Sasashigure Sushi, originally founded in Tsukiji in 1924, has been serving freshly hand-pressed sushi for nearly a century. With 31 locations across the greater Tokyo area, some branches even offer sushi buffets—making it a favorite among tourists.

The Harajuku branch, located on the third floor of Omotesando Hills (about a 7-minute walk from Harajuku Station’s Omotesando Exit), is a perfect stop during a shopping spree through the luxury-lined streets. While this location doesn’t have a buffet, it offers a wide selection of nigiri, rolls, and sashimi. You can order piece by piece, or opt for convenient sets of 5, 9, or 11 pieces. Recommended options include the Omotesando Nigiri Set and the Tsukiji Seafood Rice Bowl, both served with sides and a salad. It's one of the few places in Harajuku where you can enjoy freshly made sushi—and the friendly staff is happy to assist international visitors!

Just a 2-minute walk from Harajuku Station, Gonpachi NORI-TEMAKI Harajuku specializes in sushi rolls and is part of the well-known Gonpachi group, famed for its focus on authentic Japanese cuisine. They pay special attention to the three essentials of a great sushi roll: nori, rice, and fillings. The nori comes from the 160-year-old Maruyama Nori Shop, known for its crisp texture and rich fragrance. In addition to traditional sushi rice, they offer a low-carb cauliflower rice option—perfect for health-conscious and dietary-restricted diners.

You’ll find 29 varieties on the menu, available individually or as sets of four or five. From tamagoyaki, natto, and tuna to shrimp and avocado, sea urchin, and creative combos like yam with spicy cod roe, the selection is both classic and playful. After ordering, you'll roll the sushi yourself, adding a fun, hands-on twist that’s especially popular with international visitors. The traditional wooden decor creates a cozy Japanese atmosphere, but be sure to note: as of January 2024, this location is cashless—only e-wallets, credit cards, or QR code payments are accepted.

The beloved conveyor belt sushi chain Kura Sushi has opened a one-of-a-kind global flagship store near Harajuku and Omotesando. Blending traditional wooden elements with Harajuku’s vibrant flair, the interior features colorful LED lanterns, neon signs, bold kanji, and classic ukiyo-e art—making it one of the most Instagram-worthy Kura Sushi locations yet.

Along with popular staples like salmon, fatty tuna, chawanmushi, and fried chicken, this flagship offers exclusive dishes such as the shrimp and avocado roll, Red Dragon roll, and the must-try Harajuku-only crepe sushi—a playful fusion inspired by Takeshita Street’s famous crepes, available in both sweet and savory varieties.

Just a 6–8 minute walk from JR Harajuku Station, it’s a fun and convenient stop for shoppers, families, and small groups alike. It's very visitor-friendly, but if you’re heading there during peak hours, be sure to book online or arrive early to beat the crowds!

Ichiran Ramen, famed for its rich tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, is a must-try that you can easily enjoy in Harajuku. Just a 1-minute walk from Exit 7 of Meiji-Jingumae (Harajuku) Station on the Tokyo Metro—or about a 3-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station—it’s conveniently located near Tokyu Plaza Harajuku and Tokyu Plaza Omotesando.

At the Harajuku branch, all seats feature Ichiran’s signature "Taste Concentration" booths, designed for a focused, personalized dining experience. Customize your bowl by adjusting the broth’s richness, noodle firmness, and toppings to your liking. Their natural tonkotsu ramen, with its light yet flavorful broth and fine noodles, remains a classic. Even though Ichiran now sells ramen kits and has overseas locations, the atmosphere of dining at an Ichiran in Japan is truly special. Be prepared for a line—both locals and international visitors know it’s worth the wait!

Kyushu Jangara is a ramen shop specializing in tonkotsu (pork bone) flavors, offering an impressive range—from mild and creamy to sesame, spicy, miso, barley miso, and even seafood tonkotsu. You can adjust the spiciness for the spicy varieties, but if you don’t specify, the default is the spiciest level!

