# Harajuku and Omotesando: pop-ups, shrine and park

Harajuku is where Tokyo street fashion and kawaii culture grew up, and Omotesando, the zelkova-lined avenue next to it, is the city's polished shopping street. Between them sit a forest shrine and Tokyo's busiest weekend park, so the area mixes brand pop-ups and anime collabs with shrine festivals and open-air fairs. The list below is updated daily with events in and around the area.

## Takeshita Street, Cat Street and the backstreets

[Takeshita Street](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%AB%B9%E4%B8%8B%E9%80%9A%E3%82%8A%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%89%8D1%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE) runs about 350 metres from the Takeshita exit of Harajuku Station down to Meiji-dori. It is lined with crepe stands, sweets shops, kawaii fashion and idol and character goods, and it is closed to cars every day from 11am to 6pm, which tells you how crowded it gets. On weekend afternoons and during school holidays you move at a shuffle.

Across Meiji-dori the mood changes. The backstreets known as Ura-Harajuku and [Cat Street](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%82%AD%E3%83%A3%E3%83%83%E3%83%88%E3%82%B9%E3%83%88%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%89%8D5%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE), a pedestrian lane that follows an old river towards Shibuya, are full of streetwear, vintage and small brand stores, and many of the area's fashion pop-ups open here. On Omotesando itself, [Kiddy Land](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%82%AD%E3%83%87%E3%82%A4%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89%E5%8E%9F%E5%AE%BF%E5%BA%97%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%89%8D6-1-9&query_place_id=ChIJu1uP9aOMGGARiZH5QxSqDm0) has several floors of character toys and goods and is an easy stop with kids.

- Takeshita Street is easiest on weekday mornings. Arrive before noon if you want to look at shops rather than the backs of heads.
- Bins are rare and Shibuya ward fines littering. Finish your crepe by the stand and keep the wrapper until you find a bin.
- Smoking on the street is banned in Shibuya ward. Use the marked smoking areas.

- → [Pop-up stores in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/pop-ups.md)
- → [Events in Shibuya](https://eventstokyo.com/en/shibuya.md)
- → [Pop-up stores in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/pop-up.md)

## Pop-ups and event spaces: Laforet, Harakado, With Harajuku

[Laforet Harajuku](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%83%A9%E3%83%95%E3%82%A9%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AC%E5%8E%9F%E5%AE%BF%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%89%8D1-11-6), the fashion building on the Jingumae crossing, is the classic address for youth fashion, and Laforet Museum Harajuku on its sixth floor hosts exhibitions, idol and anime events and brand pop-ups. Across the crossing, [Harakado](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E6%80%A5%E3%83%97%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B6%E5%8E%9F%E5%AE%BF%20%E3%83%8F%E3%83%A9%E3%82%AB%E3%83%89%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%89%8D6-31-21) (Tokyu Plaza Harajuku) opened in 2024 with a rooftop terrace, floors of cafés and a public bath in the basement, Kosugiyu Harajuku, run by a well-known Koenji sento. It has quickly become a venue for anime and game collaborations, with themed menus in its restaurants and limited shops.

[With Harajuku](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=WITH%20HARAJUKU%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%89%8D1-14-30&query_place_id=ChIJaer4Wa2NGGARhA8rpi8h5Do), the building facing Harajuku Station, has an event hall on its third floor, and [Omotesando Hills](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E8%A1%A8%E5%8F%82%E9%81%93%E3%83%92%E3%83%AB%E3%82%BA%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%89%8D4-12-10), further down the avenue, uses its tall atrium for brand events and a large Christmas tree in winter. Popular pop-ups here work like anywhere in Tokyo: free entry on quiet days, numbered tickets (整理券) or timed reservations on the opening weekend, and purchase limits per person.

- Follow the buildings' social accounts. New pop-ups and entry rules are posted there first.
- The first weekend of a big pop-up is the worst time to go. A weekday a week later is usually easy.

- → [Pop-up stores in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/pop-ups.md)
- → [Anime, manga and game events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/anime.md)
- → [Pop-up stores in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/pop-up.md)
- → [Pop Culture & Conventions events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/pop-culture.md)

## Meiji Jingu: the forest shrine and its calendar

[Meiji Jingu](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%98%8E%E6%B2%BB%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A8%E7%A5%9E%E5%9C%92%E7%94%BA1-1), the shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, fills a forest between Harajuku and Yoyogi, and its main gate is a minute from Harajuku Station. The gates open around sunrise and close around sunset, so the hours shift through the year. It draws the biggest New Year crowds in Japan, around three million people in the first three days of January, and stays open through New Year's Eve night.

