The Best of Harajuku and Shibuya in a Day – It’s Possible!
Considering tackling the Tokyo neighborhoods of Harajuku and Shibuya in a day, but wondering if it can be done? I know it sounds like a lot, but believe me, it’s totally doable. My teenage daughter and I recently did it ourselves, and we had a blast! In fact, that jam-packed day turned out to be one of the absolute best of our Tokyo trip.
In this blog post, I’m spilling all the details on how we navigated these iconic districts and giving you the inside scoop on how to experience the best of Harajuku and Shibuya in a day. So, buckle up and get ready for a whirlwind tour of cuteness, culture, and crazy crossings!
Introduction
My daughter is a bit of a fashionista, so Harajuku, in particular, was the one area of Tokyo that she was most excited to see. And of course we’d heard so much about Shibuya. Going in, I knew very little about navigating these areas, and we knew we had to make the most of our limited time. So we opted to do a tour, in order to avoid wandering aimlessly and maybe missing out on some of the key sights.
(Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for wandering aimlessly sometimes. But when you only have one day in an unfamiliar place with a daughter who has very specific things she wants to see, ‘aimless’ just wouldn’t work for us.)
Now, while there are many popular group tours of the area, we opted for a private, customized tour through GetYourGuide.com so we could create a one day itinerary that was perfect for us. Having a personalized itinerary meant we could skip places we’d already seen (like the Meiji shrine) and focus on new spots that we were also anxious to experience.
Touring with GetYourGuide was a game-changer for us. We selected a person that we felt would best be able to relate to both me and my teen daughter. Then, after booking, we messaged back and forth with her to create a customized itinerary that incorporated key things we both wanted to see. Our guide made a few suggestions, and a personalized itinerary was born! She even came to our hotel to pick us up!
During your own Harajuku and Shibuya in a day experience, you’ll have the benefit of this post to guide you. So you may find that you don’t need to arrange a tour guide. 😌 But if you do opt for one, I highly recommend finding one through GetYourGuide.
Getting to Harajuku (from Shinjuku)
During our Tokyo visit, our homebase was in yet another vibrant district – Shinjuku. So our Harajuku and Shibuya adventure kicked off at the luxurious and perfectly located Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku. The hotel was an easy early morning walk to JR Shinjuku Station, the world’s busiest train station.
From there, it was a quick 4 minute train ride on the Yamanote Line to JR Harajuku Station, just two stops away. Easy peasy!
Harajuku
Now, Harajuku… this place is a whole vibe. Picture Tokyo’s street fashion scene turned up to 100. It’s a colorful explosion of creativity, centered around the iconic Takeshita Street. We’re talking boutiques overflowing with the latest trends, Instagram-worthy food stalls at every turn, and a parade of styles that’ll make your head spin.
Harajuku’s got it all!
Meeting Micro Pigs at the Mipig Café
Our first stop in Harajuku was a Mipig Café.
It’s a cafe where you can get light food and drinks, if you want. But what it REALLY is is a chance to sit and cuddle with the cutest, smallest little pigs you’ve ever seen. It was such a unique idea – that we knew we’d only get to experience in Japan. So we HAD to try it. And it was worth it.
Imagine a cozy café filled with tiny, adorable micro pigs just roaming around. Yep, it’s as cute as it sounds! You get to hang out with these little piggies, pet them, and even cuddle up with them for as long as you want (depending on how much time you reserve).
It’s seriously the most relaxing and enjoyable experience. The pigs are all super friendly and used to human interaction. They often come right up to you and climb in your lap to nap. And sometimes you’ll even have several of the little guys cuddled up with you at the same time.
A couple of notes if this is something you want to try. First, the Mipig cafes are reservation only, so don’t try to just walk in off the street. We booked a day in advance without a problem. But if you know even sooner, then book then to make sure you get the time that fits best in your itinerary.
The other thing to note is that there are two Mipig cafes in Harajuku, with one of those being directly on the famed Takeshita Street. We didn’t realize that when we booked, so we first went to one location, only to be told we were in the wrong place.
The two locations are within a 5 minute walk from each other, so both are super-convenient for your Harajuku visit. But because we started at the wrong location, we were a few minutes late to our scheduled cuddle session. You don’t want that! So be mindful of where you book.
Sanrio Harajuku Store
Next up: the Sanrio Store, which was directly across the street from the Takeshita Mipig cafe location.
If you’re a fan of Hello Kitty, Keroppi, or any of those other adorable Sanrio characters, this place is basically heaven on earth!
