Harajuku's Takeshita-dori: Best Shops, Food, and Trends

Takeshita-dori: Find the Latest Harajuku Fashion Trends

Photo by Pixta

Harajuku's Takeshita-dori is a 400-meter street filled with shops and eateries that proudly showcase Japan's "Kawaii" culture, emphasizing cute and lovable features across fashion, cosmetics, and food.

Located right in front of Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line, Takeshita-dori is also just a 5-minute walk from the main entrance to Meiji Jingu Shrine, allowing visitors to explore both attractions in half a day.

Many shops, cafes, and restaurants on Takeshita Street remain open until 9:00 PM or even 10:00 PM, making it an excellent spot for dinner or a leisurely evening stroll.

Harajuku Takeshita Street Guide

Harajuku Takeshita-dori Map and Access
The Latest Trends in Harajuku Takeshita-dori
Fashion Shops in Takeshita-dori
Street Food in Takeshita-dori
- Marion Crepes: For Sweet Delights
- Yurinan: Tasty Dorayaki Pancake Desserts
- TOTTI CANDY FACTORY: Rainbow Cotton Candy
Restaurants and Cafes in Harajuku Takeshita-dori
- Ramen Ippudo: With Plant-Based Ramen Options
- Kitchaan: Matcha Soba Noodles and Desserts
- Misaki: Conveyor Belt Sushi
- Sweets Paradise: Buffet-Style Desserts
Souvenir Shopping in Takeshita-dori
- For Cheap and Cute Souvenirs: Daiso Harajuku
- For Good-Quality and Affordable Cosmetics: Matsumoto Kiyoshi

Harajuku Takeshita-dori Map and Access

This map of Harajuku's Takeshita Street features popular shops in blue and dining locations in red. We introduce these spots below.

Not only is Takeshita-dori right in front of Harajuku Station, but it's also close to other Tokyo landmarks such as Meiji Jingu Shrine and Omotesando, which can be accessed in about 5 minutes on foot.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Jingu Shrine is one of Tokyo's most significant shrines, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who were instrumental in modernizing Japan in the late 19th century.

It's just a 5-minute walk from Takeshita-dori Street to the first torii gate of Meiji Jingu Shrine. Visiting this shrine offers a chance to experience the sacredness of Shinto rituals and admire the natural beauty of the Eternal Forest and the iris garden.

Omotesando Street

Omotesando Street connects Tokyo's stylish Aoyama district to Meiji Jingu Shrine and runs parallel to Takeshita-dori Street.

Known for its world-renowned brand boutiques, Omotesando also features eclectic shopping malls such as Tokyu Plaza Harajuku, Tokyu Plaza Omotesando, and Omotesando Hills.

It takes just about 3 minutes on foot to reach Omotesando from Takeshita-dori. This quick transition takes you from the cute, simple, and affordable aesthetics of Takeshita Street directly into the luxurious high-end atmosphere of Omotesando.

Other Tokyo Landmarks Nearby

Yoyogi Park, a famous cherry blossom in Tokyo, can also be accessed in about 5 minutes on foot from Takeshita-dori. It is also possible to reach Shibuya from Harajuku on foot; from Takeshita Street, it's a pleasant 15-minute walk.

The stylish Aoyama district with brand boutiques and art museums can be accessed from Takeshita Street via Omotesando Avenue in about 20 minutes.

The Latest Trends in Harajuku Takeshita-dori

Photo by Pixta

Takeshita Street has long been a hub for trendsetters and young designers launching their new shops.

In recent years, the number of cafés, dining spots, and dessert shops has outnumbered fashion boutiques. However, you can still discover charming stores offering quirky fashion items and vintage clothing.

Girls enjoying purikura. Photo by Pixta

One emerging trend on Takeshita-dori is the rise of purikura shops. These establishments feature booths where you can take photos alone or with friends and customize them with unique decorations, making for memorable experiences in Harajuku.

Our recommended spot is Purikura Land Noa, which has 25 photo booths where you can take quirky photos.

Another popular trend is colorful sweets, ranging from rainbow cotton candy to exquisite crepes and unique beverages. You can sample these delights at shops like TOTTI CANDY FACTORY, Sweets Box, Marion, and more.

Harajuku's Takeshita-dori is all about color, fun, and creativity—you'll immediately feel this vibrant atmosphere as you explore the street.

Fashion Shops in Takeshita-dori

Photo by Pixta

If you're looking for Lolita fashion and clothing inspired by gothic and punk trends, visit Closet Child Harajuku, one of the best shops that showcases the individual fashion that Harajuku is famous for.

Although technically not on Takeshita-dori, LaForet Harajuku is a shopping mall we highly recommend for anyone interested in Harajuku fashion. Boasting seven floors filled with boutiques showcasing truly unique styles, along with a museum on the top floor, LaForet offers an authentic experience of the vibrant and original fashion trends that define Harajuku.

Another recommendation nearby is Candy Stripper HARAJUKU, a women's fashion brand that embodies the concept of "NO RULE, NO GENRE, NO AGE," allowing individuals to express themselves freely, regardless of age or gender. We recommend it for those seeking unique and cute fashion items.

WEGO 1.3.5... is a lifestyle shop by the WEGO brand, specializing in affordable items. The store offers a wide variety of trendy goods, primarily priced at 100 yen, 300 yen, and 500 yen. You'll find a colorful selection of items typical of WEGO, including fan merchandise, stationery, gadgets, and more.

Street Food in Takeshita-dori

Marion Crepes: For Sweet Delights

Marion Crepes Takeshita Street is the original shop that popularized crepes in Harajuku. Established nearly 50 years ago, it introduced unique crepe toppings, including ice cream and fruit, creating treats with a distinct Harajuku flair.

There are also other excellent crepe shops on Takeshita Street, such as Santa Monica and Sweet Box. Sweet Box features an adjacent café where you can enjoy your crepe desserts indoors.

Marion Crepes Takeshita Street
Location: Map
Hours: 10:00 - 21:00
Official Website: https://www.marion.co.jp/store/tokyo/ (Japanese)

Yurinan: Tasty Dorayaki Pancake Desserts

Yurinan is a specialty store for dorayaki, a traditional Japanese dessert made of two thick pancakes filled with various ingredients.

While the classic version features an adzuki bean filling, Yurinan offers creative alternatives such as whipped cream flavored with matcha green tea, chocolate, and sweet potato, often combined with fruit, mochi (glutinous rice cakes), and other ingredients.

Yurinan provides an eat-in area, and their treats are also available for take-out.

Yurinan Harajuku
Location: Map
Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Official Website: https://yurinan.net/pages/harajukutakeshitastreetyurinan (Japanese)

TOTTI CANDY FACTORY: Rainbow Cotton Candy

Photo by Pixta

TOTTI CANDY FACTORY, a popular spot on Takeshita Street, is known for its colorful rainbow cotton candy. The vibrant cotton candy is highly photogenic, making it perfect for capturing memorable travel photos.

Each fluffy cotton candy is carefully crafted by artisans, made to order for each customer. Their most popular cotton candy is the Harajuku Rainbow priced at 1,000 yen and only available at their Harajuku store.

TOTTI CANDY FACTORY
Location: Map
Hours: Weekdays 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Official Website: http://www.totticandy.com/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/totticandyfactory/

Restaurants and Cafes in Harajuku Takeshita-dori

Ramen Ippudo: With Plant-Based Ramen Options

Ippudo Harajuku, located underground near the entrance to Takeshita Street, is a ramen restaurant offering a variety of dishes like tonkotsu (pork) ramen, Hakata-style ramen, salt and soy sauce ramen, but also plant-based options, within the price range of 1,000 to 2,000 yen.

The restaurant provides an English menu and staff who are accustomed to serving foreign customers, ensuring a stress-free dining experience.

One of Ippudo's standout features is its extended hours, as it remains open until 10:30 PM, making it an ideal spot for a late dinner on Takeshita Street.

Ippudo Harajuku Takeshita Street
Location: Map
Hours: 11:00 - 22:30
Official Website: hhttps://stores.ippudo.com/1147

Kitchaan: Matcha Soba Noodles and Desserts

Kitchaan is a restaurant specializing in matcha-flavored soba noodle dishes, which have a distinctive fragrance that stimulates the appetite.

At Kitchaan, these noodles are paired with a variety of options, including tempura (deep-fried items), fried chicken, vegetables, and other side dishes.

The restaurant also features a café menu with matcha desserts and beverages, as well as an extensive selection of alcoholic drinks. If you're interested in trying some high-quality Japanese sake, be sure to check the menu.

Kitchaan
Location: Map
Hours: Weekdays 10:00 - 22:00, Saturdays and Sundays 9:00 - 22:00
Official Website: https://www.kitchaan.com/en/menu/cafe/

Misaki: Conveyor Belt Sushi

If you find yourself craving sushi on Takeshita Street, drop by Misaki, a conveyor belt sushi restaurant located underground.

Misaki uses ingredients brought from Tokyo's largest fish market, Toyosu, and is particular about its sushi rice. It uses red vinegar made from sake lees that has been aged for over two years. Unlike typical sushi rice, this imparts a mild acidity and richness that enhances the flavor of the toppings.

A plate with two pieces of sushi costs anything between 121 yen and 420 yen. The store also offers season-limited menus, making it fun to revisit.

Misaki
Location: Map
Hours: 11:00 - 22:00
Official Website: https://www.kyotaru.co.jp/misaki/en/

Sweets Paradise: Buffet-Style Desserts

Picture courtesy of Sweets Paradise

Sweets Paradise SoLaDo Harajuku Store is a place where you can enjoy a buffet of cakes and sweets. The array of desserts includes strawberry shortcake, berry cake, mille-feuille, tiramisu, and more, along with light meal options like pasta and curry.

Payment can be made not only by credit card but also through mobile payment options such as AliPay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay.

Sweets Paradise SoLaDo Harajuku Store
Location: Map
Hours: Weekdays 11:00 - 20:30, Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays 10:30 - 21:00
(Last entry: 1.5 hours before closing / Last order: 30 minutes before closing)
Official Website: https://www.sweets-paradise.jp/

Souvenir Shopping in Takeshita-dori

For Cheap and Cute Souvenirs: Daiso Harajuku

DAISO Harajuku Store is a large 100 yen shop. Most items are priced at 110 yen, making it an attractive option for those who seek cute and affordable items from Japan.

Inside the store, you'll find a wide variety of items including food, cosmetics, and goods featuring Japanese motifs. The products are labeled in English, making shopping easy and convenient.

DAISO Harajuku Store
Location: Map
Hours: 9:30 - 21:00
Official Website: https://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/

For Good-Quality and Affordable Cosmetics: Matsumoto Kiyoshi

The Matsumoto Kiyoshi drugstore on Takeshita Street is the go-to spot for affordable cosmetics and beauty care items. The store is open until 10:00 PM, making it perfect for late-night shopping.

Don't forget to use the up to 7% discount coupon offered by MATCHA for your purchases at Matsumoto Kiyoshi to take advantage of great deals on your products.

Also, although not technically on Takeshita Street but very close, right in from of Harajuku Station, @cosme TOKYO is also a great place to buy cosmetics. Its spacious 3-floor layout offers plenty of testers, so you can freely try products that catch your eye right on the spot.

You can also easily test popular beauty devices from Japan and abroad. The store is equipped with foreign currency exchange machines, translation devices, and multilingual guidance, ensuring a worry-free shopping experience.

Experience Japan's Kawaii Culture on Takeshita Street

Takeshita Street is filled with shops featuring trendy fashion and photogenic sweets. When you visit Takeshita-dori, immerse yourself in the joy of Kawaii culture to your heart's content.