The rest of the year has its own rhythm. The spring grand festival comes in early May, and around November 3, the birthday of Emperor Meiji, the autumn grand festival brings traditional performances such as bugaku court dance, noh and yabusame horseback archery, with a chrysanthemum show along the approach. November weekends fill with families in kimono for Shichi-Go-San, and on most weekends you will see traditional wedding processions crossing the courtyard. Watch them from the side and keep your camera low-key.

- → [Shrine and temple etiquette for festivals and New Year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/shrine-etiquette.md)
- → [New Year in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/new-year.md)
- → [Shichi-Go-San in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/shichi-go-san.md)
- → [Autumn festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/autumn-festivals.md)
- → [Cultural & Ethnic Festivals events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/culture.md)

## Yoyogi Park festivals, Super Yosakoi and winter lights

[Yoyogi Park](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A8%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A8%E7%A5%9E%E5%9C%92%E7%94%BA2-1) is the city's big weekend stage. Its event plaza and outdoor stage, on the side of the park by [NHK Hall](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=NHK%E3%83%9B%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%8D%972-2-1&query_place_id=ChIJ____Dq6MGGARzPpfqRJA0iA), host a different event on most weekends from spring to autumn: festivals for countries and regions, from African to Brazilian and Latin, music and food events, night markets along the zelkova avenue and a jazz festival in autumn. In June, Tokyo Pride holds its festival here, with a parade through Shibuya and Harajuku.

On a weekend in late August, [Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi](https://www.super-yosakoi.tokyo/) brings more than 100 dance teams from all over Japan to stages at Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park and along Omotesando, and watching is free. In winter, the zelkova trees along Omotesando, between Jingubashi and the Omotesando crossing, are wrapped in lights, mostly in December, and the avenue becomes one of the city's classic illumination walks.

- Park festival stalls are quicker with cash, even when some take cards. Bring coins and small notes.
- Check the event page for 雨天決行 (goes ahead in rain) or 雨天中止 (cancelled in rain) before you head out.
- Saturday afternoons are the busiest at Yoyogi Park. Arrive before noon for shorter food queues.

- → [Tokyo Pride](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tokyo-pride.md)
- → [Summer festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/summer-festivals.md)
- → [Winter illuminations in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/winter-illuminations.md)
- → [Food festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/food-festivals.md)
- → [Free events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/free.md)
- → [This weekend in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/this-weekend.md)

## Getting there and planning a day

[JR Harajuku Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=JR%20%E5%8E%9F%E5%AE%BF%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%89%8D1-18-20&query_place_id=ChIJ_yy1ybqMGGAR0tPR4qiHDVY) on the Yamanote Line is the natural start. [Meiji-jingumae](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%20%E6%98%8E%E6%B2%BB%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%89%8D%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%89%8D1-18-22) (Harajuku) Station on the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines sits under the Jingumae crossing, [Omotesando Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%20%E8%A1%A8%E5%8F%82%E9%81%93%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E9%9D%92%E5%B1%B13-6-12) on the Ginza, Chiyoda and Hanzomon lines is at the other end of the avenue, and [Yoyogi-koen Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%A1%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E7%B7%9A%20%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A8%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E5%AF%8C%E3%83%B6%E8%B0%B71-3-9) on the Chiyoda Line is handy for the park's west side. When a concert ends at [Yoyogi National Gymnasium](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%9B%BD%E7%AB%8B%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A8%E7%AB%B6%E6%8A%80%E5%A0%B4%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%8D%972-1-1) or NHK Hall, Harajuku Station gets packed, so walk to Meiji-jingumae or Omotesando instead.

A good day here starts early at Meiji Jingu, when the forest is quiet, then Takeshita Street before the lunch crowd, a pop-up or a park festival in the afternoon, and dinner around Omotesando or in Shibuya, which is about a 15-minute walk down Cat Street. Shimokitazawa is a short train ride away if you want live music in the evening.

