Explore Harajuku - The Dynamic District of Japan

Harajuku is more than just a bustling atmosphere with crowds bustling through. It's a neighborhood that converges unique cultural aspects, distinct fashion styles, and spiritual landmarks deeply rooted in Japanese culture. In this article, Mytour brings you some insights about this impressive neighborhood, so scroll down to read on!

Harajuku - The Vibrant District of Tokyo

Harajuku is a neighborhood nestled between Shibuya and Shinjuku. It's renowned for its fashion streets selling clothing and accessories in punk, Gothic Lolita, Hip-hop styles, and more. Stepping into this district, you'll have the chance to admire colorful streets adorned with vibrant billboards, glittering neon lights, and especially energetic youths cosplaying as familiar anime characters.

Harajuku is a beloved destination for many travelers.@Unsplash

But that's not all; Harajuku is also a gathering place for diverse fashion stores, ranging from affordable to luxury brands like Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton,... Here, you'll easily find unique cosplay accessories and trendy outfits at incredibly affordable prices. Moreover, this street is dotted with delicious street food stalls selling authentic Japanese snacks.

Overall, the highlight of Harajuku district is undoubtedly fashion. Many tourists assert that this is one of the places influencing the fashion scene of Japan in particular and Asia in general.

The ideal time to visit Harajuku

You can visit Harajuku at any time of the year. Being a bustling district, Harajuku is crowded year-round with various unique events. If you want to experience more sightseeing, you can visit Harajuku in March-April and October-November, as these are the times when the weather in Tokyo is cool and pleasant, perfect for strolling around Harajuku.

You can visit Harajuku at any time of the year.@Unsplash

Getting to Harajuku

If you're traveling from Vietnam, you'll need to purchase a flight ticket to Tokyo. This flight ticket will take you to Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Upon arrival at Haneda Airport, you can head to your hotel and then travel to Harajuku using one of the following transportation options:

Subway:

If you're elsewhere, you can use the Google Maps app to look up the train routes you need to take.

The subway is the ideal mode of transportation for getting around Harajuku.

Airport shuttle:

Exciting sights and activities await you in Harajuku.

Harajuku is a bustling district with modern fashion-forward stores, and here are 5 must-visit spots in Harajuku:

Kawaii Monster Cafe Harajuku

This is a restaurant-cafe that attracts tourists with its vibrant appearance and upscale meals. It's not just about dining; you'll also witness famous Cosplay characters and a dazzlingly surreal space that's completely different from the outside world. If you dine at Kawaii Monster Cafe Harajuku in the evening, you'll feel the lively and bustling atmosphere of Harajuku's streets, especially joyous.

The ambiance at Kawaii Monster Cafe Harajuku.

NHK Studio Park

NHK Studio Park is a place specialized in organizing exciting events and unique exhibitions. It's a favorite destination for many foreign tourists, especially children. It's where interactive sessions with famous figures from popular children's programs take place. It's predicted to be a paradise of fun for little ones.

For adults, this is where you can learn about the production of TV programs through exhibitions and participate in live recordings broadcasted on TV.

Laforet Harajuku

Laforet Harajuku Complex

Outside the Laforet Harajuku Complex.@Wikipedia

Omotesando Hills Complex

Omotesando Hills Complex

Takeshita Street

This street is dubbed as the main artery of Harajuku. It's where many Japanese youths gather, offering a plethora of quirky souvenirs and the joy of shopping in closely-packed fashion stores.

Takeshita Street bustling with people.@Unsplash

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Jingu is the tranquil shrine of Emperor Meiji in Japan, a beloved destination for many visitors seeking peace and serenity in Harajuku and Shibuya. At Meiji Jingu, you'll gaze upon the clear blue sky adorned with lush greenery and admire the ancient shrines with impressive traditional architecture.

