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.

Looking down Harajuku’s Takeshita Dori from the station

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.

Information
Location
Harajuku, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
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Key Attractions

Meiji Jingu

Famous shrine with a beautiful gravel path with trees either side built in dedication to Emperor Meiji for his role in restoring imperial rule to Japan and accelerating its industrialization.
Hours for the shrine differ by month broadly in-line with sunrise and sunset times, closing as early as 4pm in December and as late as 6:30pm in June.

Ota Memorial Museum of Art

Art museum holding over 14.000 ukiyo-e works, including 12.000 works collected by the late SeizĹŤ Ota â…¤, a former former president of TĹŤhĹŤ Insurance Company.
10:30-17:30 (last admission at 17:00). Closed on Mondays unless that a public holiday.
ÂĄ700 for the planned exhibitions. ÂĄ1,000 for the special exhibitions

Takeshita Street

Busy shopping street famous with teenagers for fashion and crepes which has played a significant part in directing and influence youth culture for the past few decades.

Yoyogi Park

Large park west of Shibuya ward especially popular during the cherry blossoms which also served as an Olympic Village for the 1964 Tokyo games.
Free
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