Omotesando, Harajuku, & Aoyama in Tokyo Cosmopolitan and Alternative Culture
In an area roughly forming a triangle, Harajuku, Omotesando,
and Aoyama are associated by name and adjacency, yet they
have uniquely different characteristics. Nonetheless, these
areas are bundled in the heart of the city - their borders
often blend together almost unseen to the untrained eye.
Along Aoyama Street towards Shibuya; the areas of Aoyama and
Omotesando are synonymous with world-class design, elegant
cuisine, and cosmopolitan café culture. The area around Omotesando street is the trend-setting
high-fashion district of Tokyo. It is a shopping
and fashion lover’s paradise, as every major fashion
brand in the world is represented along what is often called
the Champs Elysées of Tokyo. From Omotesando, Shibuya
is about a 15-20 minute walk along Meiji Street and is also
great for shopping.
Just up Omotesando street from upscale Omotesando and Aoyama
(its’ border unclear) is Harajuku. Here, in its’
weaving backstreets, is cutting-edge Japan where more avant-garde
artistic concepts mix with Tokyo’s alternative street
style. By contrast, Harajuku somehow manages to accentuate,
and balance, the area at the same time.
Behind Harajuku station, Yoyogi Park and the thickly wooded
area around Meiji temple add a much-needed backdrop of serenity
to the area. All in all, Harajuku, Omotesando, and
Aoyama make a great weekend place to shop, dine or take in
the sites, and also offer some of the city’s better
residential neighborhoods and green spaces (Meiji
Jingu Gaien Park, Aoyama Cemetery, and Yoyogi Park).
A Brief History Omotesando
Omotesando is actually the name of the main street, (meaning
“the front approach”) which was originally built
in 1920. It served as the main access to Meiji Jingu Shrine
from Aoyama Street. After the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923,
in 1925, the famous Dojunkai Aoyama Apartments were built
along the main street of Omotesando. It was the first multi-housing
project of its kind in Japan. Harajuku
The area first became fashionable during the Tokyo Olympics
in 1964 because of its proximity to the Olympic gymnasium.
The chance of meeting somebody famous in the streets and village
nearby drew large crowds. Since those early days of modern
Harajuku, it has kept its charm and seen only minimal urban
redevelopment. It has preserved many of its old back streets
where you can find every conceivable type of shop for clothing,
and accessories, as well as a high number of beauty salons.
Aoyama
The infamous area now known as Aoyama, (literally meaning “Blue
Mountain”), owes its beginnings to Tadanori Aoyama, who
worked closely with the shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. In the early
Edo period, the area was given to Tadanori who planned and built
aristocratic residences in the area. This sophisticated residential
area grew as the Aoyama family gave up more of the areas for
other important family residences. After the Meiji era however,
most of these stately mansions were converted into normal residences
and the remaining areas previously owned by the Aoyama family
were transformed into the Aoyama cemetery.
Aoyama Dori, the main street leading from Aoyama to Shibuya
similar to Oxford Street in London, was originally one of the
most important roads leading to Kyoto called Atsugi Dori. Some
years later, the tramway constructed in 1904, a subway line
through Aoyama constructed in 1938, and some major road works
undertaken for the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 helped Aoyama become
the fashionable, sophisticated place it is today.
The Residential
Neighborhoods These residential
neighborhoods are adjacent to Yoyogi Park and conveniently located
on three major subway lines as well as the JR Yamanote line.
The Omotesando Gaienmae, and Aoyama 1-Chome stations are only
a few minutes from Roppongi, Akasaka, Otemachi (by the Ginza
line), Hanzomon, or Chiyoda subway lines. Harajuku and Meijijingumae
stations offer a very short commute to Akasaka, Otemachi and
any of the major centers around the inner circle of central
Tokyo via the Chiyoda subway line and the JR Yamanote line.
This is a prime location with easy access to just about anywhere
in central Tokyo.
Although these areas are predominantly commercial there are
many residential pockets tucked away amongst the upscale boutiques,
trendy salons, cafes, and restaurants. The perfect apartment
or home in these desired neighborhoods may be difficult to find
and you may have to settle for something older, more compact,
and or pricey. It is not a place for everyone; families may
have difficulty moving through the weekend congestion of shoppers.
It is however popular with families whose children attend the
nearby British School. Typically, the residential areas here
offer 1-3 bedroom apartments and fewer spacious family units
or single-family homes. Therefore this area is best for younger
single people and couples who don’t mind giving up space
and the latest building amenities to live in these trendy centrally
located neighborhoods close to the action.
This area has one of the highest concentrations of parks and
public outdoor spaces with Yoyogi Park, Jingu Gaien, Jingu Baseball
Stadium, or the area along Ichonamiki Street. This makes it
easy to get out and enjoy weekend activities, sports, and jogging.
Kinokuniya and Peacock Supermarkets, which stock a good selection
of international foods, are conveniently located in these neighborhoods
on Aoyama street close to Omotesando station.
Residential Neighborhoods in Omotesando:
Minami-Aoyama, Shibuya 4-Chome, Jingumae Residential Neighborhoods in Harajuku:
Sendagaya 3-Chome, Jingumae Residential Neighborhoods in Aoyama:
Minami-Aoyama, Kita-Aoyama
Building/ Area Type:
Modern apartment complexes in a very dense central area.
Meiji Shrine Meiji Jingu Shrine
The Meiji Jingu Shrine was built in 1920 to honor the life
of Emperor Meiji, (1869- 1912), who as a ruler opened the
nation, rekindled lost friendships, and fostered overseas
relations laying the foundations for modern day Japan. The
main shrine buildings were destroyed during the air raids
of 1945 but later rebuilt in 1958. Today, Meiji-Jingu is the
most frequented shrine in Japan. The gateway made of cypress
is one of the largest in Japan and marks the entry to the
temple grounds surrounded by plush greenery and Yoyogi Park.
It is an excellent place to relax surrounded by 70 acres of
forest featuring every kind of tree indigenous to Japan.
Harajuku Station
The station is a classic, early 20th century wooden structure
set in the plush green of surrounding Meiji Shrine. On weekends,
crossing the street from Takeshita exit of Harajuku Station
you will suddenly find yourself immersed in the lively atmosphere
and the unbelievable crowds of Takeshita Dori.
Takeshita Dori, (Takeshita Street)
Takeshita Street is a short street connecting Harajuku station
to Meiji-Dori sporting the latest of Tokyo’s teen fashions.
It is also a sensory overload of unique and colorful novelty
goods drawing big crowds just about any day of the week.
Yoyogi Olympic Stadium
Yoyogi Olympic Stadium is one of Tokyo's most impressive landmarks
designed by the celebrated architect Kenzo Tange for the 1964
Olympics.
Aoyama Cemetery
Aoyama Cemetery is actually a plush park, and one of Tokyo’s
best places to enjoy walking in nature. It is known as the
final resting place for many of Japan’s heroes and its
paths are paved with stone and lined with over 200 cherry
blossom trees.
Omotesando, Harajuku, & Aoyama in Tokyo
