Hotspots of Takeshita Street: A Guide to Fun and Quirkiness

The capital of Japan has the most popular areas in the country, offering plenty of attractions for the keen traveler. From the luxurious shopping malls in Aoyama Dōri and the Tokyo Fashion Building in Koto City to the astonishing scenery at the Mount Fuji observation deck, every corner of Tokyo has a story for you. Now, if you're looking for a place that sparks trends and cultivates youth fashion, check out the Harajuku district located in the Shibuya area—specifically, one of the quirkiest and most famous streets in the world: Takeshita Street!

One of Tokyo's wards, Shibuya, is known for countless attractions like the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the Meiji Shrine, Love Hotel Hill, the Shibuya Center-Gai, and the famous memorial statue at the Hachikō exit. Now, travelers who are fond of bright lights, Japanese fashion, and unique food stalls will find themselves indulging in extraordinary experiences at Takeshita-dori Street in Harajuku!

Takeshita Street is just a few minutes walk from the Takeshita exit of Harajuku station on the Yamanote Line. However, if you're from Musashino, you can reach Shibuya by taking the Keio Inokashira Line. The Yamanote Line goes in a loop, so whether you're in Shinjuku or Ikeburo, your train is bound to pass by Shibuya—which means you can squeeze a few hours in your Tokyo trip to drop by the Harajuku area! Now, while taking the train and subway lines are more efficient as the pillars of transportation in Tokyo, you can also look into a bus terminal or opt for taxis to take you to the Harajuku area.

Renowned for its unique restaurants, trendy shopping complex, and colorful neighborhood—Takeshita Street can sprinkle a coating of pizzazz to your food tours and shopping experience. It's less than a 10-minute drive from central Shibuya, so there's enough time to include a trip to Takeshita Street for a short coffee break at cafes or a quick window shopping around boutiques. Here are some of the things you can't miss in the quirkiest street in the world!

Bring your best smile and wackiest poses to Japan with their Purikura photo booths on Harajuku! These booths produce stamp-size photos that are guaranteed kawaii because they allow you to decorate your picture with stickers and wacky edits before printing. They cost approximately 300 to 500 JPY, but this stamp-size photo is a once-in-a-lifetime souvenir from Tokyo. As a fun idea, you and your travel buddies can try shopping in boutiques or roam the upper floors of vintage shops for the perfect clothing before taking a shot!

Whether it's traditional kimono or avant-garde modern pieces, it's not surprising that Japanese fashion is the center of attention in the Harajuku district. Boutiques and shopping malls line up the side streets, showcasing a complete punk-gothic set or vintage second-hand clothes you wouldn't find in ordinary department stores. The same creativity in clothing trickles down to food, as you'd find uniquely themed cafes and food trends all over the neighborhood. There's the Christie Cafe for Agatha Christie fans and Mipig Cafe for animal lovers who'd like their dining options in the company of cute micro piglets.

A short walk from Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo's cutest cafes called Anakuma Cafe—and if you're wondering what it means, Anakuma translates to "hole-bear," which is the entire premise of this adorable coffee shop! Their menu offers a selection of pastries like donuts and canelés to pair with your preferred coffee drink. Afterward, a fluffy bear paw will serve your order through a small hole in the wall. But here's the best part: Anakuma Cafe donates its profits to help fund forest conservation! Don't miss out on a tasty snack, a chance to meet fluffy bears, and a way to assist in building up the forests of Japan.

Takeshita Street is among the most popular meeting points for cosplayers and anime enthusiasts. As a major hub for anime merchandise and cosplay assets, travelers can specifically head to Harajuku costume stores on this street to complete their cosplay attire. Need a specific wig to become the iconic Sailor Moon? There's a store called Bodyline, which is a short walk from Anime Store B-Point. Suppose you're not into dressing up but would still like to be involved in the anime and cosplay culture—you can always show appreciation for cosplay craftsmanship by taking memorable photos with them!

Dorayaki is a classic Japanese confection: a pancake sandwich with various sweet filling options at the center, like traditional red bean paste or custard cream. Generations have enjoyed this humble treat—dating back to the 17th century in the Edo period—making it an iconic dish in Japanese culture. In particular, the dorayaki at Yurinan Harajuku has an assortment of fillings that can be paired with a refreshing drink. So, even if it's your fourth time here in Shibuya, dorayaki and all its 30 unique fillings are something you'd always look forward to at Yurinan Harajuku.

Let's say you plan to visit the Shibuya crossing, the Shinjuku Takashima Time Square, and even spend the night at nightclubs—now, how can you fit a trip to Harajuku? Well, dearest traveler, we have the perfect package tour for you! This Tokyo half-day tour covers Harajuku and comes with an English-speaking guide so you can conveniently explore shops without language barriers. Check out all the hotspots above with this tour!

Here are the hotspots you shouldn't miss on the world's quirkiest street in Harajuku! Shop to your heart's delight and make the best memories here in Tokyo!