Kawaii Pop. 🎀
This is the entry point for most travelers. Takeshita Street is ground zero for "Kawaii" (cute) culture. Expect bright colors, cheap accessories, and stores blasting J-Pop.
WEGO
Fast fashion vintage mix. The go-to spot for teenage trends at affordable prices.
ACDC Rag
The source of chaotic, colorful Harajuku punk and visual kei clothing since the 80s.
The Lolita Code. 🌂
Lolita fashion is Harajuku's most famous export. Inspired by Victorian aesthetics but distinctly Japanese, it is serious fashion, not a costume. Head to the basement (B1.5F) of **Laforet Harajuku** to see the masters at work.
Angelic Pretty
Pastel pinks, prints of cakes and ponies. This is "Sweet Lolita."
Atelier Pierrot
Dark elegance, corsets, and lace. This is "Gothic Lolita."
Baby, The Stars Shine Bright
Classic silhouettes. Famous from the movie *Kamikaze Girls*.
Sneaker Heads
Cat Street
Ura-Hara Streetwear. 🛹
"Ura-Hara" (Back Harajuku) is the birthplace of global streetwear culture. This is where brands like BAPE and UNDERCOVER started. Today, it is a maze of high-end sneaker shops, vintage Americana, and hidden coffee stands.
Must Visit:
Walk down **Cat Street**. It connects Harajuku to Shibuya and is lined with flagship stores for brands like Adidas Originals, RAGTAG (designer vintage), and obscure local labels.
Vintage Hunters. 🧥
Harajuku has some of the best vintage shopping on the planet. From pristine 90s band tees to reworked kimonos, the curation is unmatched.
Chicago
A legendary thrift store with huge stocks of vintage kimonos and haori jackets at very reasonable prices (often ¥1,000 - ¥3,000).
Kinji
Located in the basement near the YMCA. It’s huge, organized by color, and great for finding unique pieces to remix your style.