If you want to experience Tokyo’s trendiest street scene, look no further than Harajuku Takeshita dori Street. Located in the heart of Tokyo, this 350-meter street is the ultimate destination for fashion and trend-conscious shoppers. From kawaii cute to edgy grunge and goth fashion, there’s something for everyone at Harajuku Takeshita Street—even Lady Gaga has been known to shop here! So get ready to explore the colorful and lively Harajuku Takeshita Street and get your kawaii on!
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Location:
Takeshita Street, located in the popular district of Harajuku in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, Japan, is one of the most iconic shopping spots in the city. Starting across the road from JR Harajuku Station, Takeshita Street is a 350-meter-long pedestrian street filled with unique shops, restaurants, and boutiques. The street is well-known for its variety of fashion-forward stores, selling everything from cute kawaii items to edgy grunge and goth-style clothing.
The street also features countless food vendors, from crepes to bubble tea and all kinds of street snacks. In addition, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes offering a wide selection of international and local cuisines. After dark, Takeshita Street comes alive with people dressed in the latest fashion trends and throngs of visitors taking in the atmosphere. So no matter what time of day you visit, you will be sure to find something to do on Takeshita Street.
What to expect?
Take a trip to the birthplace of the Japanese kawaii culture of Takeshita Street in Harajuku, known for fashion. You’ll be greeted by a bustling street full of people, fashion, and plenty of kawaii fun. This 350-meter stretch of road is known for its trendy shops and boutiques selling the latest fashion, from kawaii cute to edgy grunge and goth style.
The Takeshita Street Square is a great place to take a break and watch the fashionistas passing by. Many vendors sell traditional Japanese snacks such as taiyaki and sweet potato fries here. If you’re looking for something more substantial, several restaurants in the area serve delicious Japanese food.
The area around Takeshita Street comes alive at night with the many neon signs advertising the latest stores and restaurants. Be sure to look out for the iconic Takeshita Street sign, decorated with bright lights. Of course, no visit would be complete without some shopping—there’s a great selection of shoes, bags, and accessories to choose from.
Moreover, there are many real-life histories related to Takeshita Street. For example, many couples met there and got married later. On the other hand, many famous models, actors, and actresses meet their bosses and get a chance to work in the film industry.
No matter what time of day you visit, Takeshita Street in Harajuku is sure to make for an unforgettable experience.
Lady Gaga:
If you’re looking for a taste of the celebrity lifestyle, head to Takeshita Street in Harajuku! Lady Gaga, a famous singer and songwriter from the United States, is known to shop here and enjoy fashion and trends. You might even spot her walking along the street and browsing the stores. She often stops at Takeshita Street Square, where she can find a variety of different Takeshita Street shops that specialize in edgy grunge and goth fashion.
Look at the Takeshita Street sign and explore the shoes, clothes, and street food offerings. While strolling around this vibrant district, you can pick up some unique items, from cool sneakers to trendy handbags and backpacks. At night, the area is illuminated with colorful neon lights making it even more inviting.
There are also a number of Takeshita Street restaurants for you to explore if you need a break from all the shopping. So whether you’re looking for fashionable items or delicious treats, you’ll get something you like.
Boutiques:
Take a stroll down Takeshita Street in Harajuku, and you’ll find a range of stores catering to Tokyo’s fashion-forward set. At Takeshita Street Square, countless shops offer the latest trends in streetwear, vintage items, and accessories.
Young people find their fashion items at fashion boutiques here. One of the reasons why most young people love this pop culture fashion street is because of the low prices of the items. All kinds of clothes stores, from street fashion to Japanese kawaii fashion trend items, are available here.
Some of the famous department stores where local and foreign tourists enjoy shopping are gothic lolita, Liz Lisa, sailor moon store, ACDC rag store, etc. ACDC is one of the oldest stores.
For those looking for something more unique, several boutiques specialize in edgy grunge and goth fashion. At Takeshita Street, it doesn’t matter what style you’re looking for—you’re sure to find something to suit your needs. This is the place to come from high-end designer brands to smaller independent stores for all your shopping needs.
