Sasashigure Sushi originated in Tsukiji and has been serving freshly hand-pressed sushi since 1924. With 31 locations across the greater Tokyo area, some locations offer sushi buffets, making it a favorite among tourists. The Harajuku branch is located on the third floor of Omotesando Hills, just a 7-minute walk from the Omotesando exit of Harajuku Station. On the way, you'll pass numerous luxury brand stores, making it a great spot to grab a bite during a shopping spree.

While the Harajuku shop doesn't offer the sushi buffet everyone raves about, they have an extensive menu of nigiri sushi, sushi rolls, and sashimi. You can order by the piece or choose from sets of 5, 9, or 11 pieces, or try one of their seafood rice bowl sets. We recommend the Omotesando Nigiri Set or the Tsukiji Seafood Rice Bowl, both of which come with sides and a salad. One of the few places in Harajuku to enjoy freshly made sushi, the staff is also very accommodating to international customers,

Just a 2-minute walk from Harajuku Station, Gonpachi NORI-TEMAKI Harajuku is a sushi roll specialty restaurant by the Gonpachi group, known for its focus on Japanese cuisine. They take great care with the three key elements of sushi rolls: nori (seaweed), sushi rice, and main ingredients. The nori is sourced from the renowned 160-year-old Maruyama Nori Shop, ensuring a naturally fragrant, crisp, non-sticky texture. In addition to regular sushi rice, Gonpachi offers a low-carb cauliflower rice option, which is both nutritious and delicious, popular among health-conscious and dietary-restricted customers.

With 29 different varieties to choose from, you can order rolls individually or opt for sets of four or five. The variety is impressive, featuring popular ingredients like tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), natto, salmon, tuna, beef, and sea urchin. You can also try unique combinations like yam and spicy cod roe, shrimp and avocado, or natto and spicy cod roe. After being served, the fun part is rolling the sushi yourself using the nori, adding a DIY twist that's both enjoyable and interactive — perfect for international patrons. The wooden decor gives off a traditional Japanese vibe, also making it a hit with tourists. One thing to note: as of January 2024, they no longer accept cash, so you'll need to pay by e-wallet, credit card, or QR code.

The popular conveyor belt sushi chain, Kura Sushi, beloved by fans in Japan and beyond, has opened a unique global flagship store near Harajuku and Omotesando. The interior combines Kura Sushi's familiar wooden elements with Harajuku's vibrant style, featuring colorful LED lanterns, neon signboards, bold kanji fonts, and traditional Japanese ukiyo-e art. The mix of traditional and modern design makes this one of the most Instagram-worthy Kura Sushi locations.

In addition to Kura Sushi's classics like salmon, fatty tuna, chawanmushi (steamed egg custard), and fried chicken, this flagship location offers exclusive items like the shrimp and avocado sushi roll, the Red Dragon sushi roll, and a Harajuku-only treat — crepe sushi! This fusion dish, inspired by the famous crepes of Takeshita Street, offers both sweet and savory options that are surprisingly delicious and a clear must-try.

It's about a 6-8 minute walk from JR Harajuku Station, making it a convenient stop while shopping. The unique location, decor, and menu make it a fresh dining experience. It's also very accommodating to international visitors, perfect for families or smaller groups. If you're visiting during peak hours, be sure to make an online reservation or arrive early to avoid the lines.

Ichiran Ramen, famous for its rich tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, is a must-try that you can enjoy in Harajuku as well. It's located 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. Nearby, you'll find Tokyu Plaza Harajuku and Tokyu Plaza Omotesando, so it's easy to spot.

At the Harajuku branch, all seats are the unique "Taste Concentration" booths that Ichiran is known for. Their signature natural tonkotsu ramen is a classic choice, and once seated, you can customize your order to your taste. You can adjust the richness of the broth, the firmness of the noodles, and choose your toppings. The fine noodles pair perfectly with the rich yet light broth. Although Ichiran now offers at-home ramen kits and has locations outside Japan, many people still find the experience of dining in Japan's Ichiran locations to be unmatched. So if you're interested, it's worth a visit, and expect to see a line of non-Japanese patrons and locals alike.

Kyushu Jangara is a ramen shop that specializes in tonkotsu (pork bone) flavors, offering a variety of options like mild tonkotsu, creamy tonkotsu, sesame tonkotsu, spicy tonkotsu, miso tonkotsu, and barley miso tonkotsu, as well as seafood tonkotsu. The range of flavors is diverse and unique, and you can specify the level of spiciness for the spicy dishes - if you don't, you'll get the spiciest version.

