Researched guide · Checked on Nov 11, 2026
Takeshita Street (Takeshita-dori) is Harajuku’s famous shopping street: a narrow, car-free lane of crêpe stands, sweets and fashion shops right across from Harajuku Station. This page covers what to eat and buy, how to cope with the crowds and how to get there. For the whole area, see our Harajuku and Omotesando guide.
Quick facts
| Length and location | About 350 m, starting across the road from JR Harajuku Station |
| Car-free hours | Pedestrians only from 11:00 to 18:00 |
| Shop hours | Depend on the shop. Each shop sets its own hours and days off |
| Admission | Free to walk |
| Nearest station | JR Harajuku Station, Takeshita Exit, right beside the street |
| Last checked | November 2026 |
Snacks and shopping
- Street snacks: crêpes, candy floss (cotton candy) and other colorful sweets are the classic Takeshita Street treats.
- Fashion: small shops selling inexpensive clothes and accessories, from cute kawaii styles to goth, grunge and punk boutiques.
- Everyday shops: there are also larger stores such as the Daiso 100-yen shop and drugstores selling makeup.
- Purikura: photo booths where you can take, decorate and print pictures with friends on the spot.
Shop hours are set by each shop, so a store you want may open later or close earlier than others. Check the shop’s own website before you make a special trip.
How to cope with the crowds
- Expect crowds. The street is packed most days of the year.
- Keep to the left. The shopping street association asks visitors to keep left and move in one direction to prevent congestion.
- Use the side streets. If the main street is too crowded, the side streets are usually much quieter and have interesting shops too.
- Try Cat Street. For a calmer walk with more grown-up shops, head to Cat Street, between Harajuku and Shibuya.
Watch out for street touts
Touting and street sales pitches are banned on Takeshita Street. The shopping street association’s advice if someone approaches you:
- Do not stop, and do not reply.
- Ignore requests to shake hands.
- Do not take catalogs or leaflets.
- If you have trouble, contact the police right away (dial 110).
Getting there
- JR Harajuku Station (Yamanote Line): use the Takeshita Exit. The street starts right across the road.
- Address: 1-chome Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo.
Meiji Jingu is also right next to Harajuku Station, so the shrine and the street fit easily into one morning. Plan the rest of the area with our Harajuku and Omotesando guide.
FAQ
How long is Takeshita Street?
About 350 meters. It starts across the road from JR Harajuku Station.
What time do the shops on Takeshita Street open?
It depends on the shop. Each shop sets its own opening hours and days off, so check the shop you want before you go.
Is Takeshita Street car-free?
Yes, it is for pedestrians only from 11:00 to 18:00.
Is Takeshita Street crowded?
Yes, it is packed most days. Keep to the left as the shopping street association asks, or step into the quieter side streets.
What is the nearest station to Takeshita Street?
JR Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line. Use the Takeshita Exit.
Keep reading
Sources
This page is based on the official information below, not on our own visit. Last checked: November 2026. Facts last checked against official sources on November 11, 2026. Shops change often, so please check before you go.
