Love hotel hill (ラブホテル坂)
Shibuya is an expensive place to live, so many people still live with their family. Many therefore head over to this prized love hotel area for a bit of privacy with their partner. This area is full of these hotels offering rooms for very cheap prices. Even if you are not staying, it’s definitely worth a walk around to see all the cheesy architecture and bright lights. All night! • Take a left after Don Quijote and walk up • Google Maps
Free sample heavens
Tokyu Food Show (東急フードショー)
A treasure chest of Japanese food, plus international stalls to spice things up. With countless stalls, you can spend lots of time just wandering around, trying out free samples as you go. 10am-9pm • Basement of Tokyu Department Store, west side of station • Google Maps
Shibuya Hikarie (渋谷ヒカリエ)
A new department store with modern shops, restaurants and a nice food area downstairs. Has even more stalls handing out free samples than Tokyu Food Show, so try lots and see what you like. 10am-9pm • Exit 15 / east exit • Google Maps
Center Gai (渋谷センター街)
Shibuya’s main shopping street, also known as Basketball Street. Center Gai is full of game arcades, fast food restaurants, fashion boutiques and bars. While there are only a few stores that visitors will buy goods from, the food options are excellent and the area comes to life in the evening, with plenty of raucous businessmen and teenagers. Street with gate above it, across the Shibuya pedestrian scramble • Google Maps
Shopping around Shibuya station
Shibuya 109
Worth a walk around to see what is hot and what is not in the world of youth fashion in Japan. 109 is the place to be for upcoming brands, and regarded as a stamp of quality for them. Staff are very friendly and will help you out if you don’t know what things are! 10am-9pm • Exit 3A • Google Maps
Tokyu Hands (東急ハンズ)
Full of crazy, strange Japanese goods for you to laugh at and enjoy. Back scratchers, weird massage chairs, crazy robot toys and some unimaginable goods. Great for souvenirs and any novelties you want to take home. 10am-9pm • 5 minutes down Inokashira Dori • Google Maps
Don Quijote (ドン・キホーテ)
Cheaper prices than Tokyu Hands, this megastore has everything from second-hand jewelry to clothes, to cheap snacks. They also have takeout sushi and other items for lunch. 10am-4:30am • Exit 3A, then down the road to left • Google Maps
100 yen shops
Can Do (キャンドゥ) - Opposite Tokyu Hands. 10am-10pm
Daiso (ダイソー) - Another great 100 yen shop nearby. 10am-9pm
Pharmacy (ドラッグ ストア)
Matsumoto Kiyoshi (薬 マツモトキヨシ) is on the way to 109 (24h).
Budget food
Budget chain restaurants on map
1) Tenka Ippin (天下一品) - ramen. Ramen from 700 yen • 11am-3am
2) Matsuya (松屋) - rice bowls and curry. Gyudon bowls from 290 yen • 24h
3) Ootoya (大戸屋) - Japanese set meals. Sets from 750 yen • 11am-11pm
4) Hidakaya (日高屋) - ramen and gyoza dumplings. Ramen from 390 yen • 10:30am-3:30pm
5) Yoshinoya (吉野家) - gyudon and curry. Bowls from 330 yen • 24h
6) Sukiya (すき家) - gyudon and curry. Bowls from 360 yen • 24h
7) Tenya (天丼てんや) - tempura. Bowls from 500 yen • 11am-11pm
8) Wendy’s First Kitchen (ファーストキッチン) - cheap soups, burgers and pasta. Pasta from 580 yen, burgers from 370 yen • 5am-1am
Local budget food
Best spots along Center Gai, in order from the station.
9) Yanbaru Okinawa Soba (やんばる 沖縄そば) - Set dishes and soba from Okinawa. Noodles from 650 yen • 11am-11:30pm • Google Maps
10) Yaro Ramen (野郎ラーメン) - Large sized ramen, sure to fill you up. Ramen from 500 yen • 24h • Google Maps
11) Kamukura Ramen (どうとんぼり神座) - Big menu, with English explanations on how to eat it and vegetarian options. Ramen from 680 yen • 9am-8am • Google Maps
12) Shakey’s Pizza (シェーキーズ) - All-you-can-eat pizza restaurant, with Japanese and seasonal themed flavors. Lunch time: adults 930 yen, teens 600 yen, under junior high school age 380 yen. Dinner time: 1540 yen, 1030 yen, 510 yen • 11am-11pm • Google Maps
13) Okonomiyaki Mura (お好み焼 むら) - All-you-can-eat Japanese pancakes, called Okonomiyaki. 90 mins for 1980 yen or Okonomiyaki from 780 yen • 4pm-2am • Google Maps
Cheap supermarkets (スーパー)
Life Supermarket (ライフ渋谷東店) is a 10/15-minute walk away from Shibuya station on Meiji Dori, to the south and along the narrow river (9am-1am).