What sets Kyushu Jangara apart is their rare vegan ramen options, including soy sauce and Kumamoto-style flavors. The soy sauce ramen can be made without the "five pungent vegetables," making it suitable for those following a strict vegetarian diet. This means vegetarians visiting Tokyo won't have to worry, and meat-eaters can also enjoy a meal together — truly a place that caters to everyone!

The flavors are quite layered and rich, which might be a bit salty or oily for some, but those accustomed to Japanese ramen or who enjoy stronger flavors will likely love it. The shop is just a 2-3 minute walk from JR Harajuku Station, but it has limited seating, so be prepared for a bit of a wait during peak hours.

If you find traditional Japanese ramen too heavy or salty, have to check out AFURI. This ultra-popular Tokyo ramen spot is famous for its signature yuzu shio (salt) ramen, which breaks the mold with its light, refreshing broth infused with a hint of yuzu citrus. It's a golden-clear soup that's surprisingly light and not at all overwhelming.

In addition to their yuzu shio ramen, AFURI also serves spicy yuzu spicy, a summer-only cold yuzu shio ramen, and seasonal specials. They even use a grill to reheat their chashu (roast pork), making it incredibly aromatic and tempting. You might find yourself ordering an extra bowl of chashu rice!

Most of AFURI's locations are within Tokyo, and the Harajuku branch is just a 3-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station. Located on the ground floor of a building on a busy street, there's no flashy sign to guide you, but the spot is popular with foreign tourists, so be prepared for a line. With its small number of locations, this is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience top-notch ramen in Japan.

Menchirashi has become a hot dining spot in recent years. Located about a 5-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae (Harajuku) Station on the Tokyo Metro, it's a place where you can often find a line during meal times. They specialize in handmade udon noodles that are freshly made, cut, and cooked to order, ensuring you get them at their freshest.

Their standout dish is the "Creamy Bacon and Egg Udon (Carbonara)" (pictured below), which features Italian-inspired elements. The creamy cheese and egg yolk combine with the noodles for a rich, cheesy experience, and the bacon adds a perfect touch of savory flavor. The udon itself is incredibly chewy and fresh, clearly making a difference in texture and taste. It's no wonder Menchirashi has made a name for itself in Harajuku's trendy food scene.

Another popular dish is the "Egg Udon (Tamago Toji Udon)," which is different from standard egg-style udon. It comes with a whole tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet) on top, offering a lighter alternative to the creamy carbonara udon. If you prefer something less salty, this is a great choice. And don't miss the tempura and fried dishes — especially the fried chicken breast, which is crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Highly recommended!

At Sakura-tei, you can actually make your own okonomiyaki (Japanese savory "pancakes")! This teppanyaki specialty restaurant offers a range of dishes like okonomiyaki, monjayaki (another type of Japanese "pancake"), yakisoba (fried noodles), and various meats. They offer different flavors and ingredients, including seafood, pork, yam, and cheese, with plenty of options to choose from. They also provide multilingual menus with pictures, but if you're unsure what to order, you can start with their popular "Sakura-yaki" (Cherry Blossom Okonomiyaki).

Each table has its own heated griddle. After you order, the staff will bring the ingredients to your table, and you can follow the simple instructions provided to cook and grill your meal yourself. The process is a lot of fun, and their lunch buffet option is also quite tempting. How well your dish turns out depends on your cooking skills! The restaurant features colorful murals both inside and out, with artistic street art styles that make for great photo opportunities.

Located on the 5th floor of the new HARAKADO shopping complex in Omotesando, TOKYO MEAT SAKABA blends Italian cuisine with Japanese izakaya culture. During the day, it's a great for pasta, and by night, it transforms into a trendy spot to enjoy drinks with friends. Their lunchtime pasta sets are a must-try, featuring dishes like their famous "best meat sauce in Japan" spaghetti and a delicious mentaiko (cod roe) spaghetti. You can choose from sets that include soup, side dishes, and salad (note that on weekends and national holidays, only à la carte options are available).

In the evening, the menu offers a range of creative dishes you won't find elsewhere, like "herb oil seared sushi" and "lamb minced meat Italian-style dumplings." The drink menu is available all day, allowing you to enjoy a lively izakaya atmosphere with a modern twist. It's a great find for those looking to discover new and off-the-beaten-path culinary experiences.

Crepes are a must-try sweet treat on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, and SWEET BOX is the go-to spot. When you exit JR Harajuku Station's Takeshita Exit and walk onto Takeshita Street, you'll spot this crepe specialty shop right away. The exterior is adorned with various food models showcasing their range of flavors. For sweet options, you can choose from fruits like strawberries and bananas, paired with toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, caramel, condensed milk, cheesecake, cookies, ice cream, and cinnamon. They also offer savory crepes with fillings like salad, ham, tuna, and eggs, so there's something for everyone.

