Harajuku Station
Harajuku Station: Tokyo's vibrant gateway to youth culture, unique fashion, and iconic street food. A must-visit for trendsetters and explorers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Harajuku Station
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Harajuku Station: Tokyo's vibrant gateway to youth culture, unique fashion, and iconic street food. A must-visit for trendsetters and explorers.
"Harajuku Station is more than a train station; it's an entertainment and style hub."
🎯 Embrace the Crepe Craze
Don't leave without trying a Harajuku crepe! They're a quintessential part of the experience.
👟 Explore Beyond Takeshita
While Takeshita Street is famous, explore side streets for unique boutiques and less crowded finds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Takeshita Street
Adjacent to Harajuku Station
Immerse yourself in kawaii culture, vibrant street style, and delicious crepes. A sensory overload of color and energy!
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Short walk from Harajuku Station
Find serenity in this peaceful oasis dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. A stark contrast to the Harajuku buzz.
Harajuku Station Architecture
Harajuku Station
Admire the unique blend of old and new architecture, a testament to Tokyo's evolving urban landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Experience
Harajuku Station: More Than Just a Stop
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Crepe Craze
Don't leave without trying a Harajuku crepe! They're a quintessential part of the experience.
👟 Explore Beyond Takeshita
While Takeshita Street is famous, explore side streets for unique boutiques and less crowded finds.
🚶♀️ Walk from Shinjuku/Shibuya
Consider walking between Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya for sightseeing and to manage steps.
📸 Capture the Street Style
Weekends are best for spotting unique fashion. Be respectful when taking photos of people.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Crepe Craze
Don't leave without trying a Harajuku crepe! They're a quintessential part of the experience.
👟 Explore Beyond Takeshita
While Takeshita Street is famous, explore side streets for unique boutiques and less crowded finds.
🚶♀️ Walk from Shinjuku/Shibuya
Consider walking between Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya for sightseeing and to manage steps.
📸 Capture the Street Style
Weekends are best for spotting unique fashion. Be respectful when taking photos of people.
🛍️ Shop 'til You Drop
Harajuku is a fashion paradise. Budget accordingly, especially if you're drawn to trendy streetwear.
📱 Use Navigation Apps
Navigating Tokyo can be tricky. Google Maps or similar apps are essential for finding your way.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Harajuku is celebrated as a world-famous shopping district and a vibrant hub of youth culture, offering unique fashion, delicious street food like crepes, and a lively atmosphere. Visitors appreciate its proximity to major transport links and nearby attractions like Meiji Jingu Shrine. However, the area can become extremely crowded, especially on weekends, which can detract from the experience for some.
"We came to Harajuku for some shopping....this is one of the most popular and best shopping district in Tokyo...it is also world famous....there are many sneakers shops and fashion stores that are at the front end of the fashion hypebeast world....it gets super crowded...be sure to come at a good time....the shops are amazing..."
Eric Tang
"Late May 2023. Review is on Harajuku itself, not the station (though the station itself is very convenient) Go, walk. Shops and Crepes. The day we went it didn't seem that busy. We were on the main street, but the side streets seemed shuttered(?). It may be because we went late in the afternoon. Suggestion is probably go when you want a crepe for lunch (preferably at a time when not so many people are also looking for a crepe). Weekend would probably be cooler to see more people in their 'be yourself' wear.
If I were with a younger group of people, I'd browse more. But was with my older brothers, so they weren't as interested, as just to have been there.
lols, the tour group brought us all the way to the sailor moon store, which was cool, if I were with a younger group of people. =P. This was the last stop with the tour for the day. Brothers wanted izakaya - we went to Yokocho."
Matthew Cody
"Boom, boom, boom!!!
A must-visit place before you die.
A bustling and unique place with full of vibes. Fashion, food, jewellery, pets, art, tradition, you name it.
100% you will forget about time around here. Only your stomach tells you when it needs your attention.
Everything is near by the station. It is a fantastic area for a day visit from kids to grand parents. Just make sure that you visit here after your pay day or with an unlimited credit card.
What an incredible experience Harajuku offers.
3 stars for me as I like a bit more humble places."
aussie_ojichan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the JR Yamanote Line directly from Tokyo Station to Harajuku Station. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk, especially if you go through Meiji Jingu Shrine or Yoyogi Park. It takes about 30-40 minutes.
Harajuku Station is primarily served by the JR Yamanote Line. The nearest subway station is Meiji-jingumae 'Harajuku' Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin Lines.
You can take the JR Yamanote Line one stop from Shibuya Station to Harajuku Station, which takes about 2 minutes. Alternatively, it's a walkable distance of about 20-25 minutes.
Yes, you can take the JR Yamanote Line directly from Ueno Station to Harajuku Station. The travel time is around 25 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Harajuku Station is a public transport hub. You'll need a train ticket or an IC card (like Suica or Pasmo) to enter the JR Yamanote Line platforms.
Takeshita Street is a public street, so there are no entrance fees. You only pay for the items you purchase.
Most shops on Takeshita Street open around 10 AM and close between 7 PM and 8 PM. Some cafes and restaurants may have later hours.
