Harajuku district

Strolling down the short (350 meters) pedestrian street of Takeshita-dori was so pleasant for its light spirit and accessible looks. The street is a series of small, colorful, independent boutiques lined up and accessible from the sidewalk. It includes costumes, cosmetics, jewelry, shoes, toothbrush stores and others offering sweet treats (candy and sweet pancakes). The style is simply vibrant.

It is easy to window shop, enjoy life, and see the youth fibrillate to buy a new encapsulated toy (gachapon – capsule lab). On this street, you will find kawaii, pastel gothic, lolita, funky, vintage or avant-garde fashion clothing stores with equally dazzling choices of accessories, multi-colored sequined handbags, or even platform shoes that seem impossible to put on while my feet hurt with a pair of sneakers.

This street gives a lot of color to the city with a creative look with bling-bling in an old residential street.

You will notice that in general, the Japanese opt for conventional outfits, of good quality, but which does not stand out in terms of color but the exception is here.

Indeed, when you set foot on this street, you will be somewhere else, in another atmosphere. That of the release of extravagant, funky finery, which makes you smile. Very popular with young people and a perfect place to find a gothic or lolita outfit while savoring a sweet delight.

The time you will spend here depends only on you, your shopping interests, your schedule, your budget and your desires. It is not necessary to spend hours there, but it is a most joyful detour.

The name of the street is theoretically to honor an important historical figure, Navy Admiral Takeshita Isamu (1870 – 1949), who played an important role in negotiations with the United States, thanks in part to his mastery of English, and who resided on the street. He is associated with the name of the street, but sources are conflicting; some say that the street had this name long before.

If you arrive via Harajuku Station, you will arrive in front of one of the ends of the street.

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