Miscellaneous stores:
Takeshita dori was a place where people loved buying fake Japanese and western style goods, including American street brand goods, in the early 1990s. Now Harajuku shopping for authentic western style goods is never-ending.
Besides fashion and restaurants, there are many famous brands, like British cosmetics famous brand, BODY SHOP, Japanese Daiso stores, 100 yen shop, and 7-Eleven. Daiso stores in Japan are famous for miscellaneous goods of daily commodity items, key chains, toys, and candy floss; from morning to evening, all the commodities are available at low prices.
Try to visit some other stores, such as-
- CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU
- sock shop
- Shiseido Beauty Square
- WOODEN DOLL
- Jeans Mate Takeshita Street
- Strawberry Fetish
- Seiko Boutique with Harajuku
- Cat Cafe MOCHA Harajuku
- Harajuku kawaii zoo
I’m sure you’ll enjoy the Takeshita and get something even though you don’t plan to buy anything. It’s a fun and interesting place to spend some time around.
Street food:
Takeshita Street in Harajuku is famous for its kawaii fashion, but it’s also home to an abundance of delicious street food. The Takeshita Street Square, located near the beginning of the street, is where many of the most popular stalls are found. You can find everything from crepes, takoyaki, and cotton candy to savory options like ramen and okonomiyaki.
Visitors buy rainbow cotton candy to taste and show it to their social media followers, like Facebook and Instagram. This TOTTI cotton candy factory is one of the famous destinations of the street.
Takeshita Street Square is a great spot for trying some classic Japanese eats. In the center of the square, you’ll find a collection of food stalls serving everything from sushi to takoyaki (octopus dumplings) and yakitori (grilled skewers). Remember to check out the crepe stands, a specialty of Takeshita Street! Try Santa Monica crepes or Marion Crepes.
As you make your way further down the street, you will come across more shops selling snacks such as croquettes, oden, and fast food from McDonald’s.
There are also a few restaurants near the end of Tokyo Takeshita-dori where you can get a more substantial meal. So whether you’re looking for a sweet snack or a full meal, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings on Takeshita Street.
Restaurants:
Harajuku’s Takeshita Street is not just a haven for fashion and trend-seeking shoppers but also a hub of delicious restaurants. The streets are lined with restaurants offering a variety of international cuisines, from Italian to Mexican, Chinese food, and more. Of course, there are also plenty of cafés and bakeries to satisfy your sweet tooth.
When night falls, Takeshita Street comes alive with its many eateries, offering late-night eats and drinks to keep your energy up during your shopping spree.
There’s plenty of choice at every turn on Takeshita Street, so no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something delicious in a kawaii culture atmosphere.
Nearby Hotels:
There are numerous hotels nearby. However, APA HOTEL, Vacation Stay, Trunk hotel, Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya Jingumae, and Karaksa Hotels.
Check the price here.
Surroundings:
Tokyo’s biggest Shinto Shrine, Meiji Jingu Shrine, is only a few steps away from here. Besides, the historic park, Yoyogi Park, is next to Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Shibuya is just a few minutes on foot from Takeshita Street, the ward’s main exciting shopping and entertainment zone.
Many tourists go there with a Walking Tour guide. Going with a tour guide is more fun than going alone. If you’re one of them, check here price and availability.
At night, the area surrounding Takeshita Street becomes alive with neon lights, filling the street with an energetic atmosphere that all can enjoy. No matter when you visit, Takeshita Street is a must-visit tourist spot for anyone looking to experience the fashion and culture of Harajuku.
For your information, Takeshita Street differs from Ueno Ameyoko Street, Golden Gai, Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho, Yanaka Ginza, Omoide Yokocho, and Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street. Takeshita Street is known as young people’s heaven and the birthplace of kawaii culture.
Operating hours:
11:00-20:00
Opens every day.
However, Takeshita Street Opening Hours depend on the owners. Therefore, the operation hours may be earlier or later than usual.
Admission fee:
Free
Access:
Nearest Station: Harajuku Station
(JR Yamanote Line)
Exit via Takeshita Exit
Walk 3 min (260 m)
Meijijingu-mae Station
(Tokyo Metro Subway Chiyoda Line / Fukutoshin Line)
Walk 3 min (270 m )
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