What makes Kyushu Jangara truly stand out is its rare vegan ramen menu, featuring soy sauce and Kumamoto-style options. The soy sauce version can even be made without "five pungent vegetables," making it suitable for strict vegetarians. It’s a rare find in Tokyo, allowing both vegetarians and meat-eaters to enjoy a hearty meal together.

The flavors here are rich and layered—some may find them a little salty or oily, but if you're a fan of bold Japanese ramen, you’ll likely love it. Just a 2–3 minute walk from JR Harajuku Station, it’s an easy stop, but seating is limited, so expect a short wait during busy times.

If you find traditional Japanese ramen too heavy or salty, AFURI is a must-try. This ultra-popular Tokyo ramen shop is famous for its yuzu shio (salt) ramen, featuring a golden-clear broth that's light, refreshing, and infused with a subtle hint of yuzu citrus—breaking away from the typical rich, heavy ramen styles.

Beyond the classic yuzu shio, AFURI also offers spicy yuzu ramen, a refreshing cold yuzu ramen in summer, and seasonal specials. Their chashu (roast pork) is grilled to order, giving it an irresistible smoky aroma—you might even be tempted to order an extra bowl of chashu rice!

The Harajuku branch is conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station. Tucked on the ground floor of a busy street building without flashy signage, it’s easy to miss but well worth finding.

Menchirashi has quickly risen to fame as one of Harajuku’s hottest dining spots. Located about a 5-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae (Harajuku) Station on the Tokyo Metro, it’s a place where you’ll often see lines forming during meal times—and for good reason.

Specializing in handmade udon noodles, Menchirashi prepares each order fresh, from kneading and cutting to cooking. Their signature dish, the Creamy Bacon and Egg Udon (Carbonara), blends Italian flavors with Japanese craftsmanship—combining rich cheese, silky egg yolk, and chewy noodles for an irresistible, savory bite.

Another standout is the Egg Udon (Tamago Toji Udon), topped with a fluffy tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet) for a lighter, less salty option. Don’t skip the side dishes either—the fried chicken breast, crispy outside and juicy inside, is a crowd favorite. With its fresh flavors and creative takes, it’s no surprise Menchirashi has carved out a place in Harajuku’s trendy food scene!

At Sakura-tei, you get to experience the fun of making your own okonomiyaki—Japanese savory "pancakes"—right at your table! This teppanyaki specialty restaurant also offers monjayaki, yakisoba, and grilled meats, with a wide variety of flavors and ingredients like seafood, pork, yam, and cheese to customize your meal.

Each table is equipped with a griddle, and after ordering, the staff brings the ingredients for you to cook yourself, following easy-to-understand instructions. If you're not sure what to try first, their popular Sakura-yaki (Cherry Blossom Okonomiyaki) is a great starting point. Multilingual menus with photos make ordering simple, and their colorful, street-art-inspired murals create a lively atmosphere perfect for photos. With a tempting lunch buffet option as well, how your meal turns out depends entirely on your grilling skills—adding even more fun to the experience!

Located on the 5th floor of the HARAKADO shopping complex in Omotesando, TOKYO MEAT SAKABA blends Italian cuisine with the lively spirit of a Japanese izakaya. During the day, it’s a great spot for pasta, and at night, it transforms into a trendy place to enjoy drinks and share plates with friends.

Their lunchtime pasta sets are a standout, featuring dishes like the "best meat sauce in Japan" spaghetti and flavorful mentaiko (cod roe) spaghetti, with options that include soup, sides, and salad (note: only à la carte is available on weekends and holidays). In the evening, the menu shifts to creative bites like herb oil seared sushi and Italian-style lamb dumplings. With drinks available all day, it’s a fun, modern izakaya experience perfect for discovering something a little off the beaten path.

Crepes are a must-try treat on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, and SWEET BOX is the go-to spot. As soon as you exit JR Harajuku Station’s Takeshita Exit and walk onto Takeshita Street, you’ll spot this colorful crepe stand lined with tempting food models displaying their wide range of flavors.

