The Teenage Kitsch of Harajuku

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On my last day in Tokyo, I finally went to Harajuku!

It was a Saturday, and I’d heard that’s when the area is at its liveliest. That’s perfect for me because I really wanted to get a sense of the famed shopping district.

The first thing I checked out when I arrived was the Takashita Dori, the ultra-busy shopping alley stuffed full with the necessary knick knacks of Japanese youth culture.

And look how crowded it is!

The street is lined with tiny shops selling affordable clothes, shoes and accessories. There were 1,000 yen (S$15) shoes, 300 yen (S$4.50) coloured/printed leggings and discounted summer dresses at 1.990 yen (S$30). While the pieces were not of the best quality and are meant to be worn and thrown a season down the road, they were certainly fun, flamboyant (think: sheer tulle skirts to be layered over one another) and very characteristic of Tokyo’s loud variant of teenage kitsch

I love shops like this which sells only socks, stockings, leggings and all other kinds of coverings for legs. Its like a wonderland for the hosiery maniac! There are at least 2 such shops on Takashita Dori. The best part? The prices are very reasonable! For about S$15, you can get three pairs of coloured leggings. For slightly less than S$15, you can get a pair of very pretty floral ones! Considering the prices at TopShop, these are a bargain

It seems that the Japanese are big on aesthetics, even when it comes to their food! I love these displays at the various crepe outlets along the street. They look and smell super duper yummy, so here’s one of me pigging out on one stuffed with strawberries, vanilla ice-cream and whipped cream!

The Halloween wrapper is too cute

Across the Meiji Dori from Takeshita Dori is the Harajuku Street. Noteworthy for the sneakers fan, there’s Chapter. If you’re lucky, you can find something fabulous on sale to add to your collection

Walking down Meiji Dori, I found a work in progress H&M.

I think it should be opening on 8 November. I wonder if the scene at Ginza is going to replicate itself in Harajuku

At the junction of Meiji Dori and Omotesando, you’ll find La Foret.

Inside, you’ll find TopShop/TopMan. You’ll also be able to explore many small shops selling exciting-looking wares, many of which are of local independent labels.

Each floor focus on a different genre. At the very bottom, you’ll be able to find stationaries, books and magazines. This is where you should go to stock up on the Japanese mags you can’t find in your local bookstore. Moving up, you’ll find shops selling the ‘costumes’ for the Harajuku girls and the Cosplay kids. I think we have a few of those as well at Far East Plaza

Stepping outdoors again, I hunted down the Chicago Thrift Shop, which I’d read so much about from various sources.

The large basement space is filled to the brim with plaid shirts (an overwhelming number), tweed skirts, vintage silk blouses, a small collection of vintage dresses, a section for second-hand kimonos, several racks of jeans and college sweatshirts. To give you an idea of the price point, a vintage dress costs about S$15.

Walking down alongside the Harajuku Station, I found another second-hand shop, stocking the likes of True Religion and Junya Watanabe. I also spotted Prada and such.

As I only had a few hours to speed through the area, it wasn’t possible for me to cover much ground. However, I find come across some interesting characters!

This man in a kimono was giving out some leaflet which I can’t read. The girl in all black with the huge bow on her head looks like some Gothic doll.

This couple was giving out free hugs near the entrance to the Meiji Shrine. So, why not?! I asked them why they’re doing it, and they said something about making people smile. That’s extremely nice of them because I can’t imagine devoting my Saturday to making others smile!

Most likely, I’d missd many fabulous places I should have checked out.

But its okay, next time then, since I fully intend to return!

Feeling too old for teenage kitsch,
Dottie

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Filed under Asia, Dottie, Fashion, Feature, Shopping Getaways, Shops, Socks/Stockings, Style Files: Japan, Travel, vintage