Reader’s Question: I’m planning to go to Harajuku with my son, who is in the second year of junior high, and my daughter, who is in the sixth grade. Are there any recommended places or routes? My son loves the
anime One Piece, so we intend to visit the Straw Hat Store, but are there any other One Piece-related spots you would recommend? I think Shibuya is also nearby, so we might consider moving around. So far, we only have plans to visit the Straw Hat Store, GALAXY Harajuku, and stroll along Takeshita Street to try some street food. I would appreciate any advice on recommended places or food. Thank you!
Exploring Harajuku with Kids: A Family Adventure
Hey there, fellow travel enthusiasts! So, I recently took my kids—my son, a die-hard One Piece fan, and my daughter, who’s all about the latest trends—to Harajuku. I had a blast, and I’m super excited to share our experience with you! If you’re planning a trip to Harajuku with your family, especially if you have anime-loving kids, you’re in for a treat!
First off, if you’re not familiar, Harajuku is a bustling district in Tokyo known for its vibrant youth culture, quirky fashion, and, of course, some of the coolest shopping spots you can imagine. Trust me; it’s a paradise for kids and adults alike!
Your Route: Starting Point – The Straw Hat Store
Our first stop was the Straw Hat Store, which is like stepping into the universe of One Piece. My son was practically vibrating with excitement! The store is filled with all things related to Luffy and his crew, from figurines to clothing. And let me tell you, the staff there are super friendly and know their One Piece trivia. We spent a good hour just browsing and chatting about our favorite characters. It was a great way for me to bond with my son while enjoying what he loves. If your kids are anime fans, this place is a must-visit!
Oh, and pro tip: Don’t forget to take a picture with the life-size Straw Hat crew cutouts! It’s an Instagram moment waiting to happen. My daughter, who usually rolls her eyes at anime stuff, even joined in and pretended to be part of the crew. It was hilarious!
Next Up: GALAXY Harajuku
After the Straw Hat Store, we headed over to GALAXY Harajuku. It’s this funky, vibrant shopping area that screams youth culture. The moment you step in, you’re greeted with the latest in fashion trends, quirky accessories, and some awesome pop-up shops. My daughter was in heaven! She kept pulling me to look at every cute accessory and outfit she could find.
What I loved about GALAXY is that it’s not just about shopping; it’s an experience. The stores are designed to be visually stimulating, and there are often events or exhibitions happening that showcase some cool, creative stuff. We stumbled upon a mini-exhibition dedicated to anime art, which my son loved. Seriously, if you have kids who appreciate art or fashion, this place is a treasure trove.
Strolling Down Takeshita Street
After our shopping escapade, we made our way to Takeshita Street. It’s the heart of Harajuku, known for its colorful street style and mouthwatering food! As we strolled down the narrow street, a feast for the eyes and the stomach awaited us.
One of my favorites was the famous crepe shops. We stopped at one and got a strawberry whipped cream crepe that was pure bliss! It was so good that even my son, who was skeptical at first, ended up devouring half of it! I mean, how can you resist that combination of sweet, fluffy goodness wrapped in a thin crepe?
While we were munching away, we also checked out some of the quirky shops along the street. There was one store filled to the brim with plush toys and anime merch, and my son was in heaven again! He managed to snag a One Piece plushie that now has a permanent spot on his bed.
Food Adventures: More Than Just Crepes
But wait, there’s more! If you venture a bit off Takeshita Street, you’ll find plenty of other delicious eats. We stumbled upon a small shop selling takoyaki, those delightful little octopus balls, and they were absolutely mouthwatering. My daughter was a bit hesitant at first, but one bite and she was hooked! Who knew trying new food could be so fun?
And let’s not forget about the iconic Harajuku cotton candy. It’s not just any cotton candy; it’s giant and fluffy, almost like a colorful cloud. Watching my kids’ faces light up when they saw it was worth every yen. We ended up sharing a rainbow-colored one, and it was the perfect sweet treat to enjoy while walking around.
Exploring Shibuya: A Quick Detour
Now, since you mentioned considering Shibuya, let me tell you that it’s just a short train ride away from Harajuku. If you have the time, you should definitely check it out! The Shibuya Scramble Crossing is like something out of a movie. We were there in the late afternoon, and watching the crowd move in all directions was mesmerizing. It’s a must-see, and you can grab some great photos from the nearby Starbucks—I mean, who wouldn’t want a pic with all those people bustling around?
While in Shibuya, we also found ourselves at Shibuya 109, a shopping complex that has everything you could possibly want. My daughter was in fashion heaven again, and I couldn’t help but admire the style of the young people shopping there. It felt like we were getting a front-row seat to the latest trends in Japanese fashion.
Wrapping Up the Day
As our day came to an end, we decided to grab dinner at a nearby izakaya. It was a casual place, which is perfect for families. We shared a variety of dishes—from yakitori to ramen. My son was already imagining Luffy’s adventure while eating, while my daughter was busy Instagramming her food. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day—full of excitement, laughter, and a little bit of chaos!
Before I wrap this up, I just want to say that Harajuku is an incredible place to explore with kids. There’s something for everyone, from anime fans to fashionistas to foodies. It’s vibrant, colorful, and so full of life. If you’re looking for a day filled with unique experiences, this is the place to be!
So, to answer your question about routes and recommendations: definitely start with the Straw Hat Store, hit up GALAXY Harajuku, explore Takeshita Street for food, and consider popping over to Shibuya for a different vibe. I promise you and your kids will have a fantastic time. Safe travels, and may your adventures be as colorful as Harajuku itself!
