【One Station Stroll】Tokyo Metro Omotesando Station to Meiji Jingu-mae (Harajuku) Station: The traditional back alleys and new breath of life

The author, who loves walking, finds wonderful places while casually strolling in the "One Station Stroll." This time, the walk was from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Omotesando Station to Meiji Jingu-mae (Harajuku) Station. I strolled through the back alleys of Omotesando, which has a fashionable image, and the lively Harajuku area that is bustling with young people.

I arrived at Omotesando Station on the Tokyo Metro!

The starting point is Omotesando Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. Since it was a Saturday when the author took a walk, it was bustling with a lot of pedestrians. There was especially a notable number of tourists from overseas.

The pre-war stone lantern still stands at the Omotesando Station intersection.

Speaking of Omotesando, it has a strong glamorous impression with flagship stores of high-end brands lined up, representing the forefront of fashion; however, it is originally a pathway to Meiji Shrine. Near the intersection in front of Omotesando Station, there is a very large stone lantern. It was established when Meiji Shrine was founded in 1920, and although Omotesando suffered devastating damage during the Pacific War from air raids, this lantern is said to be a survivor. I usually pass by it without thinking much, but discovering such history is what makes walking around the city special.

Akihabara Shrine appears in the midst of the buildings.

I discovered a quietly standing shrine near the Omotesando Station intersection. It’s an unexpected location amidst a row of stylish buildings, but the brand new worship hall, torii gate, and komainu, renovated in 2019, blend well with the surrounding Aoyama streetscape.

It's small but has a rich history – the Daimatsu Inari Shrine

I found a small Inari shrine just a short walk from the intersection of Omotesando and Aoyama Dori. The Daimatsu Inari Shrine was founded in the late Edo period during the Tempo era and is said to be an exterior subsidiary shrine of Kinou Hachiman Shrine in Shibuya. The deity enshrined here is “Uka no Mitama no Mikoto,” the god of agricultural prosperity.

Still going strong! The long-established Sanyodo bookstore

Founded in 1891 (Meiji 24), it is a long-standing bookstore in Omotesando. The store features a gallery on the second floor and a café on the third floor, creating a warm atmosphere where the wooden warmth harmonizes with the books.

Though it's close to the station, it is located in a somewhat tucked away area, Jodo-shu Nammensan Zenkoji

Established in the 6th year of Keicho (1601) by the Tokugawa family as a branch of the Shinshu Zenkoji in Yanaka, it is said to have been moved to its current location in Aoyama after being destroyed by fire. The temple grounds feature a monument to Nagahide Kōya, selected by Katsu Kaishu, as well as a commemorative monument for the inventors of the rickshaw, Izumi Yosuke, Suzuki Tokujiro, and Takayama Kosuke, who invented the rickshaw in the early Meiji period.

【Carefully Selected by the Author!】Three Recommended Gourmet Queue Spots in the Omotesando - Jingu Area

HIGUMA Doughnuts × Coffee Wrights

At 'HIGUMA Doughnuts × Coffee Wrights', you can enjoy freshly made donuts; the crispy exterior and fluffy, chewy texture of the donuts have made it a hit, attracting many repeat customers!

KOFFEE MAMEYA

A popular coffee shop 'KOFFEE MAMEYA' where coffee lovers from both Japan and abroad gather. It's an old house coffee shop located in a residential area about 5 minutes from Omotesando. They will conduct a detailed consultation by asking which coffee suits you best and provide it for you.

Crepes and Espresso

'Crepes and Espresso' is a crepe shop produced by the buzz gourmet creator Wolf, where you can enjoy a crispy texture. After a year and a half of trial and error pursuing the deliciousness of the crepe batter, they developed the "Golden Shimmering Crispy Crepe" which offers a cookie-like aroma.

A new breath in Jingu, Harakado and Omokado.

Tōkyū Plaza Harajuku "Harakado"

The Tōkyū Plaza Harajuku "Harakado" grand opened in 2024 at the Jingumae intersection, where Omotesandō and Meiji Avenue intersect. The Tōkyū Plaza Omotesando Harajuku across the street has changed its name to Tōkyū Plaza Omotesando Harajuku "Omokado", creating a new cultural hub in the Jingumae area! On the day I took a walk, it was a holiday, and there were many customers enjoying the place.

Looking at Omokado from the rooftop terrace of Harakado.

I heard there is an outdoor terrace on the 6th and 7th floors of Harakado that you can enter for free, so I decided to check it out.

From the terrace, you can see Tōkyū Plaza Omotesando "Omohara" directly in front, and if the weather is good, you can also gaze at landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Roppongi Hills in the background. On the day I strolled, there was haze, so I couldn't see them, which was disappointing! I'd like to go again on a clear day.

The terrace was lush and open, with tables and benches provided. Why not stop by after enjoying a meal or shopping?

Arriving at Meiji Jingu-mae (Harajuku) Station.

I started my walk and before I knew it, it was already evening! The Jingu area I walked through this time was somewhere I casually strolled while shopping, but I rarely go to the back alleys, so it was very refreshing.

When I think of Omotesando and Harajuku, I have an image of being stylish and glamorous, but once I stepped further into the back, I discovered temples and shrines, and a quiet streetscape spread out before me, revealing a new face of the Jingu area. I wonder what encounters await me in the next town; my leisurely stroll continues for the author who loves walking.

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