Meiji Jingu Shrine is free to enter. The inner garden and treasure museum have separate, small admission fees.
Yes, the JR Yamanote Line is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, making it a convenient way to reach Harajuku Station.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Style
Harajuku is famous for its unique fashion boutiques, vintage stores, kawaii merchandise, and themed cafes. You'll find everything from streetwear to cosplay items.
You can create custom rings at places like Ringram, which is a short walk from Harajuku Station.
Yes, Cosme, a large cosmetic store, is located right in front of Harajuku Station and spans three floors, offering a wide range of Japanese and Korean beauty products.
Look for shops like @cas:pace official for personalized phone cases and other unique items, located about a 15-minute walk from Shibuya towards Harajuku.
Harajuku is known for its vibrant and eclectic street style, often referred to as 'kawaii' culture. Expect bold colors, unique accessories, and a strong sense of individuality.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Harajuku is famous for its sweet crepes, colorful cotton candy, and unique street snacks. Don't miss trying a strawberry chocolate crepe! 
Babytapi Tokyo Harajuku, near Harajuku Station, offers various tapioca drinks, including tropical fruit flavors.
While some specialty items can be pricey, you can find more affordable snacks like cotton candy and smaller street food items. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven also offer budget-friendly options.
Besides street food, you'll find cafes, fast-food chains, and themed restaurants. For a more traditional experience, you might need to venture slightly further or towards Shibuya/Shinjuku.
Yes, CHERMSIDE SANDWICH, a short walk from Harajuku Station, is known for its delicious egg sandwiches.
📸 📸 Photography
Takeshita Street offers a colorful backdrop, while the entrance to Meiji Jingu Shrine provides a more serene setting. The unique architecture of Harajuku Station is also photogenic.
While Harajuku is known for its street style, it's important to be respectful. Ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
Weekday mornings offer the best opportunities for unobstructed photos of the street and shops.
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku has a rooftop with views, offering a different perspective of the area.
Yes, you can take photos inside and around Harajuku Station, appreciating its architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great place for them to explore unique toys and souvenirs. For a dose of nature and calm, the nearby Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park provide space for children to run around and enjoy a peaceful break from the city buzz.When visiting with children, consider going on a weekday to avoid the most intense crowds. The sheer variety of snacks available means you can easily find something to please picky eaters. The proximity of Harajuku Station to other family-friendly areas like Shibuya also makes it a convenient stop on a larger itinerary.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Consider walking from nearby areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku to save on train fares, especially if you enjoy exploring on foot and want to see more of the city.
👫 Couples
+1 The eclectic street style provides endless entertainment and photo opportunities. For a romantic and peaceful interlude, visit the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine, a beautiful place for a quiet stroll and reflection.Consider creating a personalized memento by designing custom rings at Ringram,
a fun and memorable activity. Enjoy the contrast between the buzzing street life and the calm of the shrine, making for a dynamic and engaging day. The area also offers trendy cafes and eateries for a relaxed coffee break or a casual meal.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Harajuku Station and Its Connections
For those looking to explore on foot, Harajuku Station is an excellent starting point. It's a pleasant walk to Shibuya (about 20-25 minutes) and a slightly longer but scenic route to Shinjuku (around 30-40 minutes), especially if you pass through Meiji Jingu Shrine or Yoyogi Park.
When planning your journey, remember that Harajuku Station can get very busy, particularly during peak hours and on weekends. Having an IC card like Suica or Pasmo, or a Japan Rail Pass, will streamline your entry and exit from the station.
The Heart of Harajuku: Takeshita Street and Beyond
This narrow, bustling lane is an explosion of color, sound, and quirky shops selling everything from avant-garde clothing and accessories to anime merchandise and novelty items. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in the 'kawaii' aesthetic and unique Japanese trends.Beyond the immediate vicinity of the station, Harajuku offers diverse experiences. A short stroll leads to the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, a peaceful oasis dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, offering a stark contrast to the vibrant street scene.
For those seeking a more upscale shopping experience, Omotesando, often called Tokyo's Champs-Élysées, is also within walking distance, featuring high-end boutiques and designer stores.Food is an integral part of the Harajuku experience. Indulge in the iconic Harajuku crepes, colorful cotton candy, and a variety of other sweet and savory street snacks. Cafes and themed eateries abound, catering to every taste and whim.
+1Fashion and Shopping in Harajuku
You'll find shops specializing in cosplay, gothic lolita attire, and vibrant streetwear that reflects the area's youthful energy.For those interested in specific fashion items, Cosme, a multi-story cosmetic store, is conveniently located right in front of Harajuku Station, offering a vast selection of Japanese and Korean beauty products.
If you're looking for personalized accessories, Ringram allows you to create custom rings, a popular activity for couples and friends. For unique phone cases and souvenirs, consider exploring shops like @cas:pace official.While the main street is a whirlwind of activity, don't hesitate to explore the smaller side streets. These often hide hidden gems and independent designers, offering a more curated shopping experience away from the main crowds. Remember to budget for your shopping spree, as Harajuku is known for its trendy and sometimes pricey offerings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit