Harajuku, Tokyo

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Harajuku is a district in Shibuya ward in Tokyo. As a tourist, you will remember it as the place to go, to see young Japanese people and their rather outlandish dress sense. This is especially true on Sunday afternoons. The Harajuku street style has been talked about and written in both Japanese as well as intertnational publications, so much so that it has made Harajuku a fashion capital of sorts.

Takeshita-don in Harajuku
Author: Brandon Daniel (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)

The Harajuku area can be described as the site around JR Harajuku Station, between Shinjuku and Shibuya. The station, which is served by the Yamanote Line, is a timber-frame structure that looks like an English country home. It is a popular shopping area. The main shopping streets are Takeshita-don and Omote-sando.

Takeshita-don has tiny stores selling the gear and make-up for those young people to dress up. Among the styles you can find includes Gothic Lolita, visual kei, rockabilly, hip-hop, punk, and hybrids of all the aforementioned styles.

Street musicians at Yoyogi Park
Author: Peter Van den Bossche (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)

Omote-sando, on the other hand, is significantly more upscale, tree-lined, and has been branded Tokyo's Champs-Élysées. The usual suspects in luxurious brands are represented here, among them Prada, Louis Vuitton and Chanel.

Meiji-jingu Shrine, Harajuku
Author: Rs1421 (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)

How to go to Harajuku

By Subway
Take the Tokyo subway to the Meiji-jingumae Subway Station, served by the Chiyoda Line (C-03) and the Fukutoshin Line (F-15). Take the Meiji-dori Exit and that will deposit you right in front of the Meiji-jingu Shrine, next to the JR Harajuku Station.

By Train
The Yamanote Line takes you from Tokyo Station to the JR Harajuku Station, next to the Meiji-jingu Shrine and at the beginning of Omote-sando street.

Harajuku Station, Tokyo
Author: Chris 73 (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)

Location Map of Harajuku

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What to see in Harajuku

Omotesando Hills
Major shopping mall along Omote-sando.
Meiji-jingu Shrine
Shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort.
Togo-jinja Shrine
Shrine dedicated to Admiral Togo Heihachiro.
Yoyogi Park
A large park and popular hangout for young people on Sundays.

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