5th February – 如月

原宿　（Harajuku）No. 1

Located in Tokyo, known as the pop, Kawaii culture. There are many unique fashion shops and luxurious boutiques in this area. Harajuku is not the actual name of the suburb, but is the area where includes 神宮前(Junguu-mae),千駄ヶ谷(Sendagaya), briefly described the east area of the JR Yamanote Harajuku station.

竹下通り(Takeshita-Dori): the most famous street in the Harajuku, huge amount of people walk this street every day.

表参道(Omote-sandou): Street where many fancy boutiques, trendy restaurants and cafes locate on. Many Japanese famous actors / actress visit this area so if you are lucky, you might see them.

キャットストリート(Cat Street): Shopping street. Street goes straight to Shibuya. It is also called as 裏原宿 (Uraharajuku) where the most fashionable clothes gather. As it is little bit far from the Harajuku station, there are less people around.

History behind Harajuku

After the Olympic held in 1964, when the Takeshita-dori got the spot lights, visitors in Harajuku has increased. It used to be a residential area for GHQ (when part of Japan was occupied by the USA) and the families were living there. However, 3 years before the Olympic was held, that area was returned to Japan. Because of this background, there are many Western style buildings and shops.

(Pick up some recommendation where to go)

-明治神宮 (Meiji jingu): located in next to JR Harajuku station. Spiritual and one of the most visited shrine in Japan.

-代々木公園 (Yoyogi Kouen): great nature area in the city. Huge area spreading in the middle of Tokyo

-原宿アートビレッジ (Harajuku Art Village): Gallery for all the artists. Anybody can book the room to show the arts. Many unique arts are displayed.

-Owl’s Garden – Owl Cafe: Where people can enjoy the time with not only owls but also birds such as eagles. Allowed to touch, take pictures and videos, etc.

-ASOKO Harajuku – general goods shop: fun and interesting items from all over the world with affordable prices. There includes accessories, stationary to laundry items, furnitures etc.