Cat Street: A Wonderful Escape in Harajuku!

Lively Harajuku is famous for its colorful and bustling Takeshita Street. Yet, there’s another stylish street that shows a quieter, dreamier side of Harajuku — it’s called Cat Street.

This hidden gem feels like a soft escape in the middle of the city. Compared to the busy vibe of Takeshita Street, Cat Street offers a more peaceful path, perfect for slow walks and enjoying the moment. Come along with us to discover more about this charming street!

What is Cat Street?

Cat Street, or Uraharajuku (Back Harajuku), is a quiet Tokyo road connecting two busy places: Harajuku and Shibuya. Instead of being a big street with cars rushing by, it’s a peaceful walkway where people can stroll and enjoy fun shops and yummy food. You can find Cat Street just behind Meiji Dori. It runs across the famous Omotesando area, close to the Ralph Lauren store and Gyre shopping center.

The street is about one kilometer (over half a mile) long and full of small, interesting shops and cozy cafes. You won’t find big department stores here. But you’ll discover cool fashion stores, vintage clothing shops, and second-hand brand-name items. There are also benches if you get tired and want to rest!

How did it start?

A long time ago, Cat Street wasn’t a street but a small river! In 1964, just before the Tokyo Olympics, the city moved the river underground, creating the path we now call Cat Street. Today, an old building nearby called Co-op Olympia reminds people of the Olympic days.

Over time, Cat Street has changed a lot. It was initially a tranquil alley with small candy shops, clothes stores, and playgrounds. But as the years passed, more stylish fashion shops and lovely cafes opened. Now, it’s become a super cool spot where people come to enjoy street style, find vintage clothes, and hang out with friends.

But why is it called “Cat Street”? No one knows for sure, and that’s part of the fun! Some people say it’s because many stray cats once lived there. Others think the street was so narrow that it looked like a cat’s tiny forehead! There’s even a story that says a rock-and-roll band called BLACK CATS started here in the 1980s. Whatever the reason, the name has stuck, making the place sound extra special and mysterious.

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What to check out around Cat Street

RAGTAG

RAGTAG! It’s a stylish store that sells secondhand clothes from renowned fashion brands. RAGTAG started in 1985 and now has over 20 shops all across Japan. The Harajuku store is one of the biggest and most exciting. It has three floors: the first is for women’s fashion, the second is for men’s, and the third has exceptional luxury brand items.

Here, you can find clothes from over 5,000 brands, including Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, and A Bathing Ape, often at discounted prices, even 50–80% off! You might spot some cool, rare items you can’t find elsewhere. Everything is neat and easy to browse. Even though the clothes are secondhand, they look brand new because the staff carefully checks and cleans every item.

Oriental Bazaar

This store is well-known in Tokyo for souvenirs and Japanese-style gifts. It’s been around for a long time and has many incredible things from Japan, such as kimonos, fans, lucky charms, dishes, toys, and even beautiful old furniture. The shop is big and has treasures, so it’s a great place to explore!

Kiddy Land

Kiddy Land is a toy and gift shop that’s bright and fun! It’s one of the most popular spots in Harajuku for kids and grown-ups who love cute and cool characters. Each floor has toys, games, and fun items, from soft plushies and tiny cars to school supplies and snacks.

There are exclusive corners just for your favorite characters! You’ll find Hello Kitty and her Sanrio friends, Chiikawa, Rilakkuma, Kirby, Pokémon, and even Snoopy who has his floor! There’s a Disney area, a Studio Ghibli corner, and toys from video games like Mario and Minecraft.

The Great Burger

This is an exciting spot to enjoy tasty American-style burgers right in Tokyo! The restaurant looks like something out of Southern California, with cozy wooden furniture and a bright, chill vibe. It’s popular, especially with students and burger lovers. There’s often a long line outside!

The burgers here are delicious and made with unique brown buns that are soft, fluffy, and sweet. You can try classic favorites like cheeseburgers, or go for something fun like a mango burger or an asparagus burger. The patties are grilled just right, and they even have wagyu beef.

Good Town Doughnuts

Good Town Doughnuts is a cheerful doughnut shop. Walking in, you’ll smell yummy doughnuts and fresh-baked goodies all around. The place feels happy and warm, like a little New York or Brooklyn cafe in the middle of Tokyo. The doughnuts are big, soft, and made fresh daily using local Japanese ingredients.

They come in fun flavors like Kyoto Uji matcha, maple bacon, and California strawberry lemonade! There are even vegan ones made with soy milk and avocado oil, so everyone can enjoy them. In addition to doughnuts, you can get yummy breakfasts like eggs and paninis, grilled cheese, coffee, tea, and root beer!

Why should I visit Cat Street?

Cat Street is a great place to explore because it has a calm and special feeling, different from the busy streets around it. Strolling, looking at cute shops, trying tasty treats, and enjoying the relaxing mood is fun. The street also mixes a little American-style charm with modern life, so every visit can feel like discovering a secret part of Tokyo. So, what would you love to see or do around Cat Street? Share your thoughts in the comments!