1 Day Itinerary in Tokyo: HARAJUKU Trendy Things to Do

Best Things to Do in HARAJUKU in 1 Day

Are you into Japanese fashion and Kawaii culture? Then Harajuku is the best spot in Tokyo to experience Japanese pop culture. In this article, I suggest a perfect guide of the 1-day “KAWAII” model route in Harajuku with lots of cute and trendy things and instagram-worthy photo spots! When visiting Harajuku, make sure to dress fancy like the icon of Japanese pop culture, Kyari Pamyupamyu. You will never be too flashy in Harajuku!

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<< Book a popular Harajuku Fashion & Pop-culture Tour!! >>


March down the “Kawaii” Takeshita Street! (1 hour~)

One of landmarks in Harajuku is Takeshita Street, which is lined with hundreds of shops and cafes selling fancy fashion pieces and photo-worthy food. You can easily spend 2–3 hours on this 300 m street by shopping, eating and hanging out! In Takeshita Street, I recommend you to do following activities.

-Take PURIKURA

-Eat crepes

You can’t just ignore crepes in Harajuku. Hold it in your hand and walk around like Harajuku girls do. Just do it.

-Shop kawaii items

Best place to shop fancy and trendy items is Takeshita Street. The street is filled with inexpensive shops for teenagers.

Explore “URA HARAJUKU” (30 mins~)

Ura Harajuku is the backstreet of Harajuku, it’s literally located off the main street and the street is lined with fashionable boutiques, which are more inspiring than most of popular “trendy” shops. Ura Harajuku has grown its own off the main stream style, and A Bathing Ape is the best known brand.

-Be inspired at Design Festa Gallery

Design Festa Gallery is an unique art gallery located in Ura Harajuku area. There are numbers of rooms in the gallery and each room is featured with different artists, most of them are young and amateur. The admission of the gallery is absolutely FREE!

-6%DOKIDOKI

The colourful boutique represending Harajuku’s pop culture.

-NOW IS FOREVER

The famous street art popular as a photo spot.

Meiji Street (1 hour~)

Back to the main street of Harajuku and visit the most iconic fashion buildings where Tokyo fashion trends come from!

-La Foret

-Tokyu Plaza Harajuku

-Tokyu Plaza’s Roof top terrace

-Alice on Wednesday

The most fairy-tale like shop in Harajuku, Alice on Wednesday is a variety store themed in “Alice in Wonderland”. Once you step into the small entrance, you will be lost in the magical fairy-tale world!

More things to do in Harajuku

-Visit animal cafe (1 hour~)

Harajuku has several animal cafes which have been a trend in Tokyo. Sit and relax with your favourite animals. Hedgehog Cafe and Owl cafe are high on demand.

Kiddy Land (30 mins~)

The famous shop offering all kinds of animation characters! You can find a plenty goods of your favourite character for sure 😉

LINE Store (30 mins~)

The official LINE store offering adorable LINE friends goods.

Cat Street (1 hour~)

A small street connects Harajuku and Shibuya, lined with stylish boutique and shops.

Meiji Shrine (1 hour~)

The famous shrine which is dedicated to the former Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

Insta-Worthy food&drinks

The current biggest trend in Japan is eye-popping colourful instagram-worthy dishes, desserts and drinks and many of them can be found in Harajuku area.


You can explore the deep Kawaii culture of Harajuku in one day! Join a popular local guide tour “Harajuku Fashion & Pop-culture Tour” by Magical Trip! See the top highlights of Harajuku in a half-day and have the best Kawaii experience 🙂 Check the link below for more details and book the tour with a discount!


Did you enjoy the story?? If you are looking to more interesting spots around Harajuku area, here are some more articles for you to read!

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Written by

"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have lived and explored countries around the world. As a resident of Japan and based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling Japan with my readers. I hope my story will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