A new modern shopping center in Harajuku, Tokyo
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Located in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo, Harajuku (原宿) is a dynamic and vibrant neighborhood knows for its unique fashion street culture and kawaii atmosphere. The famous Takeshita Street, a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare in Harajuku, is the epicenter of this fashion scene, lined with an array of quirky boutiques, vintage shops, and stylish cafes.
Adjacent to Takeshita Street we have Omotesando, often called as Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées. Unlike the young and modern energy of Takeshita Street, Omotesando exudes sophistication and luxury. The area is home to flagship stores of renowned fashion brands, designer boutiques, chic cafes, and high-end restaurants.
The brand-new commercial venue, Tokyu Plaza Harajuku HARAKADO, its set to open its doors on March 17th, 2024. Situated at the bustling intersection of Omotesando and Meiji-dori, right in the heart of Jingumae Crossing, aims to be a symbol of contemporary urban life.
Simultaneously, its counterpart, Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, located across the street, will be rebranded as Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku OMOKADO. This change signifies a fresh chapter for these iconic spots, establishing their position as important landmarks in the lively Harajuku-Omotesando area.
Tokyu Plaza Harajuku HARAKADO
At Tokyu Plaza Harajuku HARAKADO, visitors can explore 75 stores spread across seven floors, from the basement to the rooftop terrace. The “HARAKADO Neighborhood Association” has been established by creators and businesses within the complex, aiming to generate and share new cultural experiences.
From candies to fashion items, including fancy cafés and delicious restaurants and even a traditional hot spring, let’s check all what Tokyu Plaza Harajuku HARAKADO have to offer.
Shops
From the G floor to the 1st floor, they have a wide selection of apparel, sundries, and sweets. Before entering, right at the entrance, there’s a kiosk where you can buy beautiful flowers, and once you step inside the premises, you’re greeted by Kanro’s candy shop Hitotsubu Kanro Harajuku Store, where you can buy some of the most yummy and cute candies in Tokyo, either for yourself or as a souvenir. Or you can also visit Moleskine for an original souvenir.
If you prefer something more traditional Japanese, HINEMOS is a sake (wine rice) brand that focus on the concept of time. They are a sake brewery making their own sake, and have different flavors and intensity of alcohol to different times of the day. For example, for 15:00 there’s a 5% sake, meanwhile for night time they have 15% alcohol sake.
For a relaxation experience you can visit Healthy TOKYO CBD SHOP & LABO, that sells CBD oil, gummies, vegan sweets, and more.
On the other hand on the second floor is where you’ll find fashion stores, including clothing, accessories, and perfumes. Apparel brands such as Glam Lips, SEPLÚMO, and THREE TREASURES will have their first physical stores.
Also the fashion brand CLOUDY, selling apparel made from their own original textiles produced in Ghana, Africa. All Cloudy’s products have vibrant colors and unique textil patterns, making it a perfect complement to your outfit. Part of the funds from sales will go towards aiding people in Ghana.
When in the 2nd floor don’t forget to visit the famous French salon de thé Angelina, returning to Japan. You can take a break and enjoy their signature sweet Mont Blanc, or even have a look at the lunch and dinner menus. If you don’t have much time, you can stop at the takeout shop and try their chestnut-flavored soft-serve ice cream.
Creative Spaces
On the third floor, you’ll find the Creators Market Floor. Here, collaborations between creators and companies give rise to new cultural expressions. For example, Oshi Base Harajuku” offers a space for fans and creators to connect, showcasing manga, anime, and character-themed merchandise.
Visitors can also enjoy a relax coffee time at the Baby The Coffee Brew Club. With the purchase of a coffee, you get unlimited refills and can stay for as long as you like, making it perfect for remote workers or digital nomads.With 17 diverse establishments, including art galleries and cafes, the third floor promises a dynamic and enriching experience.
The fourth floor of the building is dedicated to creating a unique Harajuku experience where people from all walks of life can come together. Named”Harappa”, this space blends nature and relaxation with the vibrant Harajuku vibe. You’ll find art installations resembling campfires and sustainable themes, all designed to evoke childhood memories of playing in the fields. It’s a welcoming public space where art and nature converge.
Restaurants & Cafés
The fifth floor features a series of establishments evoking the charm of alleyways, offering a variety of dining options for everyday enjoyment. Here, you’ll find cozy izakayas with an ambiance that recalls hidden gems, ideal for a casual and relaxed dining experience.
On the other hand, the sixth floor is a spacious food court where you can relax at your own pace. Connected to an expansive rooftop terrace, it’s themed around “Relaxing at Jingumae Crossing”. You can grab takeout meals and drinks, ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying solo, and freely spend your time here.
From pizza to special hamburgers or Vietnamese food to vegan options as falafel or vegan burrito, there’s an option for every taste. And if you are more craving for a sweets, delicious crepes or original Italian ice cream are also available.
Hot Spring in the Center of Tokyo: Kosugi-yu Harajuku
In the basement, you’ll find Kosugi-yu Harajuku, a branch of the famous public bathhouse Kosugi-yu from Koenji, operating since 1933. With over 90 years of history, Kosugi-yu offers a clean and bright space with off-white tones. Adorned with beautiful paintings of Mount Fuji made by the famous artist Morio Nakajima, well-know for their works in public baths always showcasing Mount Fuji, Kosugi-yu it’s a cozy spot in bustling Harajuku where you can relax and enjoy a traditional bathhouse experience.
Even with the second branch in the heart of Harajuku, a busy area, Kosugi-yu want to keep their essence, being a neighborhood bathhouse and a space to build a sense of community. Proof of this is the price, which stays at 520 yen for adults, a really good price for a good quality hot spring in Omotesando.
And here’s some great news for many of our foreign readers: they welcome people with tattoos, which is uncommon in Japan.
Kosugi-yu Harajuku
 Business Hours |
7:00 to 23:00 |
|---|---|
 Closed |
Thursdays |
 Price |
Adults 520 yen (12 years old and above), Children 200 yen (6 years old to under 12 years old, elementary school students), Infants 100 yen (under 6 years old, preschoolers) |
For more information about facilities and activities in Harajuku area and near, check the articles below!
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Written by
From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee & Adventure lover🌏☕️
I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and doramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you🙋🏼♀️ Let’s discover Japan together!
Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.
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