Takeshita Street

The basics

Many travelers visit Takeshita Street during half-day or full-day guided walking tours. These tours often include highlights such as Omotesandō, Cat Street, and Shibuya Crossing, as well as the bustling Shinjuku area. Opt for a private tour for more flexibility, which typically offer customizable itineraries based on your interests. Alternatively, deluxe coach tours are a time-saving way to see Takeshita Street, as well as many more dispersed sites around Tokyo.

Things to know before you go

• While Takeshita Street is pedestrianized, it can get incredibly busy, so may be difficult to visit for travelers using wheelchairs or families with strollers.

• Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Takeshita Street at Yoyogi Park—only an 8-minute walk away, which also has restroom facilities.

• It’s advisable to bring cash with you as some street food vendors might not take card payments.

How to get there

The best way to get to Takeshita Street is to travel by public transport. Get the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku station, then it's a short walk to Takeshita Street. Alternatively, you can take the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Meiji-Jingumae station, which is also only a few minutes walk away.

When to get there

Takeshita Street is known for its big crowds, so it’s advisable to come on a weekday morning if you want to avoid the masses, as weekend afternoons tend to be busiest. Shop opening hours vary from store to store, but most are typically open from around 10am or 11am until mid–evening.

Best place to shop on Takeshita Street

Takeshita Street is a shopper’s paradise with lots of niche one-of-a-kind shops to choose from. Start with Harajuku Alta: a multi-floor mini-mall where you can buy kawaii (cute) accessories, visit photobooths, try out the gashapon vending machines, and visit pop-up shops. Boutique Takenoko is the place to get costumes, Panama Boy has vintage clothing, get crepes at Marion Crepes, or try bubble tea at KOI Thé.