Free wifi locations
Shibuya Free Wi-Fi provides a good service all over Shibuya. To access, you need to show your passport and get a password from any information desk at a department store or the Shibuya station tourist information center.
How to get there and away
From Shinjuku station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya station (6 mins, 150 yen). From Tokyo station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya station (24 mins, 190 yen). Also on Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin, Hanzomon and Ginza lines. Recommended rail passes: Tokyo Subway Ticket, Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket, Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass
Tourist information (観光案内所)
Inside Shibuya station (in the Tokyu Line and Tokyo Metro Line area), on the second basement floor and near Miyamasuzaka Center exit (10am-7pm).
Harajuku (原宿)
Takeshita Dori, Harajuku
Located between Shinjuku and Shibuya, Harajuku is the heartland of youth fashion and entertainment in Tokyo. It will provide plenty of splendid culture shock for a visitor, young or old. Many have heard the name Harajuku before, in popular culture or Japanese restaurant names, but it must really be seen to be believed. The area is full of independent boutiques and cafes, high-class shops and an increasing number of international chains, attracted by the status that being in Harajuku gives a brand.
Walk it and save!
To see the real Harajuku, you can’t just visit Takeshita Dori and Omotesando. There are some fascinating back streets and more chilled out areas seconds away. It’s the best way to see what Japan’s young (and young at heart) are up to. This route will take you to all the highlights in Harajuku:
Things to do
Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu Shrine (明治神宮)
Located next to Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu is Tokyo’s biggest and busiest Shinto shrine. Dedicated to the souls of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken, the shrine is surrounded by a large forest, which contains more than 100,000 trees from all over Japan and overseas. The crowds do flock here, but the wide open paths and calm environment keep this place tranquil and peaceful. While one section of the forest requires a fee, it is completely free to visit the rest of it. Traditional Japanese weddings often take place in the shrine in the afternoon, so you may strike lucky! FREE • Open at sunrise, closes at sundown (4-5pm) • Walk from Harajuku station, via wide bridge outside • Google Maps
Homotsuden (Treasure Museum) (宝物殿)
Meiji Jingu has two treasure museums, for one entry fee. While it’s not very popular with foreign tourists, the museums are an interesting insight into Japan's often forgotten history and its national treasures. Recent highlights include a 120 year old horse carriage used by a former emperor. 500 yen for both sites • 9am-4pm • Main building in north of park • Google Maps
Takeshita Dori (竹下通)
A wonderful street filled with a variety of colorful and crazy fashions. Along the way you will see people shouting out special deals, offering great deals on everything from watches to shoes to bags. Even with all the cheap deals, this is not the main reason to come here. The street is full of very cute, very colorful Japanese shops that am
aze even the most hardened tourists. The following highlights are in order as you approach from Harajuku station.
