A Culinary Tour of Harajuku: Must-Try Food and Street Eats

Welcome to Harajuku, Tokyo's vibrant hub of fashion, culture, and mouth-watering street food. Though typically known for its Harajuku fashion boutiques, used clothing stores, and trendy shops, this district offers a plethora of restaurants, cafes, street food stands, and more that are sure to make any foodie's mouth water. With inventive eats and traditional treats, this district is a haven for gastronomes. Get ready for the exciting harajuku options by experiencing Japanese snacks and food at home with Japan Crate, a monthly delivery service featuring Japan-exclusive sweets and treats.

Below, we explore Harajuku food offerings, from sweet to savory. Learn about the history of the district, must-try foods, Instagram-worthy sweets, and more!

The Evolution of Harajuku Street Food

Beginning in the 1960s and 1970s, creatives found their way to Harajuku, as it was a relatively affordable location to live. Here, they would sell their goods to small shops, from custom-made items to counterfeit fashion pieces. In some cases, these same creatives would open their own small shops to sell a myriad of items. These early residents helped establish Harajuku as a trendy, affordable fashion hub.

It wasn't until 1977 that the first crepe shop opened. This led to multiple other crepe shops opening in the district, making crepes a significant Harajuku street food that remains popular to this day. Since these crepe stands first opened, additional Harajuku food offerings have sprung up in the area. Current options include an exciting mixture of traditional treats and modern sweets. For example, it's easy to find pizza slices, onigiri (rice balls), bubble tea, and oversized rainbow cotton candy all within the district. Convenience stores, food truck options, and fast food restaurants are also available within the Harajuku district, providing more casual eats for area visitors.

Iconic Harajuku Foods You Must Try

Before arriving at Harajuku Station, you may wonder, "What to do in Harajuku?". Quite a few activities are available for visitors, from people-watching in Yoyogi Park to exploring Cat Street, a street filled with quirky shops and an array of food options. Additionally, clothing shops ranging from eccentric to vintage are available to explore. In particular, Takeshita Street is famous for its kawaii and fashion options. Between people watching, spending time at animal cafes, and shopping, it's necessary to taste famous Harajuku food.

Here are a few must-tries in the district, including Harajuku Street Food!

Crepes

Crepes are one of the oldest food offerings in Harajuku, so they're a definite must-try while in the district. Multiple creperies are open, making it easy to stop by and grab a crepe between other activities. Sweet and savory toppings/fillings, such as fresh fruit, chocolate, etc., are available, so they're a delicious treat for everyone.

Rainbow Cotton Candy

The oversized rainbow cotton candy is extremely popular in Harajuku, especially since it's often featured on Instagram and other social media. Besides its fun colors, this cotton candy comes in various shapes, including animals. You can watch the cotton candy being formed in front of you, making it a fun experience.

Shaved Ice

You'll likely see locals and visitors enjoying shaved ice (also known as kakigori) during the warm months. This delicious treat includes a bowl of finely shaved ice topped with syrups, condensed milk, fruit, and more. It's a tasty, sweet treat that doesn't feel too heavy, making it the perfect option for staying cool.

Takoyaki

This traditional savory snack includes tasty octopus pieces added to a batter and deep-fried in the shape of balls. These balls are topped with bonito flakes and various sauces. Delicious and served warm, they're a delicious option for Harajuku street food.

Best Places to Eat in Harajuku

Whether you have a sweet tooth or want a savory dish, you'll find plenty of Harajuku food options to satisfy your cravings. These restaurants range from traditional to inventive (like cauliflower rice sushi). Here are a few top places to find food in the district.

Marion Crepes

Marion Crepes is perhaps the most famous crepe shop in Harajuku. It was the first and remains the oldest creperie in the district. It's no secret why this shop has remained popular in the area for so long. They produce delicious crepes with an array of toppings and flavors. Their matcha crepes are a must-try.

Parla Labo

For a more luxurious treat, visit Parla Labo. This creperie lies near Cat Street and provides visitors with elegant crepes featuring ingredients like meringue. Expect a higher price tag than other crepe shops in the district, but the higher-end ingredients are well worth the splurge.

