Harajuku (原宿) is known for its extreme youth fashion and, more generally, as a mecca for teenagers. Opposite the Takeshita Exit of JR Harajuku Station is Takeshita Dori, a shopping street crammed either side with clothes stores, crepe stalls, and cheap restaurants. Adults are few and far between—this really is a place for the kids who will in a few years opt for Shibuya as their stomping ground. But Takeshita Dori is fun to walk down no matter what your age or interests. Its in-your-face, youths-only attitude is kind of endearing and gives you a good feel for the rebellious side of Japan’s teenagers.
Most of the shops are glitzy establishments peddling clothes at a permanent discount, while others cater for a more edgy Japanese street fashion, be that spiked leather boots or cuter-than-cute doll-like attire. Sunday morning is an excellent time to visit as the “cosplay” (costume + play) girls and boys gather around Harajuku Station to show off the latest trends.