- → [Shimokitazawa: live houses, small theatres and vintage](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/shimokitazawa.md)
- → [Date ideas in Tokyo, built around events](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/date-ideas.md)
- → [Taking photos at Tokyo events](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/photography.md)
- → [Events in Shibuya](https://eventstokyo.com/en/shibuya.md)
- → [Concerts in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/concerts.md)

## All events, soonest first

- **[Hatsumode at Meiji Jingu 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hatsumode-at-meiji-jingu-2027-7918)** — Fri, Jan 1, 2027 – Sun, Jan 3, 2027 (JST) · Meiji Jingu Shrine (Shibuya) · Free entry
- **[Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi) 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/coming-of-age-day-seijin-no-hi-2027-7923)** — Mon, Jan 11, 2027 (JST) · Meiji Jingu Shrine (Shibuya) · price on the official site
- **[DESIGNART TOKYO 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/designart-tokyo-2026)** — Fri, Oct 30, 2026 – Sun, Nov 8, 2026 (JST) · Omotesando Station (Tokyo Metro) (Minato) · Free entry
- **[[22 Spots Left] 🎨 Night Art Walk on October 31 (Sat) 5:00 PM – Roppongi Art Night – Freestyle Session](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/221031-1700-night-art-sampo)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 17:00 (JST) · National Stadium Front Plaza (Shinjuku) · ¥500
- **[Kodo x Hatsune Miku: Special Live Performance with Japanese Instruments](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/kodo-x-hatsune-miku-special-live-performance-with-japanese-instruments)** — Fri, Nov 20, 2026 19:00 – Sat, Nov 21, 2026 (JST) · NHK Hall · ¥7,700〜
- **[Tokyo Christmas Market 2026 (Meiji Jingu Gaien)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-christmas-market-2026-meiji-jingu-gaien-7913)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · Meiji Jingu Shrine (Shibuya) · price on the official site
- **[Omotesando Illumination 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/omotesando-illumination-2026-7910)** — Tue, Dec 1, 2026 – Mon, Jan 4, 2027 (JST) · Omotesando (Minato) · Free entry
- **[Omotesando Fendi Illumination 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/omotesando-fendi-illumination-2026)** — Tue, Dec 1, 2026 – Tue, Jan 5, 2027 (JST) · Omotesando and Harajuku (Shibuya) · Free entry
- **[Shibuya Blue Cave (Ao no Dokutsu) 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/shibuya-blue-cave-ao-no-dokutsu-2026-7905)** — Fri, Dec 4, 2026 – Tue, Dec 29, 2026 (JST) · Yoyogi Park Event Area (Shibuya) · Free entry
- **[SAKE PARK: 7 Glasses Tasting Event](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/sake-park7)** — Fri, Nov 13, 2026 – Sun, Nov 15, 2026 (JST) · MIYASHITA PARK Rooftop Shibuya City Miyashita Park Lawn Plaza (Shibuya) · ¥2,070〜
- **[GENERATIONS LIVE TOUR 2026 "PARALLEL QUEST"](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/generations-live-tour-2026-parallel-quest-2)** — Tue, Dec 22, 2026 – Wed, Dec 23, 2026 (JST) · Yoyogi National Gymnasium First Gymnasium (Shibuya) · ¥13,200〜
- **[sumika Live Tour 2027 "Laurens Library"](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/sumika-live-tour-2027-laurens-library)** — Sat, Apr 3, 2027 – Sun, Apr 4, 2027 (JST) · Yoyogi National Gymnasium First Gymnasium (Shibuya) · ¥9,300〜
- **[SEKAI NO OWARI ARENA TOUR 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/sekai-no-owari-arena-tour-2027)** — Sat, Jun 19, 2027 – Sun, Jun 20, 2027 (JST) · Yoyogi National Gymnasium First Gymnasium (Shibuya) · ¥12,000〜
- **[Tokyo Snow Festival 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-snow-festival-2026)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 09:00 – Sun, Nov 1, 2026 (JST) · Yoyogi Park (Shibuya) · Free entry
- **[Europe: The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary Tour](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/europe-the-final-countdown-40th-anniversary-tour)** — Wed, Jan 13, 2027 19:00 (JST) · NHK Hall · ¥15,000–¥16,000
- **[Tokyo Halloween Monster Ball](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-halloween-monster-ball)** — Fri, Oct 30, 2026 23:00 – Sat, Oct 31, 2026 (JST) · fai aoyama (Minato) · price on the official site
