Top 5 Things To Do On Takeshita Street

Harajuku is a district in Shibuya, Tokyo, that explodes with youthful energy and eccentric fashion. Takeshita Street is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the vibrant pop culture scene of Japan.

A Quick Jump To…

• Basic Phrases
• Navigating Takeshita Street
• Indulge in Unique Street Food
• Take Fun Pictures With Your Friends
• Try Your Luck At A Gachapon Palace
• Immerse Yourself in Alternative Japanese Fashion
• Relax and Recharge

Mastering the Basics

Before diving in, let’s learn a few essential Japanese phrases that will help you navigate Harajuku:

• すみません Sumimasen: Excuse me (useful for politely getting someone’s attention)
• ください Kudasai: Please (used when making a request)
• ありがとうございます Arigatou Gozaimasu: Thank you very much
• これはいくらですか Kore wa ikuradesu ka?: How much is this?
• はい Hai: Yes
• いいえ Iie: No
• 別のサイズはありますか？Betsu no saizu wa arimasu ka?: Do you have another size?

Navigating Takeshita Street

This pedestrian-only street is the heart of Harajuku’s kawaii (cute) fashion scene. Packed with shops selling everything from decora to lolita styles, it’s a feast for the eyes. Make sure to keep your eyes up as there are dozens of shops and unique cafes on every level that you might miss!

1. Indulge in unique street food: 

Marion Crepes

• Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−6−15 ジュネスビル 1F
• Hours: 10.30am-8.30pm, Sat & Sun 10am-8.30pm
• Menu: Sweet and Savory Crepes!
• Price range: $

Totti Candy Factory

• Address: 1-16-5 Jingumae Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays; 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends
• Menu: Cotton Candy
• Price range: $

 Long! Longer!! Longest!!!

• Address:  〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−7−3 1F Cute Cube Harajuku 
• Hours: 10 a.m to 8 p.m
• Menu: Potatoes, Churros, Cotton Candy
• Price range: $

Le Shiner

• Address: COXY176 Bld. 1F, 1-7-10, Jingumae, Shibuya Ku, Tokyo To, 150-0001,Japan
• Hours: 11 a.m to 6 p.m
• Menu: Rainbow Sandwiches & Ice cream
• Price range: $

2. Take fun pictures with your friends

Purikura is a photo booth unlike any you’ve probably done before! Borrow silly costume pieces and smile for the camera but that’s just the beginning. What makes Purikura special is decorating the photos afterward. You can add text, stickers, doodles, and sparkles to your photos to make them super individual to your taste! Pro-tip: Download the Purikura ON app to easily access digital copies of your photos at any time! Keep in mind; it does require a monthly fee of ¥300 for access!

Purikura

• Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, 渋谷区Jingumae, 1 Chome−17-5
• Hours: 8 a.m to 11:30 p.m (last entry 10:30 p.m)
• Price Range: $ to $$

3. Try your luck at a Gachapon palace

Takeshita Street is lined with multiple capsule toy stores. There are hundreds of different capsule toys you can get ranging from miniature snacks to characters and merch from your favorite Japanese anime and video game series!  

Capsule Lab

• Address: 1F･B1F Village 107, 1-19-24 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001. 
• Hours: 9:30 a.m to 9 p.m
• Price range: $

4. Immerse yourself in alternative Japanese fashion:

Takeshita Street is home to some of the most famous and unique fashion brands. Whatever your vibe is; you’re bound to see something you can’t find anywhere else.

ACDC Rag

• Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−16−7 林ビル 1F. 
• Hours: 11 a.m to 7 p.m
• Price range: $$ 

Closet Child

• Address:  〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 7 Chome−10−20 ワセダ ST ビル 4階
• Hours: 4 p.m to 7 p.m
• Price range: $$-$$$

5. Relax and Recharge:

If you need a place to recharge, you have to visit one of the unique cafes.

Harajuku Hedgehog Cafe

• Address: Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Jingumae 1-6-12, ITO Building 3F
• Hours: 1 p.m to 6 p.m on weekdays 11 a.m to 6 p.m on weekends
• Menu: Vending machine drinks, no food no outside alcohol
• Price range: $-$$
• Reservations: By the hour

PompomPurin Maid Cafe

• Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−7−1 3階 Cute Cube Harajuku!
• Hours: 11 a.m to 9 p.m on weekdays 10 a.m to 9 p.m on weekends
• Menu: Cute meals and cuter sweets!
• Price range: $-$$
• Reservations: No online reservation but in-person wait times are not bad

Recap:

Takeshita Street is a sensory overload in the best way possible. With a mix of trendy finds, quirky cafes, and pop-culture fun, it caters to every kind of traveler. So, grab your bestie and get ready to explore this vibrant district!