Fashion, Food & Fun Along Harajuku’s Most Iconic Street
🌟 What is Takeshita Street?
Takeshita Street is a narrow, energetic shopping street located directly across from JR Harajuku Station, famous for its teen fashion, kawaii trends, character goods, and sweets.
It’s the heart of Tokyo’s youth culture, where J-pop, cosplay, vintage shops, and colorful street snacks collide in the most vibrant way possible.
Every corner is Instagram-worthy, making it a must-see for first-time visitors, fashionistas, and foodies alike.
🔭 Why Visit Takeshita Street?
- 👗 Unique Fashion Boutiques: From punk to pastel, J-style to gothic
- 🍓 Iconic Street Sweets: Crepes, rainbow cotton candy, bubble tea
- 🧸 Kawaii & Character Goods: Sanrio, Pokémon, anime merch & accessories
- 📷 Colorful Streetscapes: Graffiti walls, themed cafés, costumed locals
- 💄 Affordable Accessories & Makeup: Trendy, fun, and budget-friendly
- 🌏 Youth Culture at Its Peak: The birthplace of many Japanese trends
📸 Featured Shops & Spots
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Fashion & Vintage | WEGO, 6%DOKIDOKI, Chicago Harajuku, Spinns |
| Kawaii Goods | Sanrio Vivitix, W♥C, Thank You Mart (¥390 shop) |
| Street Food | Marion Crepes, Totti Candy Factory, Long potato fries |
| Photo Spots | Rainbow steps, crepe stalls, aesthetic alleys |
| Cosplay & Wigs | Bodyline, boutique accessory stores for Harajuku-style lovers |
🎟️ Admission & Hours
- 🎫 Admission: Free (open-air shopping street)
- 🕒 Shops: Generally open from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- 🚶♀️ Best to visit: Weekdays early afternoon or just before sunset
- 📷 No entry fee, photography allowed — it’s a selfie haven!
🚨 Visitor Tips
- 👗 Sizes may be Japan-standard — try before you buy if possible
- 💳 Many shops accept credit cards, but cash is safest for food stands
- 🧴 Avoid weekends if you dislike crowds — it can get packed
- 🧁 Don’t miss Harajuku crepes — they’re practically a tradition!
- 🧍♀️ Be respectful of cosplayers and street fashion lovers when taking photos
🚉 Access
- Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) – Takeshita Exit is right at the entrance
- Meiji-Jingumae Station (Chiyoda / Fukutoshin Lines) – 2 min walk
- Street runs ~400m and connects to Omotesando area
🍓 Top 3 Sweet Treats to Try
1. Marion Crepes
- 🍓 Legendary Harajuku crepe stand since 1976
- 📍 Midway down Takeshita Street
- 🕒 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
2. Totti Candy Factory
- 🍭 Giant rainbow cotton candy + pastel interior = Instagram gold
- 📍 Near entrance (right side)
- 🕒 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
3. LONG! LONGER!! LONGEST!!!
- 🍟 Absurdly long fries, churros & sausage-on-sticks
- 📍 End of Takeshita Street
- 🕒 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🔁 Sample Plan: “Harajuku Kawaii Walk”
🕐 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- 👗 Start at Takeshita Gate → Begin shopping at WEGO & Spinns
- 🧸 Grab character goods at Sanrio Vivitix
- 🧁 Enjoy a crepe + cotton candy at mid-street
- 📷 Take photos at colorful backstreets & shop murals
- 🛍️ Grab accessories at Thank You Mart (¥390 deals!)
- 🚶♀️ Exit toward Omotesando or loop back via Meiji Shrine
📍 Address & Info
Takeshita Street (竹下通り)
1 Chome Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
📞 No official phone (public street)
🌐 Info & maps: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/23/index.html