Takeshita Dori

Harajuku is the heart of Tokyo’s youth fashion scene, and Takeshita Dori (or, Takeshita Street) is the heart of Harajuku. It resembles more of an alleyway than a true street — a pedestrians-only area, absolutely packed to the brim with boutique shops, food stands, and tourists alike.

We took the Tokyo Metro from Shinjuku Station to Takeshita on a Saturday afternoon, and found the street swarming with people. It was sensory overload, with shops selling the cutest of cute stuff and the sweetest of sweet eats. I’m not one for crowds (says the one who spends most of her free time at Disneyland), but walking through Takeshita Dori was so much fun that I really didn’t mind.

Totti Candy Factory

We went in and out of various shops, bought some stickers, people watched, and then came upon this wonder: Totti Candy Factory. I’d seen pictures of it on Instagram and knew what it meant… cotton candy the size of your torso!

Turns out they also had gummies, chocolate, sour candies, and darling little cake pops. We got a bag full of Coca-Cola gummies, a Kiddy Land cake pop, and the showstopping number — an extra large, rainbow cotton candy.

Disney Store Harajuku

The Japanese of all ages have an unabashed love for Disney — aka, THESE ARE MY PEOPLE. In keeping with this theme, their Disney Store put every other Disney Store I’ve ever visited to shame. The merchandise was unique, kawaii, and clearly tailored for both children (stuffed animals, toys) and adults (classy jewelry, beauty accessories).

The store is located on the second floor of the ALTA Building, along Takeshita Dori. It’s beautifully maintained, with classy details throughout. I wanted to buy everything!

These two were roaming the Disney Store dressed up as princess Ariel and Jasmine; it was the cutest thing ever. And just a taste of what we were going to witness later in the trip at Tokyo Disneyland!

xo,

K