What is the best time of day to visit Harajuku?

The best time to visit Harajuku is between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to experience the peak, vibrant atmosphere, with weekends (specifically Sundays) being ideal for seeing unique street fashion. To avoid extreme crowds while still enjoying the shops, a weekday morning is best, as most stores open around 11:00 AM.

What time is best to visit Harajuku?

When is the best time to visit Harajuku? To experience the exciting youth culture of Harajuku, it's best to plan your visit on weekends when Takeshita Street is bustling with activity. However, for a more relaxed visit, weekdays are ideal.

How much time do I need in Harajuku?

How much time should I spend in Harajuku? Harajuku rewards a full day of exploration. We recommend starting early, visiting Meiji-jingū first, and then working your way down Takeshita-dōri. Along the way, you'll find plenty of cafes and casual restaurants for a coffee or lunch break.

What time does Takeshita Street get busy?

Everyday, the youth and many shoppers are milling here. During the peak hours from 11am through 6pm, vehicles are blocked in this area. There are many shops with colorful and cute sweets that are so much like Harajuku. Stop by between your shopping.

Is Harajuku or Shibuya better for shopping?

Mainstream trends, designer brands, alternative fashion subcultures, street fashion—you name it, Shibuya has it. Department stores and popular shops surround the famous Shibuya Crossing and line Omotesando Avenue, while Harajuku is a hub for fashionable young people.

TOP 23 Things to Do in Shibuya, Tokyo

Where to avoid staying in Tokyo?

Neighborhoods to Avoid When Staying in Tokyo with Kids

• Shinjuku (Kabukicho) — The Red-Light District You Should Skip. ...
• Kita-Senju — Convenient but Not Kid-Friendly. ...
• Kamata — Near Haneda Airport but Rough Around the Edges. ...
• Ikebukuro (North Side) — Informal Chinatown with Adult Venues.

Is Harajuku or Ginza better?

While popular areas like Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Ginza have many attractive stores, the weekend crowds are unimaginable. Especially Takeshita Street in Harajuku gets so crowded that you can barely move. However, each area has its own unique charm. If you love luxury brands, go to Ginza.

What happens at 5pm in Tokyo?

While the goal is to test speakers in case of emergency, it's also a delightful way to usher in the evening. I finally caught the moment from the Asakusa observatory, aka one of the best Tokyo viewing platforms.

What time is Shibuya less crowded?

Shibuya Station, the easiest way to reach the crossing, is also equipped with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. However, the area is notoriously crowded, especially during peak hours, so visiting during quieter times like mid-morning or early afternoon is recommended for a more comfortable experience.

Is Sunday a rest day in Japan?

Sundays or public holidays need not necessarily be days off, and other days may be selected as employees' days off instead by agreement between the employer and employees.

What is Japan's 7/5/3 day?

It takes its name from the translation of shichi-go-san (lit. seven, five, three) in Japanese. Observed annually on 15 November, it's an occasion for families to celebrate the health and growth of children who are three, five or seven years old.

Is $200 a day enough in Japan?

In short, per-person daily budgets range broadly, roughly $50–100 (frugal) to $150–250 (mid) to $500+ (luxury) per day. As above, budget travellers might manage on roughly ¥8,000–10,000 ($50–$70) per day with hostels and convenience store food. A mid-range traveller often plans ¥20,000–30,000 ($130–$200) per day.

Is Cat Street in Harajuku worth it?

Shopping in Harajuku

Cat Street (that cuts across Omotesando running parallel to Meiji Dori) is a short stroll away and well worth a peek while you're in the area. It's lined with quirky shops and features one of the most popular takoyaki places around. Also, fancy donuts and good coffee at The Roastery by Nozy.

What time to avoid rush hour in Tokyo?

Rush hour in Tokyo follows a pretty predictable rhythm, but that doesn't make it any less intense. The busiest times are: Morning rush: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., with peak congestion hitting around 8 a.m. Evening rush: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., especially crowded between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

What month is Japan most expensive?

The most expensive months to visit Japan are late March to April (cherry blossoms), late April to early May (Golden Week), August (Obon/summer holidays), and mid-December to early January (New Year's/festive season), with prices surging due to major domestic travel and holidays, leading to peak demand and higher costs for flights, hotels, and transport.
 

Is Harajuku open in the morning?

To sum up, the “real” pace in Harajuku and Shibuya starts with early cafes opening around 8 or 9 AM, followed by the main shopping areas waking up closer to 10 or 11 AM.

When to avoid visiting Japan?

Avoid Peak Travel Season and Japanese Holidays

Also, avoid four major Japanese holidays: Golden Week in May, Obon in mid-August, Silver Week in mid-September, and the New Year holiday from late December to January 3rd. During these four periods, the Japanese may use these dates to go on vacation.

Is Shibuya better at day or night?

Visiting on a sunny day is ideal for enjoying the view. You can gaze down on Shibuya Scramble Crossing, with thousands of people walking by. You can search for the city's landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree, or look to the distant mountains and Pacific Ocean—all of Tokyo will be laid out before you.

What is the 3 date rule in Japan?

The "three date rule" in Japan refers to the common cultural expectation for a love confession, known as kokuhaku, to happen around the third date, marking the transition from casual dating to an official couple, often before significant physical intimacy like kissing, emphasizing building trust and mutual respect slowly. While it's a strong guideline, not a strict law, it signifies a cultural preference for clear commitment and slow progression in relationships, with the confession setting the foundation for moving forward, but some variations exist based on individual pace. 

What does 4444 mean in Japan?

Some of the Yakuza's scarier members use their license plates to express their contempt for their own mortality by choosing 4444. That's quite a bit of death and a car with this plate is one you don't want to cut off on the highway. You have to get creative when you have a number that sounds like death.

Is $400,000 yen a good salary in Japan?

A livable salary for an individual in Japan would be around 400,000 JPY per month (approximately 3,700 USD). This amount should cover basic needs such as rent, utilities, food, and transportation, with some room for leisure activities or savings.

What is Tokyo's best kept secret?

Tokyo's hidden gems: 5 must-visit local secrets

• Todoroki Valley: Tokyo's green jewel. ...
• Yanaka Ginza: Tokyo's nostalgic shopping street. ...
• SCAI The Bathhouse: Art in a historic building. ...
• Kappabashi Kitchen Town: Chef-worthy shopping. ...
• Bunyko City: Seasonal flower festivals.