From sweet options like strawberries, bananas, and cheesecake paired with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, caramel, or ice cream, to savory crepes filled with salad, ham, tuna, or eggs, there’s something for everyone. With over 50 varieties, it can be hard to choose—popular picks include (33) Strawberry Cheesecake with Whipped Cream and (37) Banana Chocolate Ice Cream with Whipped Cream. Prices hover around 700 yen per crepe, and even with extras, you’ll rarely spend more than 1,000 yen. Perfect for a quick snack while strolling, they’re a hit with all ages!

BUTTERMILK CHANNEL, originally from Brooklyn, New York, brings hearty American-style brunch to Harajuku, offering favorites like burgers, pasta, fried chicken, and pancakes. Their signature BUTTERMILK PANCAKE is a must-try—simple in appearance but rich in flavor. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar and topped with syrup and melting butter, the pancakes have a slightly dense texture that becomes wonderfully soft as it soaks up all the goodness. Portions are generously American-sized, so consider sharing if you have a lighter appetite.

Other popular picks include the fried chicken served with cheddar cheese pancakes and the avocado and egg toast, both big hits among Western visitors. Though known for brunch, they stay open until 10:30 PM, making it a great stop for a late meal or afternoon tea. Located on the ground floor of a building next to Laforet Mall, just a short walk from Exit 5 of Meiji-Jingumae (Harajuku) Station, it’s easy to find and perfect for a casual, satisfying meal.

Sarutahiko Coffee, beloved both in Japan and abroad, opened its Harajuku location in March 2020 as part of the JR Harajuku Station building. Located on the station’s second floor, this spacious flagship store stands apart from their smaller branches around the city.

Situated near Jingu Bridge and Olympic Bridge, close to Omotesando and Meiji Shrine, it’s fittingly named The Bridge—reflecting their hope to connect people through coffee. Since opening, it has become a favorite stop for coffee lovers seeking quality brews in a welcoming, stylish space.

First on the list at The Bridge is their premium coffee lineup, featuring standout offerings like "Sarutahiko no Yoake – THE RISE OF SARUTAHIKO," a rich, multi-layered dark roast crafted from the finest beans worldwide, and BARREL AGED COFFEE, aged in whiskey barrels. The dark roast has a smooth, mild flavor popular with Japanese coffee lovers, while the barrel-aged blend offers fruity, vanilla, and cinnamon notes for a silky, subtly sweet aroma. You can enjoy these special brews as an Espresso, Latte, or Sweet Latte.

Beyond the exceptional coffee, The Bridge also offers exclusive merchandise, including mugs, travel cups, beans, and brewing packs—making it a paradise for coffee enthusiasts. The café’s elegant, inviting decor enhances the experience, making it a perfect spot to relax and savor the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

SWEETS PARADISE is a beloved all-you-can-eat dessert chain with locations across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and beyond. Known for its wide variety of treats, the basic menu includes over thirty types of desserts, along with unlimited pasta and curry. You can also upgrade to special packages featuring a salad bar, fries, Häagen-Dazs ice cream, and more—ensuring you'll have endless options to enjoy.

Their signature soft strawberry cake is a must-try, but you'll also find plenty of chocolate, berry, tiramisu, pudding, mousse, and seasonal offerings. Limited-time specials, like all-you-can-eat Mont Blanc, Japanese peaches, or cantaloupes, make every visit exciting. It’s the perfect spot to indulge and satisfy your sweet cravings!

The Harajuku branch of SWEETS PARADISE is located on the third floor of the SOLADO mall along Takeshita Street, just a 5-minute walk from Harajuku Station—making it an easy stop during a shopping trip.

Popular among young Japanese and international visitors alike, the café offers multilingual menus to accommodate everyone.

Harajuku and Omotesando are bursting with shopping and style. Takeshita Street is packed with trendy, youthful brands and charming Lolita fashion shops, while Omotesando Avenue offers a lineup of high-end Japanese and international brands. Whether you’re young or simply young at heart, there’s something for everyone—and plenty for tourists to explore.

If you’re planning a stop in Harajuku, be sure to check out our dining recommendations. Grab some sushi or ramen, relax at a cozy café, and recharge for the rest of your Tokyo adventure. Some spots even offer online reservations to help you skip the wait, so be sure to save this guide for a smooth and tasty experience!