5 Coolest Things to Do when Visiting Harajuku

Visit the Meiji Shrine

When coming out of Harajuku station via the Omotesando exit, turn right and you’ll see the famous Meiji Shrine up ahead. The first thing to take note of is the tall brown torii shrine gate that marks the entrance, then walk up the stone path a short distance to the shrine itself.

What’s nice about this shrine in particular is its calm, subdued aesthetic, and how it’s located in a nicely wooded area right in the middle of the city. Even when it gets busy, there are parts within the shrine’s complex that stays calm and serene; a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle.

Don’t forget to purify yourself at the fountain before entering, and buy an ema, which is a wooden plaque to write your wishes on. If you’re lucky, you might even see a traditional wedding procession take place at the shrine!

Have Fluffy Pancakes at Bills

Japan’s cloud-like fluffy pancakes are jiggling their way into our hearts and taking the world by storm. There are several restaurants that do these fluffy fruit-topped pancakes, but a particular favourite is the Ricotta Cheese Pancakes from Bills, located on the top floor of Tokyu Plaza.

Every order of pancakes comes with three slices, each topped with a pat of honeycomb butter and banana slices, with a sprinkling of powdered sugar. The pancakes are light and airy, but still have a bite thanks to the generous amount of ricotta cheese mixed in.

Visit some Furry Friends at an Animal Cafe

Harajuku is famous for its selection of animal cafes, and they’re only growing in popularity. Animal cafes aren’t limited to just dogs and cats, there are owl cafes and even reptile cafes too. Animals are generally well cared for by gentle staff, but be careful not to overwhelm the animals when visiting.

The majority of the cafes are located along Takeshita Street, a long pedestrian-only street that’s chock full of clothing shops, cafes, and street food. A particularly adorable one to visit is the Mameshiba Cafe, where you can play with Shiba Inu puppies.

Cute critters such as hedgehogs, chinchillas, and otters can be found at Harry Harajuku Terrace, a brightly-lit space in the back streets of Harajuku.

Look for Cute Souvenirs at Kiddy Land

Japan is the land of cute characters, and in Harajuku, all the characters you know and love can be found in one convenient location: Kiddy Land. Located halfway between Harajuku and the Omotesando area, Kiddy Land occupies a building on a stylish street, and inside is all the toys, plushies, and collectibles you can imagine.

Lovers of Japan’s mascots and characters like Rilakkuma can easily spend an hour looking through everything available, but you can also snag yourself some cool uniquely-Japanese souvenirs to bring home too. Kiddy Land’s the perfect place to visit for kids, and for kids at heart!

Have a Drink at a Trendy Cafe

Part of the Harajuku experience is to spend a bit of the afternoon chilling out at a cafe and eating some dessert, and luckily there are many to choose form.

If you’re looking for a view, head up to Starbucks in Tokyu Plaza, which has a wide terrace where visitors can lounge in good weather and get a good view of the busy streets below.

For something more quiet and refined, Montoak Cafe is a cozy space to relax in and drink some coffee, maybe even a cocktail. The cafe itself is hidden in plain sight- though it’s located on a busy street, its dark glass panes and lack of signage might make it hard to spot so be sure to keep an eye out.

You’ll never have a bored moment in Harajuku, and because there is so much to do, this list covers just a fraction of all the possibilities. When visiting, don’t be afraid to wander around, you might discover some secret, cool places of your own.