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Harajuku & Aoyama

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Takeshita Doori

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Overview

Harajuku is one of Tokyo's biggest draws thanks to its grand shrine, Meiji-jingū. It's also Tokyo's real-life catwalk, a world-renowned shopping destination where the ultra-chic (and chic in training) come to browse and be seen. Many boutiques here have been designed by influential architects – another draw. Neighboring Aoyama is a shopping and dining district for the city's fashionable elite.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 23: Meiji-jingu in Tokyo, Japan on November 23, 2013. The shrine officially designated one of Kanpei-taisha, the 1st rank of government supported shrines. 191077460 architecture, city, gate, harajuku, interest, japan, japanese, jingu, meiji, meiji-jingo, meiji-jingu, of, people, place, roof, shinto, shrine, sightseeing, temple, tile, tokyo, torii, tourism, tourist, urban, visit

    Meiji-jingū

    Harajuku & Aoyama

    Tokyo’s grandest Shintō shrine is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, whose reign (1868–1912) coincided with Japan's transformation from…

  • yoyogi park in Tokyo, Japan

    Yoyogi-kōen

    Harajuku & Aoyama

    If it’s a sunny and warm weekend afternoon, you can count on there being a crowd lazing around the large grassy expanse that is Yoyogi-kōen. You'll…

  • Omotesando Dori

    Omote-sandō

    Harajuku & Aoyama

    This broad, tree-lined boulevard is lined with boutiques from the top European fashion houses. More interesting are the buildings themselves, designed by…

  • Nezu Museum

    Nezu Museum

    Harajuku & Aoyama

    Nezu Museum offers a striking blend of old and new: a renowned collection of Japanese, Chinese and Korean antiquities in a gallery space designed by…

  • TOKYO - APRIL 1 2012: People, mostly youngsters, walk through Takeshita Dori near Harajuku train station on Sunday April 1 2012. Takeshita Dori is considered a birthplace of Japan's fashion trends.; Shutterstock ID 113994796; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

    Takeshita-dōri

    Harajuku & Aoyama

    This is Tokyo’s famous fashion bazaar. It's an odd mixed bag: newer shops selling trendy, youthful styles alongside stores still invested in the trappings…

  • Dior Omote-sandō street entrance on the boulevard, Omote-sando, Harajuku & Aoyama

    Dior Omote-sandō

    Harajuku & Aoyama

    This five-storey glass building (2003) uses clever lighting and acrylic screens to pull off the effortlessly chic look of a breezy tiered skirt. Pritzker…

  • Boutiques along narrow, winding Harajuku street Cat Street (south side of Omote-sando), Harajuku & Aoyama

    Cat Street

    Harajuku & Aoyama

    Had enough of the Harajuku crowds? Exit, stage right, for Cat Street, a meandering car-free road with a mishmash of boutiques and a little more breathing…

  • TOKYO/JAPAN - November 21 2023:wide-angle view of the mirrored interior of Tokyu Plaza Omotesando 1954807026 Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku

    Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku

    Harajuku & Aoyama

    The entrance to this castle-like structure by Nakamura Hiroshi is a dizzying hall of mirrors (which makes for a great photo); there’s a roof garden on top.

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