On the west side of the Tokyo metropolitan area, formed into a rough triangle, you can find Harajuku, Omotesando, and Aoyama. Although very close in proximity, they, like most other areas in Tokyo, have characteristics that are uniquely their own. Nonetheless, these areas are all bundled up in the heart of the city – the border of one often blending into the other almost seamlessly to an untrained eye.
Walking along Aoyama-dori, (Aoyama Street towards Shibuya) it is here in the Aoyama and Omotesando areas you will find many fine dining establishments, high fashion boutiques, world-class designs and a very cosmopolitan café culture. The area in and around Omotesando Dori is where you will find the trend-setting high-fashion district of Tokyo.
If you love shopping for branded clothing and think of yourself as a fashion lover then this area might seem like heaven to you, as every major fashion designer’s brand is very well represented here, along with what is sometimes referred to as the “Champs Elysées of Tokyo”. From Omotesando, Shibuya is about a 15-20 minute walk along Meiji Dori and is also great for shopping, restaurants and its vibrant nightlife. Just up Omotesando dori from upscale Omotesando and Aoyama is Harajuku.
The border between these areas difficult to notice. Though, the shift in style of dress on the streets is a fairly good indicator. Here, amidst a labyrinth of backstreets, is the cutting-edge of Japanese fashion. It’s a place where more off the wall artistic fashions mix with Tokyo’s well publicized alternative street style.
Residing behind Harajuku station, Yoyogi Park and the beautifully wooded area surrounding Meiji temple provide a much-needed backdrop of serenity to the area. All told, Harajuku, Omotesando, and Aoyama make for fantastic areas to shop, dine or simply as a great place to wander, taking in the sights and sounds. It also offers some of the city’s better residential neighborhoods and green spaces (Meiji Jingu Gaien Park, Aoyama Cemetery, and Yoyogi Park).