Takeshita Street
There has been recent data on TripAdvisor that Harajuku’s Takeshita Street is the number one attraction that tourists wish to visit when in Japan. Takeshita Street is Harajuku’s shopping area and the narrow street is dotted with shops selling clothes distinctive of “Harajuku-style”. While the Salon and Lolita styles are some of the most famous style trends in Harajuku, it cannot be so specifically characterized into one particular style. The reason for this is that Harajuku-style fashion is about re-making a particular fashion style and coordinating clothes in a particular way to your liking and expressing your individuality to the maximum through your fashion style.
Crepes and Purikura
It is said that the crepe and purikura shop craze that spread throughout Japan first started on Takeshita Street. “Purikura” is the popular photographic seal that is very popular amongst Japan’s youth, and has gained this much popularity amongst young people as a result of having the choice to illustrate and process the photos to be printed to your liking. The trend has even been exported in recent times to Thailand and Korea. There is a multitude of shops where you can take purikura in Harajuku which have ‘cosplay’ clothing prepared for you to dress up in.
Character Goods
In Harajuku, you will find all kinds of stores throughout the area. There is a five-storey shop called Kiddy Land that sells toys and other goods. Furthermore, there are also general variety stores that sell things from antiques and other miscellaneous unique products, as well as stores that specialize in Harajuku street fashion. These stores are a mix of individually owned and larger chain shops. Takeshita Street is the ideal place to pick up a few “kawaii” goods (such as Sanrio’s Hello Kitty, Rirakuma Bear and other such characters) and other miscellaneous goods or fashion items, as well as observe the trends of Japan’s youth.
Meiji Shrine
Amongst the hustle and bustle of Harajuku is Meiji Shrine, one of the most famous shrines visited by worshippers all throughout Japan. It is also a very popular tourist attraction amongst foreign visitors, and it is right next to Yoyogi Park. We recommend that if you need a quick break from the energy of the Harajuku shopping district, you head to Meiji Shrine or Yoyogi for some peace and quiet.