- **[NMIXX Japan Debut Showcase 'N=MIXX'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/nmixx-japan-debut-showcase-nmixx)** — Sat, Nov 7, 2026 18:00 – Sun, Nov 8, 2026 (JST) · Yoyogi National Gymnasium First Gymnasium (Shibuya) · ¥15,000
- **[Yoyogi Park JAZZ FESTIVAL 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/jazz-festival-in-yoyogi-park-2026)** — Tue, Nov 3, 2026 11:00 (JST) · Yoyogi Park Central Plaza (Shibuya) · Free entry
- **[Fiesta de España 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/fiesta-de-espana-2026)** — Sat, Nov 14, 2026 10:00 – Sun, Nov 15, 2026 (JST) · Yoyogi Park (Shibuya) · Free entry
- **[Kawaii Monster Land Halloween 'Grand Finale'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/kawaii-monster-land-halloweengrand-finale)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 (JST) · KAWAII MONSTER LAND HARAJUKU (Shibuya) · price on the official site
- **[Dream Triple Performance 2026: Three Featured Acts—Star Performers, Leading Attractions, and Golden Headliners](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/dream-triple-performance-2026-three-featured-acts-star-performers)** — Fri, Dec 18, 2026 18:00 (JST) · LINE CUBE SHIBUYA (Shibuya) · ¥5,000〜
- **[Celebrate Illumination at Anniversaire Omotesando](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/celebrate-illumination)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 – Sun, Feb 14, 2027 (JST) · Anniversaire Omotesando (Minato) · Free entry
- **[Vicke Blanka](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/vicke-blanka)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 18:00 (JST) · LINE CUBE SHIBUYA (Shibuya) · price on the official site
- **[SHAFTEN Pop-Up Event](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/pop-up-4)** — Fri, Oct 30, 2026 – Wed, Nov 11, 2026 (JST) · ACG_Labo (Shibuya) · Free entry
- **[Tokyo Dark Castle Gothic Halloween](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-dark-castle-gothic-halloween)** — Fri, Oct 30, 2026 16:00 (JST) · WildSide Tokyo · ¥5,000〜¥5,500
- **[Koji Yamamoto 50th Anniversary Concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/koji-yamamoto-50th-anniversary-concert)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 17:00 (JST) · LINE CUBE SHIBUYA (Shibuya) · ¥11,000
- **[Maki Goto M×](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/maki-goto-m)** — Tue, Nov 3, 2026 15:00 (JST) · WWW · ¥11,000–¥23,000
- **[ONE N' ONLY 'MEGA GOLDEN' Pop-Up Store](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/one-n-only-mega-golden-pop-up-store)** — Wed, Nov 4, 2026 – Sun, Nov 15, 2026 (JST) · UNIVERSAL MUSIC STORE HARAJUKU (Shibuya) · Free entry
- **[Ai Kago LIVE 2026 'Aibon NOW!'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/live-2026now)** — Fri, Nov 6, 2026 19:00 (JST) · WWW · price on the official site
- **[BOYNEXTDOOR X BBNEXDO POP-UP 'BBNEXDO in Sweet Dreams'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/boynextdoor-x-bbnexdo-pop-up-bbnexdo-in-sweet-dreams)** — Sat, Nov 7, 2026 – Tue, Nov 17, 2026 (JST) · Dai 9 SY Building 1F (Shibuya) · price on the official site

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## Questions people ask

**Is Takeshita Street busy every day?**
It is busy most days and packed on weekend afternoons and school holidays. The street is closed to cars daily from 11am to 6pm, and weekday mornings are the calmest time.

**When is Super Yosakoi in Harajuku?**
Usually on a weekend in late August, with dance teams at Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park and along Omotesando. It is free to watch.

**Are there festivals in Yoyogi Park every weekend?**
From spring to autumn there is something on most weekends, from country festivals to music and food events. Winter is much quieter.

**What time does Meiji Jingu open?**
Around sunrise, and it closes around sunset, so the hours change with the season. It stays open through the night on New Year's Eve.

**When are the Omotesando illuminations?**
Mostly in December, when the zelkova trees along the avenue are lit in the evening. Walking the avenue to see them is free.

**What is the difference between Harajuku and Omotesando?**
Harajuku is young, loud and kawaii, with Takeshita Street at its core. Omotesando is the calmer avenue of flagship brand stores right next to it, and you can walk between them in a few minutes.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/harajuku