Hello, time to continue our Japan trip story. I know that it has been a while since the last time we published Japan travel post on our blog, actually there are still soooo many things that we want to share, it’s just I’ve been caught in busyness, please forgive me :)
Last week, I got a very sweet messages from one of AnakJajan blog reader, she said that thanks to our Ultimate Japan Travel Guide / TIPS she finally ventured herself to travel to Japan without using tour. Reading the messages just really made my day and I realize I should make some time to slowly continue write and finish all of the Japan travel posts for you.
This time AnakJajan are going to talk about one of the most famous area in Tokyo, that is Harajuku but we also will talk about Omotesando and Aoyama because these three areas are located next to each other in walking distance.
HARAJUKU
Harajuku refers to the area around Harajuku Station, a station on JR Yamanote Line located 2 stations south from Shinjuku or 1 station north from Shibuya.
Harajuku can be described as center of youth culture and fashion of Japan, but along with that Harajuku also famous with its historical sights such as one of Tokyo’s major shrines Meiji Jingu that is located next to the spacious Yoyogi Park (around 5 minute walk from Harajuku Station).
AnakJajan reached Harajuku Station after enjoying cherry blossom / sakura at Shinjuku Gyoen National Park, being hungry after having a lot of walk at the park we immediately bought some takoyaki from Gindaco located right across the station, freshly made takoyaki cost JPY 550 for 8 pieces. Not very far from Gindaco, we also saw our favorite popcorn outlet Garrett Popcorn but unfortunately the queue was too long so we decided not to have it.
The most famous area in Harajuku would be Takeshita Dori a narrow 400m long street filled with many shops, boutiques, and cafes that are targeting Japanese teenagers. This street is very very popular so it will be very crowded if you visit it during weekend.
AnakJajan personally didn’t enjoy the shopping scene here and didn’t bought any fashion related stuff because the style doesn’t suit my style at all, most of it is too kawaii or cute that will only suit Japanese teenager perfectly. Please remember that the shops close pretty early around 8pm.
Daiso in Harajuku is a MUST VISIT because it is one of the largest 100 Yen shops in central Tokyo. Daiso offers wide selection of products such as stationary, kitchenware, clothing and even food. AnakJajan bought many cooking ingredients and snacks and some kawaii stuff here. Fyi, Daiso Harajuku open daily from 10:00 to 21:00 located inside Takeshita Dori street.
Your visit to Takeshita Dori won’t be official before having the famous crepe here. AnakJajan had Hot Banana Caramel Brownie Cake Crepe JPY 490 (1JPY = ± IDR110) consist of chocolate brownie cake, banana, caramel milk sauce and nut, the crepe was delicious and has a generous filling inside.
Many fast food restaurants are available at Takeshita Dori such as McD, KFC and etc but AnakJajan decided to try Sanuki Udon Hanamaru, a famous udon restaurant chain with signature orange sign you can easily find at Tokyo.
AnakJajan had Curry Udon JPY 500, Beef Udon with Egg JPY 400 and Assorted tempura and fritter JPY 110-140 (1JPY = ± IDR110), the order system is similar with Marugame Udon in Jakarta, first you pick your udon, then you can take additional fritter, pay and enjoy the meal. Condiments and free drink also available.
Tips: Visit Harajuku on Sunday to see many young people gather around Harajuku Station doing Cosplay (costume play) by dressing up in unique costume that resemble anime/movie character or anything.
OMOTESANDO
We love this place more than Harajuku. Located in the middle of Harajuku and Aoyama, Omotesanso is known as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysees that is filled with upscale and chic boutiques and cafe.
You can find many famous fashion brand and cafe or restaurants from oversea in this area such as Louis Vuitton, Bonttega Veneta, Dolce&Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, Max Brenner Chocolate Bar, Jean-Paul Hevin, etc. The most famous building at Omotesando would be Omotesanso Hills, a six floors building with interesting architecture and design that is filled with around 100 upmarket shops, cafes, restaurants and beauty salons.
If you visit Omotesando, take your time and explore the alleys around Omotesando as you will find many interesting cafe and shops around here.
AOYAMA
Similar with Omotesando, many fashion designers opened their stores and studio here along with chic coffee shops, cafes and restaurants.
One of the must visit would be Aoyama Flower Market Tea House, one of the famous flower shop at Tokyo – Japan with hidden gem a Tea House inside flower shop.
You surely will be amazed with how the Tea House has been beautifully put together inside flower shop with fresh flowers everywhere and transparent glass table also with fresh flowers beneath the table.
Harajuku – Omotesanso – Aoyama areas are located next to each other, so AnakJajan recommend you to explore it in one visit. Let’s Travel!!
List of Japan Travel blogposts that have been published:
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Park – My Cherry Blossom Diary
- 246 COMMON
- Aoyama Flower Market Tea House
- Fujiko F. Fujio Museum (Doraemon)
- Ramen Museum – Yokohama
- Ichiran Ramen
- Nana’s Green Tea Cafe
- Ultimate Japan Travel Guide / TIPS
- Matsurokuya – Matsuroku House Roppongi おんぞうし まつろくや
- Exploring Harajuku – Omotesando – Aoyama Tokyo
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