Unmissable Dining Spots in Shibuya

Culinary delights always make for an exciting experience in any journey. If you've chosen to explore Harajuku, then you should definitely visit these popular dining spots:

Kuri

Indulge in over 100 different types of sake at this bar. Here, you'll enjoy rich sake parties with delicious snacks. The bar is located about 7km from Ginza station - quite a distance but well worth the travel time and experience. Plus, they currently offer many affordable sake tasting combos, so don't forget to bring your friends for a chat!

Head to Kuri to savor some aromatic sake varieties.

Jiromaru

This is a standing grill meat restaurant. They often serve delicious grilled beef and beef heart at relatively good prices. Here, you can order special fresh meat blocks. The eatery is very close to Seibu station (about 1.6km) and usually opens from 11 pm, closing at 5 am the next morning.

Grilled beef is a tempting delicacy at Jiromaru.

Afuri ramen

This is a restaurant specializing in serving delicious traditional-flavored ramen noodles. Here, you'll enjoy bowls of ramen beautifully adorned with vibrant colors from vegetables, eggs, onions, meat, and more. Additionally, the restaurant also serves vegetarian ramen with tasty fresh greens. The restaurant is only about a 3-minute walk from the Takeshita exit at JR Harajuku station, making it quite convenient for commuting.

Ramen is an irresistible delicacy.

Gyozaro Harajuku

Gyozaro Harajuku is renowned for its delicious pork bun dumplings. The crispy golden-brown fried buns or soft steamed buns at the restaurant are favored by many tourists as a satisfying snack. The buns are dipped in a special sauce creating an unmatched flavor. These dumplings are often enjoyed with tea or beer. Note that the restaurant is usually crowded during peak hours, so be prepared to wait in line, but it's totally worth it.

The dumplings at the restaurant are extremely popular.

Sushi Bar Yasuda

Sushi Bar Yasuda restaurant space isn't overly large, with just a small bar counter to serve guests and inside are chefs preparing food. The restaurant only serves about 8 guests per session, so tourists need to time their visit or make reservations in advance. This sushi joint boasts dishes made from fresh ingredients, promising delightful taste experiences.

The restaurant space at Sushi Bar Yasuda.

Where to stay when visiting Harajuku?

Here, Mytour will suggest some Harajuku hotels for you to consider when planning your stay in this neighborhood for a few days:

Imano Tokyo Hostel

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Imano Tokyo Hostel is located about 810m from Shinjuku. This is a budget-friendly Harajuku hotel with fully equipped modern rooms. The hotel's sleeping quarters are decorated in a minimalist style, featuring an expansive and relaxed atmosphere with on-site dining, coffee, and a chill bar.

Exterior of the hotel. @Imano Tokyo Hostel

The Millennials Shibuya

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The Millennials Shibuya is a 3-star hotel located about 855m from Meijijingu-mae station. The hotel is close to many famous attractions in Tokyo. It is built in a modern architectural style with fully equipped guest rooms.

Impressive guest room space at the hotel. @The Millennials Shibuya

Keio Presso Inn Shinjuku

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Keio Presso Inn Shinjuku is a 3-star quality hotel located about 1.85km from Harajuku station. The exterior of the hotel is built with minimalist architecture, while inside are rooms decorated in a simple style ensuring privacy and comfort for guests to have a wonderful relaxing time.

You will rest in fully equipped room space. @Keio Presso Inn Shinjuku

Hotel Tateshina

Room rate reference:

Tateshina is a 3-star hotel just about 2.5km away from Harajuku station. The hotel boasts a neat and luxurious exterior. Here, you will rest in spacious rooms equipped with all modern amenities. The hotel offers various room categories to meet the accommodation needs of individuals, groups of friends, or families.

A room for 2 people at the hotel. @Tateshina Hotel

Here are some hotel categories you shouldn't miss out on:

Conclusion

After learning about Harajuku, do you think this neighborhood is one of the must-visit destinations in Japan? If yes, what's holding you back? Hurry up and grab your flight tickets to Japan and book hotels on Mytour to embark on your journey to the vibrant Harajuku district!