Incredible Things To Do When Visiting Tokyo's Harajuku District
By AIMEE LONG
This street is the beating heart of Harajuku, where Kawaii fashion was born. Founded in the 1990s, Harajuku came from American and Japanese knock-off clothing brands.
Takeshita Dori
Takeshita Dori is full of iconic shops like Chicago, Etude House, and Panama Boy. The 1300-foot road focuses more on secondhand stores alongside the Kawaii-dedicated shops.
Daiso 100 Yen is similar to stores like Dollar Tree or Below Zero, only much cuter. Everything costs 100 yen, which is about $0.65, and there are over 70,000 items.
Daiso 100 Yen
Daiso stands out for Japan-specific items like cute bento boxes, sake cups, and all things Hello Kitty. There are food, electronic, and beauty products that visitors rave about.
This popular contemporary art museum is located in the middle of Harajuku. It showcases various exhibits and has pieces from international and local artists.
Watari-Um Museum
Admission varies depending on the exhibition, but hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.. There is a bookstore and café to visit before heading back out into Harajuku.
Galaxy Harajuku transports visitors to a different world through light, color, and sound inside the Galaxy building. New exhibits are displayed each year.
Galaxy Harajuku
The massive shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. There are plenty of photo opportunities, but remember it is a religious site, so be considerate.
Meiji Shrine
Visit the Meiji Jingu Museum to see artifacts pulled straight from the shrine. There are festivals held at the shrines throughout the year, and opening and closing times may vary.