Lots of stores selling many different things. Fashion stores, drugstores, souvenir shops, cutesy things, you name it. Lots of people and crepes stores.
From Harajuku, you can what ever kind of fashion you are looking for and a lot of fashion that you did not even believe existed. The street is always packed with different kind of people looking for different things, so take your time while browsing through Harajuku cause you will not be able to get by there fast. The surprising thing is that you can find even nice and cheap stuff, but on the other hand you can also find very expensive stuff. You should check it out and update your clothes closet.
If you like 'kawaii' fashion, I recommend. There are many shops and their price is not expensive. You can find many sweets as well! Crepes here are so famous. I found big rainbow cotton candy and it was so cute. Photo booth called 'purikura' is fun experience and you can enjoy only with 400 yen. For girls, Harajuku is the place yo can't miss.
If you like Japanese pop culture, such as idols, crazy fashion, lolita, etc Harajuku is THE place for you!!!
So many things to see in tiny packed streets! Its kinda overwhelming as all your senses get stimulated in this universe of kawaii things!
They have so many shops, but my favs are the crepes, idol goods shops and the lolita brands! It is never boring in Harajuku! Just be aware that during weekends it gets crazy packed!
For sure the main street is impressive to walk along, but this area got much more to offer if you are willing to get away from the station and just get lost in the side streets.
I'll start with this. The main street you're familiar with "Takeshita-dori" is lame and commercial. Its definitely cool to check out, but its far from as you imagine it. It has become another hub for mass market junk and touts trying to sell you energy drink T-shirts and terrible snap-backs you can buy anywhere.
BUT! Cross the street at the end of Takeshita-dori. Stroll down an alleyway and you reach what I feel is a better representation of Harajuku. More strange fashion stores lurk down this way. More in line with clothes you might actually consider wearing too! Woo!
Also off the main street are many small cafes, bars and eateries. Situated all around the general area, these places range from "Eh, its alright" to "Dang son, I'm coming back here tomorrow". Which in my opinion, is pretty good.
Harajuku is more than meets the eye. Just please get off Takeshita-dori, that is not Harajuku. Its just a tourist trap!
Seriously though, this place is not filled with the Lolita fashionista's as movies or YouTube would make you think. Too many tourists for all that. The crazy fashion is something to stare at though as I'm sure you won't have this in your town. I can talk about Takashita Street but that's been ran through too many times. Lets talk about hidden gems. If you want some rare shoes like Jordan's you can't get anywhere else at a high price there's Kicks lab. You can take a dance lesson at Millennium Dance Complex, extremely famous even in the States. Eat some crepes at one of the many crepe shops. There is a (crazy condom) store don't, get too excited nothing that will impress you there. There are many parks and and shrines you can go to that are nearby, but you're in Tokyo so why not check this place out.
I have visited Harajuku many times for shopping, and of course, perhaps the most famous street here is Takeshita Street, where you can find all of the latest fashion trends, and plenty of small stores selling takeaway crêpes, however, if you continue walking on after a stroll down Takeshita Street, you will find many unique shops.
Shops selling hand-made products that make perfect gifts, and shops selling unique one of a kind items make this area special. Amongst the regular boutiques there are also some great coffee shops, and even a section featuring tasteful graffiti. All of this makes Harajuku a great place to spend an afternoon.