Tokyu Plaza Harakado: The latest vibe in Harajuku, complete with a bathhouse!

Right across the street from Tokyo Plaza Omotesando, this younger complex shares the same style and vibe

Tokyu Plaza Harajuku, aka Harakado (東急プラザ原宿「ハラカド」) is one of Shibuya's newest and most exciting commercial complexes, offering a fresh take on shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Located right in the heart of Harajuku, at the iconic intersection of Meiji-dori and Omotesando and right across the road from the popular Tokyu Plaza Omotesando, this modern building stands out with its innovative design and diverse offerings. The vibe here is cutting-edge, stylish, and full of creative energy, blending retail with unique food experiences and public spaces. You should definitely visit to explore trendy fashion, indulge in gourmet eats, discover unique pop-ups, and enjoy a vibrant urban atmosphere.

Getting There: Where is Tokyu Plaza Harukado?

Tokyu Plaza is incredibly easy to find, sitting right at a major crossroads in the Harajuku/Omotesando area, right across from its older cousin Omokado.

• Nearest station: The most direct access is from Meiji-jingumae 'Harajuku' Station (明治神宮前駅) on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and Fukutoshin Line; there's even a direct exit. Harajuku Station (原宿駅) on the JR Yamanote Line is also just a very short walk away.

• By taxi: A taxi will drop you off right at the main entrance on Omotesando or Meiji-dori.

• Accessibility: As a modern shopping complex, Tokyu Plaza is very accessible. It's equipped with plenty of elevators and escalators, making it easy to navigate with wheelchairs, strollers, or shopping bags!

  
  

Opening hours & best time to visit

Tokyu Plaza keeps pace with Tokyo's energetic shopping scene, offering ample time to explore.

• Opening hours: The shops within Tokyu Plaza typically operate from around 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Restaurants and cafes might have slightly different hours, sometimes opening earlier or closing later. The public bathhouse in the basement is open from 07:00 am until 11:00pm.

• Best time to visit: 

  • Anytime during shop hours: Weekday afternoons offer a more relaxed shopping and dining experience. Evenings and weekends are livelier and more crowded, especially the food hall and rooftop areas, providing a bustling atmosphere.

  • Late afternoon/sunset: The rooftop terrace offers lovely views as the city lights begin to twinkle, making it a nice spot for a pre-dinner relax.

• Time to avoid: There's no specific "time to avoid," but expect it to be very busy during public holidays and peak meal times.

  
  

Reservations & admission

Your stylish shopping spree requires no advance bookings!

• Reservations: No reservations are needed to enter Tokyu Plaza Harajuku or to access its shops and the rooftop terrace.

• Admission price: Entry to the shopping complex and the rooftop terrace is free! You only pay for what you buy from the stores or cafes.

• Payment method: Shops, cafes, and restaurants within Tokyu Plaza will accept a wide range of payment methods, including cash, major credit cards, and IC cards (Suica/Pasmo).

What to see & do in Tokyu Plaza Harajuku

Tokyu Plaza Harajuku offers more than just retail therapy; it's an experience for the senses!

• The Kosugiyu Harajuku public bathhouse: One of Tokyu Plaza Harajuku's most unique features is the public bathhouse (sento) on the first basement floor, adding a touch of traditional Japanese culture to a contemporary setting. Kosugiyu has almost a century of tradition behind it and this sento features hand-crafted mats, benches, stools and towels from all over Japan. Admission is around ¥600 with an additional ¥100-200 for the rental of towels, etc. Closed on Thursdays.

• Rooftop terrace: The rooftop terrace offers a lovely green space with views of the bustling intersection below. It also features several restaurants and cafés.

• Curated shopping: The stores within Tokyu Plaza are generally more stylish and design-focused than the quirky shops on Takeshita Dori. You'll find a mix of Japanese and international fashion brands, unique lifestyle stores, and interesting concept shops, often showcasing cutting-edge trends.

• Cafes & restaurants: There's a good selection of cafés within the plaza over several floors.

  
  

Japansophy’s top tips!

• Combine with Omotesando: Tokyu Plaza is perfectly situated at the start of Omotesando Avenue. Combine your visit here with a stroll down this elegant, tree-lined boulevard for more upscale shopping and architecture.

• Recharge with a view: Grab a coffee on the rooftop terrace and find a comfortable bench to people-watch or simply soak in the unique atmosphere.

• Visiting a public bathhouse might not be on your list of things to do in Harajuku but it can be a unique and unforgettable experience. Since the sento is open from 7:00 am, it can also fill some time before the shops open. Be aware that tattoos are still frowned upon in public baths.

Facilities

Tokyu Plaza is a modern complex well-equipped with visitor amenities, including ATMs and money-changing facilities.

• Eating & drinking: There are several cafes located throughout the shopping complex, including on the rooftop terrace. You can easily find options for a snack or a coffee.

• Toilets: Modern, clean restrooms are readily available on multiple floors throughout the plaza.

• Baby-Changing Facilities: Baby-changing facilities and nursing rooms are available on the 6th floor.

  
  

Other attractions nearby

Tokyu Plaza's prime location means you're perfectly positioned to explore the diverse facets of Harajuku and Omotesando.

• Omotesando Avenue: You're literally on it! This elegant, tree-lined street is known for its high-end boutiques, flagship stores of international luxury brands, and impressive modern architecture.

• Takeshita Dori: The vibrant, quirky, and youth-focused Takeshita Street is just 3 minutes' walk away.

• Meiji Jingu: The serene forest and shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji is also just a pleasant walk away from the Omotesando/Harajuku intersection.

• Tokyu Plaza Omokado: Harukado's older brother also offers an array of fashion and cafés, and also comes with its own rooftop garden with a Starbucks.

• Cat Street: Explore this trendy, pedestrian-friendly lane famous for its cool fashion, vintage shops, and cafes, connecting Harajuku and Shibuya.

  
  

Ready for a mix of stylish shopping and tranquil urban escapes in Tokyo? Our 3-Day Tokyo Itinerary guides you through the best of Omotesando and Harajuku, including a visit to the iconic Tokyu Plaza!