We stepped inside, and it was like a (another) cuteness explosion! Plush toys, stationery, clothes, you name it – everything was decked out in those iconic characters. My daughter was in absolute paradise. And honestly, so was I. It’s truly Mommy-heaven to watch your ‘too-cool-for-school’ teenager’s eyes grow huge with joy over something as sweet and wholesome as a Hello Kitty change purse.
Even if you’re not a die-hard Sanrio fan, it’s hard not to get swept up in the charm and kawaii (cuteness) of it all. We left the store with bags full of goodies and grins from ear to ear. It was the perfect dose of sweetness to fuel the rest of our Harajuku and Shibuya in a day tour!
More Shopping on Takeshita Street
After Sanrio, we decided to start back up at the top of Takeshita Street and work our way down.
This famous street is considered the heart and soul of Harajuku. This place is buzzing! Think narrow lanes packed with shops selling all things trendy and quirky. It’s a fashion lover’s paradise, and my daughter was in heaven. I’d say this street is truly dedicated to young people, so it’s a perfect place to include on your 1-day itinerary if you are traveling with your kids.
My daughter was definitely in her element! And watching her eyes light up at all the colorful, edgy clothes was a treat in itself. Harajuku fashion is truly one-of-a-kind, and we spent hours wandering in and out of the boutiques. Each store had its own vibe, from vintage treasures to the latest J-fashion trends. It’s impossible to leave Takeshita Street empty-handed!
What should you expect to see? Gothic lolitas and Harajuku girls? Check. Decora kei enthusiasts decked out in rainbow accessories? You bet. Have you heard of kawaii culture? Well you’ll be immersed in it on Takeshita-Dori Street.
And the food? Forget basic snacks. Think towering crepes, rainbow grilled cheese sandwiches that taste as good as they look, cotton candy clouds bigger than your head, and even Korean hattogu (honeycomb candy) to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Don’t miss the chance to indulge in some rainbow candy floss (cotton candy) or delicious ice cream from one of the many convenience stores or street vendors.
Depending on how big of a shopper (or window-shopper) you are, you could easily spend 3 or 4 hours taking it all in. I’m not much of a shopper, myself. My daughter absolutely IS one. But we knew we had a lot more to see and only one day to do it. So after about an hour and a half, we left Takeshita Street to explore more of Harajuku.
Admiring the High Fashion and Architecture at Omotesando Hills Mall
Because both Harajuku and Shibuya are know for their more youthful fashion aesthetics, our guide suggested that we add a detour to the more upscale and luxurious area of Omotesando to our itinerary just for me.
“Hey, are you saying I’m not youthful?!?”
Anyway, it was a perfect addition. We decided to take a stroll through the expansive malls and unique shops that dot the Harajuku area so we could get a broader sense of Japanese fashion.
Note: you’ll notice that Harajuku and Shibuya are right next to each other. So you may find yourself zig-zagging between the two districts. Rather than focusing strictly on this district or that, make a list of what you want to see in both areas and then map out your day to maximize the time you have available.
We hit the Omotesando Hills shopping complex, – less than a 15 minute walk away but a whole different world from the craziness of Takeshita Street. This place is sleek, modern, and right on Omotesando-dori Avenue. Locals and tourists both love it.
If high-end fashion is your thing, you’ll be in heaven. Think big names: Valentino, Yohji Yamamoto, Jimmy Choo… you get the idea. It’s the perfect spot to treat yourself if you’re feeling fancy.
Even if designer labels aren’t your thing, Omotesando Hills is still worth checking out. The architecture alone is amazing! Tadao Ando designed the whole complex, and it’s seriously impressive.
It’s six stories high, but the floors spiral upwards on a gentle slope. You can walk all the way to the top without even using stairs or escalators. It’s kind of mesmerizing.
And besides all of the big-name stores are the tons of cute, niche shops everywhere. I took tons of pictures of those, only realizing later that we weren’t supposed to do so. 😬
But I got plenty of incredible shots before I realized my mistake.
Sipping Matcha at the Matcha Tokyo Omotesandō
After all that shopping, we needed a breather. Thankfully, the Matcha Tokyo Omotesando was right around the corner. It’s a minimalist tea house that specializes in organic matcha, but they also have some really cool, modern drinks with a Japanese tea twist.
Even though it feels like a traditional tea place, it’s not stuffy at all. There’s a wall with calligraphy that says “I love matcha” (we definitely felt that!), a little Japanese hearth by the window with all the classic tea tools, and even the benches are covered in tatami mats. We tried their high-quality matcha, and it was delicious. No bitterness, just a smooth, earthy flavor with a touch of sweetness. And that’s coming from someone who’s not exactly a ‘matcha person’.
