Takeshita dori: the iconic street of Harajuku 竹下通り

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The heart of young and Japanese fashion

Takeshita dori is a 400-meter-long pedestrian street , emblematic of the trendy Harajuku district since the 90s. "Takeshita dori" means "the avenue under the bamboo", although you will find mostly shops here ... This The street is popular with Japanese teenagers as well as tourists.

Takeshita dori is within walking distance of the large Meiji-jingu Shinto Shrine , just across from JR Harajuku Station. For more than 30 years, it has attracted young Japanese people who like to walk there in eccentric outfits and look for the craziest accessories . We meet young girls in kawaii outfits, all dressed in pink, looking to renew their wardrobe, lolitas , decora , gothics and punks, young men disguised as young girls and vice versa, maids and brides, and many other characters as well. Here, extravagance is the key word.

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Takeshita-dori, hundreds of quirky shops in Tokyo

In terms of shops, the choice is eclectic. Gothic, rock, hip-hop, visual kei or "retro-punk" clothing through the essential school uniforms, it's cosplay paradise (disguises) .

Fashions come and go, the ACDC Rag store has remained. The singers of the famous AKB48 group will go shopping there; or better, sometimes sell their concert outfits there. You can find everything you need for cosplay , from gothic lolita outfits to punk or kawaii style (cute).

• Read also : Pop culture in Japan

In addition, fancy accessories and jewelry, junk, plush characters and other cute goodies can be bought at a very low price at the temple of the gadget: TheWorld Connection . The idols (fashionable singers) are not left out with shops offering their photos and all kinds of derivative products.

The shops on the street are full of eccentric and colorful clothes and accessories , with a marked predominance for pink. Even if that's not your style, go for the vibe. Here, you are at the heart of street fashion !

• Read also : 5 alternative places to shop in Tokyo

The best places to shop in Takeshita dori

• Daiso Dreams

It is the largest store in the capital of the Daiso chain, a well-known 100 yen shop in Japan. Installed on three floors, there is no doubt that you will find your happiness there at a low price . It is undoubtedly the ideal place to find lots of little souvenirs.

Address: Village 107, 1-19-24 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

• ACDC Rag

One of the oldest stores on the street, which sells clothes, each more original than the next , at low prices. It is unthinkable not to take a walk there while walking in Takeshita dori ...

Address: 1-20-7 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001

• Wego

A larger store, very well known and very popular with young people thanks to its more American style, and its advantageous prices. There you will find everything you need to display the total Harajuku look . Two Wego stores are located on Takeshita dori: one at the beginning, and one at the end.

Address: 150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1−19−19 ヒ ン メ ル ブ ラ ウ 1F

• 6% Doki Doki

Look on the first floor, and you'll find one of the craziest and most colorful shops on the street ... It's nothing short of one of the main brands of kawaii fashion in Japan !

Address: 4−28−16 2F, Jingumae, Shibuya 150-0001, Tokyo

The best places to eat in Takeshita dori

Takeshita dori is a paradise for pastries and sweets , especially "Harajuku-style" pancakes. These are take-out pancakes, served in cones (like ice cream), and mostly garnished with whipped cream and fruit .

• Calbee Plus Harajuku

Another specialty of Takeshita dori: Calbee chips and fries, to taste in their shop. You can eat on site chips or fries just out of the fryer, covered with many different fillings , including cheese but also ... chocolate.

Address: 1-16-8 Jingumae, Along Harajuku Takeshitadori, Shibuya 150-0001, Tokyo

• Read also: Kawaii pastries and sweets

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