Daiso (ダイソー)
A big 100 yen discount store in Takeshita Dori Street. Get your drinks, cheap souvenirs and snacks here. 10am-9pm • Google Maps
Bodyline
A treasure trove for anyone into cosplay or Lolita fashion, and an interesting peek into modern Japanese youth culture for others. Bodyline has prices starting from 200 yen for cute tights and decent boots can often be bought from around 3000 yen. Having said that, when there are clearance sales, shoes and tops can go from as low as 500 yen! 11am-8pm • Google Maps
Cute Cube Harajuku
Small shopping mall full of unbelievably cute shops, such as a Sanrio shop for Hello Kitty goods and the adorable cafe with character-themed meals. Also has a branch of Chicago, for reasonably priced vintage clothes. 10am-8pm • Google Maps
390 Mart (Thank You Mart)
If you say three, then nine in Japanese, the sound is “Sankyuu”, similar to the English word “Thank you”. As you may have guessed, everything here is only 390 yen. Kawaii (cute) socks, t-shirts, denim jeans and hats, plus a good selection of tote bags are available. 11am-8pm • Google Maps
Yoyogi Park
A nice open park, great for playing games and sunbathing. Also one of Tokyo’s most popular cherry blossom viewing areas. Come on Sunday for the Elvis dancers at the entrance! Cultural events and markets often take place here on the weekends in the summer, at the Yoyogi Outdoor Stage (代々木公園野外ステージ), just past the Yoyogi National Stadium. They usually have lots of stalls selling cheap Japanese food, as well as themed events, such as flea markets and food festivals. FREE • 5am-8pm (until 5pm from mid Oct - Apr) • On the other side of Harajuku station • Google Maps
Omotesando
While this street is well known to tourists, apart from a few exceptions it is definitely not a place for budget travelers to go shopping. Think more Burberry and Louis Vuitton than 100 yen discount stores. It is still worth a walk up though, as there are interesting shopping streets that head off from Omotesando and a few shops for foreign tourists:
Condomania (コンドマニア)
Yes, that’s right, a shop dedicated to condoms. Its light-hearted and fun approach has given this shop quite a reputation. 11am-9:30pm • On the right hand side at first main junction, Metro exit 4 • Google Maps
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku (東急プラザ)
New shopping mall, with a spectacular entrance of huge metallic mirrors. It says its aim is to become a fashion theme park, and Tokyu Plaza certainly does a good job of spicing up shopping with a bunch of quirky shops. Grab a drink somewhere cheaper and chill out on the top, a super trendy rooftop garden looking over Harajuku. 10am-9pm • On left hand side after first main junction, opposite Condomania • Google Maps • http://omohara.tokyu-plaza.com/en/
Oriental Bazaar (オリエンタルバザー)
One of the best souvenir shops in Japan. They have reasonably priced yukatas (traditional Japanese gowns) for sale and about any kind of gift you could want to take back. Staff are also very useful if you don’t understand how things work or what their purpose is. 10am-7pm • Continue down Omotesando, a minute after first junction, on right • Google Maps • http://www.orientalbazaar.co.jp/
Design Festa Gallery (デザインフェスタギャラリー)
A host of small galleries, more than 70 when at full capacity, showing off the latest up-and-coming artists. All sorts of styles, and ever changing exhibitions on display. Design Festa has become a bit of an institution in Harajuku, and makes going to an expensive gallery unnecessary for most. FREE • Times vary by gallery • After walking down Takeshita Dori from Harajuku station, cross the road and continue forward. Take the second left, it’s on the right side • Google Maps • http://www.designfestagallery.com/index_en.html
Budget food
It's a bit difficult to find cheap food in Harajuku, so definitely stick with the cheap chain restaurants and convenience stores, or see what is on offer in Yoyogi Park.
Budget restaurants on map
1) Yoshinoya (吉野家) - gyudon and curry. Bowls from 330 yen • 24h
2) Tempura Tenya (天丼てんや) - deep-fried fish and vegetables. Bowls from 500 yen • 11am-11pm
Local budget food
3) Ichiran Ramen (一蘭) - Ramen bar that focuses on Tonkotsu (pork) based ramen, and does it pretty damned well. Ramen from 790 yen • 7am-11:30pm • Walk down Omotesando from Harajuku station, then take a right at first junction and look for 一蘭 characters on other side (opposite Metro exit 7) • Google Maps
4) Nagaraya Bento (ながらや) - Pick up a posher than usual bento at this local shop. Bento boxes from 680 yen • 10am-5pm • Cross road at end of Takeshita Dori (if coming from Harajuku station), walk down narrow street on left for 2 mins • Google Maps
Cheap supermarkets (スーパー)
There are no supermarkets, but plenty of large convenience stores around.
Water bottle refill spots
There are some water fountains in Yoyogi Park, but it could be quite a trek just to refill your bottle. Head to Daiso for cheap drinks and snacks.
Pharmacy (ドラッグ ストア)
Matsukiyo (薬 マツモトキヨシ) has a pharmacy down Takeshita Dori (9:30am - 10pm).
