“Harajuku” is a district of “over the top fashion” and youth culture. To mention a few, “Omote Sando” Street is for luxury brand fashions, and “Takeshita Dori” Street is the center of “Kawaii” (cute) culture in the world. It is also a treasure place for eating-out gourmets. There you will find popular chocolate pizzas, impeccable crapes, pretty cookies, meaty hamburgers, etc.
Promenade Tour in “Harajuku”
Get “Kawaii”: Shopping Tour in Harajuku
An English guided tour is available in the afternoons. Let’s explore “Kawaii” world in the ally-ways and “Takeshita Dori” Street in Harajuku. You can find Lolita’s goods and “Kawaii” fashion with reasonable price. On your request the guide will introduce you nail salons and hair salons.
Crape Shops
source: flickr
source：Appetite For Japan
“Harajuku” is famous for crapes. The crapes have been historical sweets in “Harajuku” for 40 years since the time when there were not many shops in “Takeshita” Dori. It is a must try sweet. Though there are many crepe shops in “Harajuku” district, each shop differs from each other, for example different textures of dough, sweetness of the cream, etc. It is fun to try various shops and compare them. It’s ideal for eating around..
Santa Monica Crapes
source: twitter
source: Santa Monica Crapes at Harajuku
“Santa Monica Crapes” is a specialized for crapes and tapioca milk and is so popular that it is presented by magazines and TV. It is located on “Takeshita Dori” Street and they offer uniquely delicious crapes, hand cooked in small quantity in their kitchen every day. Their crapes made with good quality wheat and rich butter, are none to second. Their 3 most popular crapes are Strawberry Banana Chocolate Ice-cream, Banana Chocolate Whipped Cream and Strawberry Chocolate Whipped Cream.
Access
・Address: Je m’appelle Harajuku bldg, 1-16-8 Jingu Mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Open every day
Mon – Fri: 10:00 – 21:30
Sat. Sun. & National Holiday: 09:30 – 22:00
・Official site URL
http://santamonica.jp/store/index.html
・Map
Angel’s Heart
source: flickr
source: flickr
“Angel’s Heart” is one of the oldest on “Takeshita Dori” Street since 1970’s. They are the first one who made paper wrapped crapes with fresh fruits, whipped cream and ice-cream. They make crapes with just fresh eggs and milk without adding water. The 40cm crapes are pan-grilled after placing the order. It is astonishing. Most recommended are “Cookie & Cream Cheese Cake”, “Strawberry Banana Chocolate”, and “Hamburger with Mashed Potato”. Their sister-shop called “Strawberry House” is located at “La Foret Harajuku”. Why not check it up as well?
Access
・Address: 1-20-6 Jungu Mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Open: Week days & Sat.: 10:30-22:00, Sun. & National Holidays: 10:00 – 22:00
・Official site URL
・Map
Pancake Shops
source: r.gnavi
source: tokyo-blog
In “Harajuku” there are many pancake shops and they are competing with each other. There are many different tastes, for example, Hawaiian, soft, melting and chewy pancakes. Each shop tries to be different from their competitors in fruits, cream and variation of toppings. Let’s try to find a hidden lunch menu of pancake or out-of-the-way spots.
**“Rainbow Pancake” **
source: flickr
source: matome.naver
It is said that in Hawaii two things make people smile: a rainbow and pancakes. When there appears a rainbow, people pause to look at the sky and smile. Also, people regardless of the age, can’t help but smile when they see rich and tasty pancakes good for dessert or for meal. It is “Rainbow Pancake” who brings you Hawaiian smile and happiness. The most popular menu is “Salmon with Avocado” for meal and “Macadamia Nuts Sauce” for dessert.
Access
・Address: ARES, 4-28-4 Jungu Mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Open every day: 11:00 – 18:00
・Official site URL
http://www.rainbowpancake.net/
・Map
**Burn Side Street Café **** **
source: Burn Side Street Café
source: Burn Side Street Café
“BURN SIDE ST CAFÉE” is a replica of a café in an alley-way of Portland, Oregon, on the West Coast, U.S.A., retaining its casual ambience. They offer coffee of its original brand and homemade cuisine. You can try popular soft thick soufflé pancakes, French toasts, hamburgers and various others. Why not experience “Bliss” their concept?
Access
・Address: 4-29-9 Jungu Mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Open every day
Mon – Fri: 09:30 – 21:00
Sat & Sun: 08:30 – 21:00
・Official site URL
・Map