We all have our favorite places in the city we live in and Harajuku/Omotesando areas have definitely been mine. Two centrally-located neighborhoods in Tokyo merge seamlessly together to form a bustling and modern hub with a European feel, vibrant atmosphere and seemingly endless things to do. I love to peruse the little alleyways here, and no matter how many times I visit I still end up discovering something new and fascinating.
Harajuku is the ground zero for Japanese youth culture, fashion-forward edgy dressers, trendsetters and quirky personalities, while Omotesando (often referred to as the Champs-Élysées of Tokyo) is an upscale residential area with high-end boutiques, interesting concept stores and myriads of cafes for quick bites or full-on meals.
It gets really busy during the weekends and seems to be one of the most favorite areas for Japanese to meet up. For a good reason too, there is so much to do and see that you’d never get bored. Here is my guide of Top 10 Things to Do in Harajuku and Omotesando:
<3 Visit Meiji Shrine
Right in the midst of the modern lifestyle and the frantic rhythm of the soaring high-rises lies a lush ever-green grove hiding one of the oldest and most peaceful shrines in Tokyo. It is well worth the visit with its magnificent torii gates, beautiful woodwork, and serene atmosphere. If you happen to visit on the weekend you will have a solid chance to spot a few Japanese wedding processions too. Read my full guide to Meiji Shrine for further information.
<3 Eat the infamous crepes or cloud-like cotton candy
Takeshita Dori is synonymous with these colorful warm French-style Japanese crepes that come in myriads of flavors. Although you might be tempted to indulge in a cotton candy instead which is bigger than your head and comes in all rainbow colors. Kawaiiii.
<3 People-watch on Takeshita Dori and Harajuku streets
Young people across Japan flock to Harajuku to make their fashion statements. They come to see the latest trends and to start new ones. Maid outfits, neon-colored hair, and everything in a common thing to see – it’s a place where everything goes. It’s also the best place to immerse yourself into Japanese pop-culture. Sunday afternoon is a great time to spot the Cosplay, especially on Takeshita Dori. You can read more about Tokyo street fashion and see my gallery of amazing cosplay shenanigan I once stumbled upon for more insight.
<3 Have fun at the themed cafes
Harajuku is the hub for all things extraordinary and peculiar, including themed cafes. You can take a short break at one of the cute Cat Cafes, savor some delicious choux pastries at the adorable bunny-themed Nicholas Charles House or get a sensory overload at Kawaii Monster Café. The choices are endless and you are guaranteed to have loads of fun and unforgettable experience unique to Japan.
<3 Indulge in one of the best breakfasts in Tokyo
Omotesando and Harajuku areas are one of the best places to have breakfast, brunch or lunch because of the sheer amount of cafes littering every street. The first time visitors might feel a bit overwhelmed so I compiled a list of best breakfast spots for all breakfast aficionados out there looking for a special morning eats in Tokyo.
<3 Explore the art scene
<3 Eat the best tonkatsu in Tokyo
<3 Go for a shopping spree
<3 Take a coffee break
<3 Savor American Desserts
Have you been to these neighborhoods? What was your favorite thing to do?
xoxo, nano
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