With over 50 different flavors to choose from, it's easy to get overwhelmed. If you're unsure, popular choices include (33) Strawberry Cheesecake with Whipped Cream and (37) Banana Chocolate Ice Cream with Whipped Cream. Each crepe is around 700 yen, and even with additional toppings, you won't spend more than 1,000 yen. They're perfect for a snack while strolling, and enjoyable for all ages!!

BUTTERMILK CHANNEL originates in Brooklyn, New York, and offers American-style brunch with items like burgers, pasta, fried chicken, and pancakes. We highly recommend their signature "BUTTERMILK PANCAKE." These pancakes might look simple, but they're a real treat. Dust them with powdered sugar, drizzle with syrup, and let the heat from the pancakes gently melt the butter. The pancakes have a slightly dense texture that becomes wonderfully soft as it absorbs the butter and syrup. It's a must-try, but be aware that the portions are generously American-sized, so you might want to share if you have a smaller appetite.

Other popular dishes include the fried chicken with cheddar cheese pancakes and the avocado and egg toast. These items are favorites among Western tourists and make for a great afternoon tea spot. Even though it's a brunch spot, they stay open until 10:30 PM, so you can drop by later. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of a building next to Laforet Mall, just a short walk from Exit 5 of Meiji-Jingumae (Harajuku) Station on the Tokyo Metro. It's very easy to find!

Sarutahiko Coffee, which is popular both in Japan and abroad, opened in Harajuku in March 2020 as part of the JR Harajuku Station. Found on the station's second floor, this large flagship location is distinct from their smaller locations around the city. Positioned near the Jingu Bridge and Olympic Bridge close to Omotesando and Meiji Shrine, it's aptly named "The Bridge" with the hope that their coffee can serve as a bridge connecting people. Since its opening, it has attracted countless dedicated coffee enthusiasts.

First on the list is the premium coffee from their namesake "The Bridge" series. This includes unique offerings like the "Sarutahiko no Yoake - THE RISE OF SARUTAHIKO ," a blend made from the highest quality coffee beans from around the world, and the "BARREL AGED COFFEE," which is aged in whiskey barrels. The former is a multi-layered dark roast with a mild flavor that's quite popular among Japanese customers. The latter combines the fruity, vanilla, and cinnamon notes typical of whiskey with coffee, creating a smooth, subtly sweet aroma that's perfect for savoring. You can choose from Espresso, Latte, or Sweet Latte.

What makes The Bridge special is not just its unique concept, location, and coffee, but also the exclusive merchandise available, including mugs and travel cups. They also sell coffee beans and brewing packs, making it a paradise for coffee enthusiasts. The shop's elegant, charming decor adds to the experience. Just sitting in the café and enjoying the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is a delight!

SWEETS PARADISE is a popular chain known for its all-you-can-eat desserts. With locations across the Tokyo metropolitan area, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and more, you'll find a wide variety of sweet treats here. The basic menu offers over thirty types of desserts, as well as unlimited pasta and curry. For a bit more, you can upgrade to special packages that include a salad bar, fries, Häagen-Dazs ice cream, and more, so you'll never run out of options.

Their signature soft strawberry cake is a must-try, but there's also a wide selection of chocolate, berry, tiramisu, pudding, mousse, and other treats. They also periodically offer limited-time specials, such as all-you-can-eat Mont Blanc, Japanese peaches, and cantaloupes. It's a great spot to indulge and satisfy your sweet tooth!

The Harajuku location is on the third floor of the SOLADO mall on Takeshita Street, about a 5-minute walk from Harajuku Station, making it a convenient stop while shopping in the area. It's a popular spot among young Japanese looking for a good value meal, as well as international visitors, so they offer menus in multiple languages. Finding an all-you-can-eat dessert place at such a great price isn't easy, so it's an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy tasty sweets on a budget.

Harajuku and Omotesando are packed with department stores and shops. Takeshita Street is full of trendy, youthful brands and cute Lolita fashion stores, while Omotesando Avenue is the go-to spot for high-end Japanese and international brands. Whether you're young or young at heart, there's something for everyone, and tourists will find plenty to explore.

If you're planning to add a stop in Harajuku to your itinerary, be sure to check out our recommendations. Grab some sushi or ramen, take a break at a cozy café, and recharge for more Tokyo adventures. Worried about long waits? Some places offer online reservations. Be sure to save this guide for a delicious and hassle-free experience!