These are the best places to travel this summer

Harajuku & Aoyama

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Takeshita Doori

Getty Images/Flickr RF

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Harajuku & Aoyama

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

Harajuku is one of Tokyo's biggest draws thanks to its grand shrine, Meiji-jingū. It's also Tokyo's real-life catwalk, a world-renowned shopping destination where the ultra-chic (and chic in training) come to browse and be seen. Many boutiques here have been designed by influential architects – another draw. Neighboring Aoyama is a shopping and dining district for the city's fashionable elite.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 23: Meiji-jingu in Tokyo, Japan on November 23, 2013. The shrine officially designated one of Kanpei-taisha, the 1st rank of government supported shrines. 191077460 architecture, city, gate, harajuku, interest, japan, japanese, jingu, meiji, meiji-jingo, meiji-jingu, of, people, place, roof, shinto, shrine, sightseeing, temple, tile, tokyo, torii, tourism, tourist, urban, visit

    Meiji-jingū

    Harajuku & Aoyama

    Tokyo’s grandest Shintō shrine is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, whose reign (1868–1912) coincided with Japan's transformation from…

  • yoyogi park in Tokyo, Japan

    Yoyogi-kōen

    Harajuku & Aoyama

    If it’s a sunny and warm weekend afternoon, you can count on there being a crowd lazing around the large grassy expanse that is Yoyogi-kōen. You'll…

  • Omotesando Dori

    Omote-sandō

    Harajuku & Aoyama

    This broad, tree-lined boulevard is lined with boutiques from the top European fashion houses. More interesting are the buildings themselves, designed by…

  • Nezu Museum

    Nezu Museum

    Harajuku & Aoyama

    Nezu Museum offers a striking blend of old and new: a renowned collection of Japanese, Chinese and Korean antiquities in a gallery space designed by…

  • TOKYO - APRIL 1 2012: People, mostly youngsters, walk through Takeshita Dori near Harajuku train station on Sunday April 1 2012. Takeshita Dori is considered a birthplace of Japan's fashion trends.; Shutterstock ID 113994796; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

    Takeshita-dōri

    Harajuku & Aoyama

    This is Tokyo’s famous fashion bazaar. It's an odd mixed bag: newer shops selling trendy, youthful styles alongside stores still invested in the trappings…

  • Dior Omote-sandō street entrance on the boulevard, Omote-sando, Harajuku & Aoyama

    Dior Omote-sandō

    Harajuku & Aoyama

    This five-storey glass building (2003) uses clever lighting and acrylic screens to pull off the effortlessly chic look of a breezy tiered skirt. Pritzker…

  • Boutiques along narrow, winding Harajuku street Cat Street (south side of Omote-sando), Harajuku & Aoyama

    Cat Street

    Harajuku & Aoyama

    Had enough of the Harajuku crowds? Exit, stage right, for Cat Street, a meandering car-free road with a mishmash of boutiques and a little more breathing…

  • TOKYO/JAPAN - November 21 2023:wide-angle view of the mirrored interior of Tokyu Plaza Omotesando 1954807026 Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku

    Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku

    Harajuku & Aoyama

    The entrance to this castle-like structure by Nakamura Hiroshi is a dizzying hall of mirrors (which makes for a great photo); there’s a roof garden on top.

View more attractions

Plan with a local

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Harajuku & Aoyama