In addition to our matcha drinks, my daughter also got a matcha ice cream. Perfect! It was exactly what we needed to keep exploring Harajuku and Shibuya in a day!
Relaxing at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado
Before saying goodbye to Harajuku, and making the (official) transition over to Shibuya, we had one more must-see spot on our list: the Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado. This place isn’t your average shopping mall. It’s got everything from a traditional Japanese bathhouse to a lush rooftop garden, and it’s packed with cool shops and restaurants.
Seriously, there’s so much to explore here. You could easily spend hours wandering around the nine floors above ground and three basement levels, checking out the 75 different shops, restaurants, and bars. But what makes it really special are the unique experiences you can have. And the one that drew me in was the absolutely stunning rooftop garden – yet another must-visit.
Honestly, though, throughout our Tokyo visit, there were more ‘must-visits’ than we could count – or experience. It is such a technologically advanced and culturally interesting place.
And the roof-top garden is no exception. It was hard to believe that this amazing multi-level green space with a giant sun-inspired art installation was in the heart of Harajuku – it was just so peaceful.
But then you look out onto the incredible views of the Harajuku-Omotesando intersection, and you remember where you are. It’s the perfect place to catch your breath and soak up some nature amidst the urban buzz. And the best part? It’s completely free to enter!
Getting to Shibuya from Harajuku
Harajuku had been a blast, but it was time to move on to our next adventure: Shibuya! We hopped back on the train and in just a few minutes, we were stepping out into the heart of JR Shibuya Station.
As I mentioned previously, the two districts are very close to one another and you can walk between them. However, I would still recommend taking the train over walking. From Harajuku Station to Shibuya Scramble Square (the next stop on our itinerary) is around 25 minutes walking, and only 6 minutes by train.
You still have quite a bit more to do in Shibuya, so I would suggest conserving your energy. Plus, since you only have one day to pack it all in, every minute counts.
Shibuya
Now, Shibuya is a whole different scene, even while also having trendy fashion, buzzing nightlife, and iconic landmarks. Shibuya is where Japan’s fashion and entertainment scene was born, so it’s the perfect place to people-watch and see what’s hot.
As soon as you leave the station, you’re surrounded by department stores, shopping malls, and streets filled with the latest trends. And of course, there’s the famous Shibuya Crossing right outside the station’s Hachiko Exit. We were about to experience it for ourselves, but first, we had a heartwarming story to discover…
Meeting Hachiko and Shibuya Scramble Square
Right in front of Shibuya station was the Hachiko Statue.
This bronze dog represents Hachiko, a loyal pup who waited at Shibuya station every single day for his owner to return home from work. And that waiting continued even years after his owner had passed away. Hachiko is considered a symbol of loyalty.
Today, the Hachiko statue is used as a good place to meet up with friends before diving into the hustle and bustle of the Shibuya area.
We learned about this bit of history from our guide, and it was yet another reason we were so happy to have someone with us who knew Tokyo well.
My daughter and I stood in front of the statue for a quiet moment, just soaking it all in.
Afterwards we took short walk to Shibuya Scramble Square. This modern landmark is a great place to get panoramic views of the city and experience its dynamic pace from a different perspective.
The observation deck, known as Shibuya Sky, offers a stunning contrast to the busy streets below and provides a unique glimpse into Tokyo’s urban landscape. My daughter is afraid of heights, so we didn’t stay up there long. But we had to at least check it out.
Visiting the World’s Busiest Intersection – Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Scramble Crossing is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the whole world. Think Times Square in New York, but with a distinctly Japanese twist. There is no alternating between people crossing North-South and people crossing East-West. Nope. It is all or nothing.
It’s a bit overwhelming at first, but there’s also something exhilarating about being part of that organized chaos.
We joined the crowd, waited for the signal, and then… we crossed this famous scramble crossing! It was like a human wave, everyone moving in sync. We even managed to snap a few selfies amidst the sea of people.
We learned that the reason that all of the crossing happens at once is to save time. Because Shibuya is such a busy area – for both people and cars – alternating the lights in the manner we are accustomed to in the U.S. would result in some serious traffic jams (for the cars and the people)! It’s definitely a bucket list experience, and a must-do when you’re exploring Harajuku and Shibuya in a day.
Shopping at Don Quijote – The Biggest Discount Store in Japan
The final stop of our Harajuku and Shibuya in a day adventure was Don Quijote, of course! This place is a souvenir shopper’s dream come true. It’s massive, with aisles upon aisles and floors upon floors of everything you could ever imagine. We’re talking household goods, brand-name products, quirky souvenirs… you name it, they’ve got it.
