Harajuku Guide: Takeshita Street, Cat Street & Routes
Tokyo Mate
When most people think of Harajuku, they think of Takeshita Street. But there's a lot more to the area than just crepes and crowds. This guide covers some of the newer spots like the Harry Potter Store, along with shopping routes that connect to Omotesando or Shibuya.
🗺️ How to get around: Two recommended routes
Depending on where you start, I’d recommend one of these two routes. You can always mix and match them if you have the time.
Route 1: Omotesando to Harajuku (For a more relaxed vibe)
This route starts in the more upscale Omotesando area and works its way into the heart of Harajuku. It’s a bit more relaxed and great if you’re interested in fashion and coffee.
🚶♀️ Recommended Route
Omotesando Station → ① Ura-Harajuku (BAPE, Supreme) → ② Takeshita Street (Crepes) → ③ Laforet Harajuku (GR8) → ④ Harry Potter Mahou Dokoro → ⑤ Kiddyland → ⑥ Cat Street → Shibuya
Route 2: Starting from Harajuku Station (The Classic Route 🍭)
If you want to jump straight into the energy of Harajuku, start at the Takeshita Exit of Harajuku Station. This is the most direct way to see the iconic spots.
Harajuku Station (Takeshita Exit) → ① Takeshita Street (Crepes) → ② Ura-Harajuku (BAPE, Supreme) → ③ Laforet Harajuku (GR8) → ④ Harry Potter Mahou Dokoro → ⑤ Kiddyland → ⑥ Cat Street → Shibuya
Must-Visit Harajuku Hot Places 5
① 2025’s Biggest Buzz! ‘Harry Potter Mahou Dokoro’
🧙♂️ If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this is THE destination for your Tokyo trip!
Recently, the official Harry Potter merchandise shop ’Mahou Dokoro 📍’ opened in Harajuku. With Hogwarts house robes, wands, limited edition goods, and numerous photo zones, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Diagon Alley.
📌 Tip: Weekends can have very long wait times, so visiting on weekdays is recommended. Don’t miss the Butterbeer on the 2nd floor!
② Harajuku’s Heart, ‘Takeshita Street’
Takeshita Street (竹下通り) is synonymous with Harajuku. The narrow alley is packed with charming shops and restaurants on both sides.
- Food: Don’t miss Harajuku crepes (Marion Crepes 📍, Sweet Box Crepes 📍).
- Shopping: Fun browsing at Paris Kids 📍 (affordable accessories), Daiso Harajuku 📍
③ Trend Center, Laforet Harajuku & GR8
To see Harajuku fashion’s present, head to Laforet department store.
- Laforet Harajuku 📍: With numerous pop-up stores and emerging designer brands, you can see Tokyo’s newest trends at a glance.
- GR8 (Laforet 1F): The mecca of high-end street fashion and hard-to-find alternative designer brands. Limited edition collaboration items are released regularly, making it a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts.
📌 Using Hyundai Card’s Japan partnership service, you can get 5% instant discount on purchases over 22,000 yen including tax (~December 24, 2025)
④ 👟 Heart of Street Fashion, ‘Ura-Harajuku’
True street fashion shopping starts in ‘Ura-Harajuku’ (裏原宿, back alleys of Harajuku). Discover brands hidden like treasures in the complex alleys behind Takeshita Street!
- BAPE STORE®︎ 📍: Living history of Japanese street fashion. Meet products with the iconic ‘Ape Head’ logo and ‘BAPE Camo’ pattern.
- Supreme 📍: The king of street fashion that needs no introduction. Expect huge lines on new product release days.
- Brandy Melville Japan 📍: Italian brand with overwhelming popularity among women in their 10s-20s with the ‘One size fits all’ concept. Experience its unique lovely sensibility.
- HUMAN MADE OFFLINE STORE 📍: Another brand by NIGO, founder of BAPE. Features witty designs based on vintage American casual.
⑤ 🧸 Cat Street & Adults’ Paradise ‘Kiddyland’
A leisurely and stylish walking path connecting Harajuku and Shibuya, Cat Street! At its starting point is ‘Kiddyland’, the adults’ toy store.
- Kiddyland (KIDDY LAND): Located on Omotesando Avenue on the way to Cat Street, this place is unmissable. It’s a paradise with almost every character goods from Snoopy, Sanrio, Ghibli, Pokemon, and more.
- Cat Street: After browsing Kiddyland, walk toward Shibuya to find the quiet and sophisticated Cat Street. Great for strolling with its stylish cafes, local brands, and vintage shops.
Wrap Up
After exploring Harajuku, cross just one street to the sophisticated Omotesando, or follow Cat Street to the youthful center of Shibuya!
⭐ Related Tokyo Travel Guides
➡️ Omotesando Complete Guide: Coffee, Shopping, Restaurants, Architecture
➡️ Shibuya Complete Guide: Sky Observatory, Shopping, Restaurants & Perfect Itinerary
➡️ Shinjuku Complete Guide: Gyoen Park, Restaurants, Shopping, Golden Gai