How to get there and away
By rail
From Shinjuku station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku station (4 mins, 130 yen). From Tokyo station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku station (26 mins, 190 yen). If using the Metro, head to Meijijingu-Mae station on the Fukutoshin or Chiyoda lines. Recommended rail passes: Tokyo Subway Ticket, Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket, Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass
Walk it and save!
To/from Shinjuku, we have walked the distance in under 30 minutes. The best route is to go via the grounds of Meiji Jingu, which has an entrance at the south near Harajuku station and another in the north near Shinjuku station. Most visitors will go around these grounds anyway, so it’s a worthwhile money saving idea. Just stay on the west side of the JR Yamanote Line (look out for the trains with light green lines on them) tracks and you will get to your destination.
Tourist information (観光案内所)
H.I.S has an unofficial, but still very helpful tourist information center (10am-5:30pm), a little further north from the entrance to Takeshita Dori if coming from Harajuku station.
Koenji (高円寺)
Koenji, like Shimo-Kitazawa, is a trendy town with many cheap shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Known as Tokyo’s main counter-culture area, it features some great second-hand book and music shops. A great place to escape the tourist crowds of Shinjuku and Shibuya, Koenji is often a favorite spot for foreigners living, rather than just traveling, in Tokyo.
Things to do
The best way to experience Koenji is to walk around the station, up the various shopping streets, looking for some bargains. Koenji is really a great place for a spot of window shopping, and purchasing a few interesting goods. The counter-culture vibe has also helped to develop some great independent, but not too pricey, restaurants and take-out shops.
Chosenji Temple (長仙寺)
Not essential, as this is a rather small and not so impressive temple, but if you want a quick break from walking around it does make for a relaxing spot. FREE • 24h • Head right after St. Marc Cafe down PAL Shopping Arcade (高円寺パル商店街) • Google Maps
Shopping
Looking for cheap clothes? Second-hand or recycled goods? Cute but stylish accessories or ornaments? Koenji is going to blow your socks off if you are into these things. Countless independent shops sell all sorts of goods, so give yourself at least an hour or two to explore.
South of Koenji station
PAL Shopping Arcade (高円寺パル商店街)
An interesting spot for a bit of shopping, PAL h
as more chains than elsewhere, but still has a few gems. Village Vanguard (ヴィレッジヴァンガード) is an iconic, crazy shop full of random ‘only in Japan’ items, magazines and posters to take home (10am-midnight) and the game arcade has plenty of 100 yen games to play. Take the south exit from Koenji station, then take a right turn and walk a little until you see the PAL sign above.
Koenji Look Shopping Street (高円寺ルック商店街)
Lined with second-hand and antique stores, plus some funky cafes and tiny up-and-coming restaurants. Prices may be higher than the 100 yen shops, but there are some real bargains to be found. If buying lots, don’t be afraid to haggle, even though this is Japan! Continue on from PAL Shopping Arcade or start at Shin-Koenji (Metro Marunouchi Line) and walk up.
North of Koenji station
Olympic (オリンピック)
Cheap bicycles, everyday essentials and basic fashion items at not too bad a price. 10am-9pm • Once out of Koenji station (north exit), head down the road with the orange Yoshinoya restaurant • Google Maps
Jeans Mate (ジーンズメイト)
Yes, the information below is correct, this is a 24 hour jean shop. Cheap T-shirts, shoes and of course jeans, plus tax-free available for foreign tourists (remember your passport). 24h • Opposite Olympic • Google Maps
Mode Off (モードオフ)
Second-hand and retro clothes, bags, hats and accessories available in this large store. 11am-9pm • Head out of Koenji station (north exit), head up the street with the Sundrug (サンドラッグ高円寺店) • Google Maps
100 yen shops
Daiso (ダイソー) - A little small, but has all the 100 yen essentials. 10am-9pm
Can Do (キャンドゥ) - Much larger choice than Daiso, with a good selection on everyday essentials. 10am-9pm • All the way down Koenji Look Shopping Street.
Pharmacy (ドラッグ ストア)
Sundrug (サンドラッグ高円寺店) has a huge shop across from Koenji station, north exit (10am-10:45pm).
Budget food
Super Cheap Japan Page 5