We spent an hour wandering around, picking up some last-minute gifts, and just enjoying the fun, slightly chaotic atmosphere. It’s not your typical store, that’s for sure. There’s something exciting about discovering hidden gems and unique finds around every corner. (I’m thinking of you Baskin Robbins and sake-flavored Kit Kats.)
By the time we left, we were exhausted but happy. Our suitcases were definitely a bit heavier, but our hearts were full of memories from our amazing day exploring Harajuku and Shibuya.
Meiji Jingū Shrine
During our one day in Harajuku and Shibuya, we did not visit Meiji Shrine as part of our Harajuku and Shibuya itinerary, despite it being a main shrine and a must-visit place in Tokyo.
But that was ONLY because we had already seen it earlier in our Tokyo visit. But if you haven’t seen it yet, then fitting it into your visit to Shibuya is a MUST! Not only is it a popular spot in Tokyo, it is a great spot to go to contrast the more high energy parts of your day. Located a short 20 minute’s walk from Shibuya Crossing (and an even shorter walk from Harajuku), this Shinto shrine is one of Tokyo’s most visited and revered sites.
You can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the peaceful surroundings. And the stunningc torii gates create a serene atmosphere that offers a calming retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. The shrine’s lush, forested grounds are perfect for reflection and provide a harmonious balance to your Shibuya experience.
In fact, whether you’re exploring the modern attractions of Shibuya Scramble Square or immersing yourself in the tranquility of the Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya has something for everyone. The combination of these highlights—both the energetic and the serene—makes Shibuya a truly worth visiting destination.
TIP: If you know in advance that you want to include a visit to Meiji Jingu in your Shibuya/Harajuku itinerary, I recommend getting an early start and visiting the shrine first. Not only will you miss some of the crowds at the shrine by getting an early start, but also, by time you get to Harajuku, the neighborhood will be wide awake and at its bustling best.
Until Next Time!
And just like that, our whirlwind tour of Harajuku and Shibuya came to an end. Tokyo is a city that never stops surprising you, and our day trip was just a taste of all the amazing things it has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or visiting Tokyo for the first time, Harajuku and Shibuya are absolute must-sees. And if you’re lucky enough to be exploring with a teenager, like I was, these districts are the perfect blend of fun, shopping, and cultural experiences that’ll create memories you’ll both cherish.
So, if you’re ever in Tokyo and wondering how to spend a day, give Harajuku and Shibuya a try. You won’t regret it!
Tips for Visiting Harajuku and Shibuya in a Day
If you’re interested in visiting Harajuku and Shibuya in a day, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your time.
- If you’re short on time or just want a stress-free experience, consider a private, customized tour like we did through Get Your Guide. It’s a great way to see the highlights and get insider tips.
- You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear your most comfortable shoes. Trust me, your feet will thank you!
- Since you’ll be on the go, pack light and bring only the essentials. You don’t want to be lugging around a heavy bag all day.
- It’s good to have a rough itinerary, but don’t be afraid to go with the flow and explore off the beaten path. You never know what hidden gems you might discover!
- Harajuku and Shibuya are incredibly photogenic, so make sure to bring your camera or phone to capture all the colorful sights.
With a little planning and a sense of adventure, you can easily conquer Harajuku and Shibuya in a day.
FAQs
Is Harajuku worth seeing?
Yes, yes, yes! Harajuku is really, really cool! And that’s whether or not you are someone who fits neatly into the age or fashion demographic of the area. You’ll love being immersed in the quirky and interesting art and fashion culture. You’ll see things in the unique boutiques and creative cafes that you absolutely won’t see anywhere else!
Are Shibuya and Harajuku close?
They are. You can get between the two neighborhoods in 5 minutes by train. You can also walk from on to the other in 20 minutes or so. In a one day trip, I recommend using the train whenever possible to save time and make the most of the day.
How long do you need to spend in Harajuku?
If your goal is a single day that includes both Harajuku and Shibuya, then I recommend spending at least half of your time in Harajuku. Harajuku has a ton of tiny little side streets, each crammed with little shops and cafes to wander through. And then there’s the malls and gardens to explore. Omotesando is a beautiful area that deserves your time, too.
Are you looking for other one-day itineraries for your Tokyo vacation? Here are some others that will help you make the most of your trip:
One Day Kyoto Itinerary: Must-Sees and Must-Dos
The Ultimate 1 Day Mount Fuji Tour from Tokyo (with a Stop at Hakone)