30Mar 10
No trip to Tokyo should leave out a visit to Harajuku. It’s simply a hive a activity on weekends and there’s just so much to see!
Harajuku station still retains the old architecture from days gone by. And it suits the look and feel of the place.
Out and opposite the station is the famous Takeshita-dōri. The main street where the shops are.
If you like street wear and casual clothes, this is the place to check out!
On the left, just pass McDonalds, as you start walking down Takeshita-dōri, there is this little cafe which has some of the best Japanese pasta and pastries I’ve had. A great place to have breakfast or brunch!
They have a wide selection of delicious foods. I’ll let the pics above speak for themselves.
There are two things I always order when I’m at the cafe, the egg on toast and the japanese pasta. Really really good. I’m salivating just thinking about them. Location on the map below.
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Another place I always stop at, is right in the middle of the long street to have crapes! There are two stores there, but somehow I always order from the one on the left of the picture.
There are heaps of knick knack shops in Harajuku and you’re sure to find stuff that would appeal to you in one way or another.
One of the great things in Harajuku are the store fronts. There’s a lot of creativity from the Japs and it’s a joy walking down the street taking pics.
Don’t forget to check out the surrounding streets in Harajuku. Especially the back streets. They can be very serene and make for a nice walk on a sunny day. It kind of reminds me of walking along the canal streets in Paris. heh. You should also be able to find some small boutiques and shops here. Do walk down to the nearby Omotesando Hills as well. More shopping there!
Near Harajuku station is Yoyogi park and the Meji-Jungu Shrine which is a popular place to visit for locals and tourists. I gave it a miss, but I did walk down the park for a bit. It’s pretty nice with a lot of greenery and scenic beauty.
During weekends, near Yoyogi Park, you should also be able to find cosplayers. Don’t hesitate to ask for a picture with them, they are friendly and would usually pose for you.
Harakjuku is a great place to visit. I would recommend covering Harajuku together with Shibuya as they are next to each other. Go to Harajuku in the morning to midday, then slowly walk down along the train line to Shibuya and spend the rest of the day there. The walk is only about 10 – 15 mins away.
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hi,
Wow…u have so many nice pictures. I am going to Tokyo in Jan for a biz trip + 1day personal trip.
After seeing your pictures i think i will love to visit Harajuku & Shibuya for a day
Is this place easily accessible by train? which line should i take? i am completely blur seeing their subway lines…
Linda (Singapore)
Heya,,
Yups, if you’re there for 1 day, I would definitely recommend both Harajuku and Shibuya. Get onto the JR Yamanote line, which is the light green JR line and stop at Harajuku Station. You can slowly walk through Harajuku and down to Shibuya. All in a day!
The JR Yamanote line is like our Circle Line (when it’s done), it brings you around all the main places in Tokyo. Where are you staying? Tokyo stations all have english signs, so it’s easy to identify. Also, there’s JR, which are usually the lines above ground, and Metro, which are usually the subway lines.
A link for you,, http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2370.html
That site has good info on the areas in Tokyo as well