Takeshita-dori Street in Harajuku is where Japanese teenagers gather. Here, you can shop, eat, and experience a loud, colourful side of Japanese youth culture in Tokyo.
Takeshita-dori Street - image © Florentyna Leow
Long hailed as one of the symbols of fashion hub Harajuku, Takeshita-dori is a 400-metre long street lined with fast food outlets, crepe stands, and fashion boutiques peddling everything from socks to stockings to corsets. In the 90s, it was known as the place to get counterfeit American and Japanese clothes; and it was instrumental in facilitating the rise of Harajuku-style street fashion.
Takeshita-dori Street - image © Florentyna Leow
However, the influx of major chain outlets, tourist-oriented shops, and pink crepe stands in recent years have edged out some of the individualist styles and shops once seen here. These days, Takeshita-dori and the surrounding Harajuku area are considerably tamer places than they were during their heyday in the 90s.
Nevertheless, it continues to be a major hub for fashion culture, and it’s still a popular gathering spot for Tokyo teenagers. There’s enough in the way of visual and auditory stimulus to keep everyone occupied during a visit. This is also the place to pick up inexpensive, colorful socks and funky T-shirts.
That being said, if you dislike crowds, you should avoid walking along this street - especially during weekends.
If nothing else, seek out an underground purikura booth here to take some commemorative photo stickers. It’s a uniquely fun Japanese experience and makes for some great memories.
English name:
Takeshitadori Street
Japanese name:
竹下通り
English address:
1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001
Japanese address:
〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前1
Opening hours:
Varies by shop
Price:
Nearest Transport:
Train: In fron of Takeshita exit of Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote line.
Subway: 3-minute walk from exit 3 of Meiji-jingumae Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines.
Telephone:
+81-3-3403-2525 (Harajuku Takeshitadori Shops Organization)
Website:
Official website (Japanese)
Near To Here:
Takeshita-dori Street is located in Tokyo's Harajuku And Aoyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Harajuku And Aoyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
See this place on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