Kawaii Monster Cafe

Among the themed Harajuku Cafe options is Kawaii Monster Cafe, which is equally vibrant, cute, and a bit scary. This fun cafe includes a bit of whimsy as well, which is explored through a unicorn adorned carousel, melting ice cream seats, giant jellyfish, and other unique decor. Each of the menu items is monster-inspired and colorful, from their burgers to desserts. Unfortunately, the Harajuku location recently closed. However, the cafe has reopened in Osaka.

Totti Candy Factory

Those interested in trying giant cotton candy should head to Totti Candy Factory, where this tasty treat is created. In addition to oversized, colorful cotton floss, customers can purchase other sweets here, including cake pops and lollipops.

Strawberry Fetish

For a sweet treat that's deliciously crunchy, make sure to stop by Strawberry Fetish. This vendor sells tanghulu, aka fresh fruit covered in a thin sugar syrup layer. With four options available, this sweet is a tasty treat.

Exploring Harajuku's Cafes

Beyond street foods, restaurants, and fast food shops, Harajuku is known for its themed cafes, which provide a fun, unique experience for guests. They're another top item on the list of what to do in Harajuku. Below are a few of the top Harajuku cafe options.

Pompompurin Cafe

Fans of Sanrio's Pompompurin will want to stop by the Pompompurin Cafe. This cafe focuses on the adorable character, with Pompompurin decor, drinks, and food. The Japanese curry is a must-try on the menu, though all the menu items are especially cute and worth trying.

CAFÉ Mori no Terrace

This beautiful cafe is located at the base of the forest by the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Its name translates to forest terrace, and its simple wooden design is reminiscent of the forest it resides in. The cafe is known for its matcha tea, though it also offers gelato, sandwiches, cakes, and breads.

Tokyo Snake Center

Harajuku is also known for its animal cafes, which include a cat cafe, a pig cafe, and even a snake cafe! This Tokyo Snake Center has beverages and light snacks for purchase, which can be consumed while meeting friendly (non-venomous) snakes. These snakes are put in a clear case on the table so you can watch them slither while you enjoy your drink. If you're feeling particularly brave, there is an option to hold one of the snakes for a few minutes. Their maple latte is one of the tastiest drink choices here.

More Street Food Delights in Harajuku

Beyond the above-mentioned Harajuku street food options, there are quite a few street food treats. Additional savory options include sushi crepes from Kura Sushi Harajuku, tunnel potatoes, and rainbow grilled cheese sandwiches. As far as sweets, there are quite a few to try. You'll find options in Harajuku like churros, daifuku mochi, candy-coated apples, boba tea, and much more.

Japan Crate and Sugoi Mart: Your Gateway to Japanese Snacks

Another alternative to visiting the Harajuku district in person is subscribing to Japan Crate for authentic Japanese snacks and Harajuku food. This monthly subscription box includes 15-17 sweet and savory Japan-exclusive snacks similar to what you'd find in Harajuku. From treats inspired by Harajuku street food, like takoyaki balls and Sanrio-themed snacks, it will be as if you traveled to Tokyo to indulge in Harajuku street food!

Besides snacks, you'll also find interactive elements, such as competitions and games, which allow you to learn more about Japanese culture. With collectibles and a full-sized Japanese Kit Kat bar in each box, unwrapping each Japan Crate shipment is truly exciting.

If you're craving additional Harajuku-inspired treats, head to Sugoi Mart, where you'll find a-la-carte items ranging from snacks to drinks, sweets, and more. Sugoi Mart's Food & Drinks selection includes a variety of traditional and modern treats, just like what you'd see in the Harajuku district. A few Harajuku-inspired treats include Choco Daifuku, Calbee Hamburger Chips, and Muji White Chocolate Coated Strawberry.

Conclusion

Not only is Harajuku a hub for fashion and shops, but it's also a hub for unique restaurants, cafes, and foodie experiences. With exciting themed cafes, food stalls serving sweet and savory treats, and creative foods consistently appearing throughout the district, this area is set to remain a foodie delight for many years to come. During a future visit to Japan, be sure to include Harajuku on your itinerary, as its vibrant food scene is not to be missed!

Uncover more unique Japanese snacks with a Japan Crate subscription! You can also explore Sugoi Mart for a plethora of Japanese snacks and kawaii merchandise. With a visit to both sites, you'll feel like you've arrived in Harajuku!

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