Takeshita Street in the photo runs from Takeshita Exit (Entrance) of JR Harajuku Station near Shibuya. This unique shopping street, 350 meters long, is well known as the one focusing on teenage girls. A group of young people called "Takenokozoku", who danced in the nearby streets and parks wearing costumes sold at the cosplay clothing store on this street, was born here in the1980s. In addition, Japan's youth subcultures such as the so-called KAWAII culture and GOTHIC/LOLITA fashion were also born here thereafter. This vicinity originally was a residential area, however, as this street was a shortcut from Harajuku Station to Omotesando shoppimg area, shops and restaurants began to open and it gradually changed to a shopping street. In response to that, the back streets of Harajuku and Omotesando were specializing in shopping streets for the youth, Takeshita Street was gradually transformed into a shopping street just for young girls. As one of the leading sightseeing spots in Tokyo, this attracts many tourists of all nationalities and ages, day in and day out.
Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,
Masahisa Takaki.
全国通訳案内士 高木聖久。
