
Ura Harajuku: the more anonymous little alleys of Harajuku are full of trendy and vintage shops. You will also find there many restaurants and cafes like the Okonomiyaki expert, Sakura Tei.
Ometesando Avenue is home to luxury boutiques such as Louis Vuitton and various stores. Like the Kiddy Land over several floors where you can find products bearing the image of your favorite heroes or the large shopping center Tokyu Plaza, particularly popular for its Starbucks on the terrace.
Meiji-jingu, is the most popular and famous shrine in Japan. This shrine is of great importance in the Shinto religion, its gardens and the spacious park of the shrine offer particularly pleasant walking paths.
Yoyogi Park is one of its largest green spaces in Tokyo.
The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art presents temporary art with all of its mediums: painting, sculpture, photography and even industrial design.
The Ota Museum has one of the most beautiful collections of Ukiyo-e, the art of Japanese painting and Japanese printmaking.
The Kawaii Monster Cafe is the perfect place if you want to discover the colorful and quirky universe of today's Japanese Pop Culture and "kawaii culture".
Address, timetable & access
Address
Timetable
Harajuku Station is on the Tokyo JR Yamanote Circular Subway Line, accessible with a Suica card or Japan Rail Pass.
