✨ How Harajuku has Changed ✨ What's new & what's different

[@curlycreature7693]

the sigh of relief i made when you said you were wrong about listen flavour being closed

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thankfully they're still going as an online store too - but I still miss their shop in Harajuku!

[@winteryouareneveralone9608]

ive loved harajuku fashion ever since the early 2010s and im pretty sad i wasnt able to visit during the clothes shopping hayday. I went last summer, and it was great to go, but maybe because I had grown up watching and looking at old photos and footage I felt something was missing. (i expected more clothes and more people wearing unique fashions. I was surprised by the amount of tourists & foreign shop keepers trying to get me into their eating store in english) but it was pretty much what i expected and I think id recommend anyone to go!! the main harajuku crepe store is really delicious and overall i wasnt disappointed!!!!!!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Exactly how I feel too - it's still worth going but it's not the same as it once was. The fashion aspect seems to be decreasing over the years. Even when I first went in 2010, there weren't many people dressed up there. I'd love to have seen it in the 90s!

[@maddyrabbit21]

One of my favourite places I'd reccomend to people, but unfortunately they're pretty strict on no filming or photography, is a store called Alice on Wednesday. Super cute shop for fans of Alice in Wonderland 💕

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's so fun how you go through the tiny door!

[@kyoookami96]

ACDC RAG is still in Takeshita dori, it has just moved, it's in to the right before you get to Matsumoto KiYoshi

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes, they just opened a new shop last month! It's really nicely decorated - the most photogenic one so far! So glad they're still going strong and made it through the tough times of the last few years. 💖

[@necococo]

I realized that you are the person who made the dress I bought on Etsy, the Circat dress :D I planned to wear it to my trip to Japan too.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes that's me! Thank you!! 🥰 You'll have to send me a pic if you wear it in Japan!

[@あいうえお-o6s1f]

I miss the old Harajuku Station, too. 😢 The old Harajuku Station had a cute design that was different from any other stations. And the design really matched the atmosphere of the town of Harajuku. 😭

[@cakeswithfaces]

It was a unique building! It's a shame it's gone, but it lives on in our memories. 💖

[@あいうえお-o6s1f]

@@cakeswithfaces Thank you for reply. You're right. That cute station building will never disappear from our hearts. 💖✨😌

[@verneinnhel3279]

When I first went to Takeshita dori in 1987, it was nicknamed "Idol Street" because a lot of the top idols of the day - Nakamori Akina, Sakai Noriko, Asaka Yui, Yamase Mami, etc. had their own merch shops there. Plus a few shops generally catered to the idol fandom. Most shops there had leases limited to 3 months, so these stores lasted only that long - aa notable exception was the "Nori-P House" shop of Sakai Noriko that lasted at least 3 years. Her "Diamond Blue" music video was filmed at the nearby Yoyogi Park. I'm in there somewhere.

[@cakeswithfaces]

That's interesting that the shops changed so often then. It's so different to how it is now! I first went in 2010, but I'd love to see it back then!

[@LucianCiel]

Just came back from Japan and I got to visit both those capsule stores. They’re so cool in person.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Hope you found lots of cool gachapon!

[@kasumikat]

I kinda wish i went to Harajuku in the 2010s just to see the fashion even though the stuff they are targeting now is more stuff i was interested in buying (except for the touristy glasses, hats, item and clothes). but anyways thank you for creating this just as im doing my research of places i want to go to ☺

[@cakeswithfaces]

I first went in 2010 and it was more focused on fashion, less as a tourist spot. Everywhere changes - and even if it's not the same as it used to be, I think Harajuku's still worth going to, especially the backstreets where it still has the original vibe and is less touristy. It's still a must-visit place for me, every time I'm in Tokyo!

[@Sashimi_luv]

I’m here now and I definitely agree with your conclusion

[@cakeswithfaces]

Hope you enjoyed Harajuku, even if it's not the same as it used to be!

[@Ninjafox-lz6jb]

I went to Harajuku last March and found Togo Shrine, it was very peaceful and was such a huge contrast to Takeshita street where I was squashed in like a sardine but the shrine was quiet despite been so close by. I got my first gachapons in the shop you showed in your video. Nice to experience it all again, felt like I was back in Japan.

[@cakeswithfaces]

When you're there at the shrine, it's hard to believe it's so close to Takeshita Street! You feel like you need a break after being at the shops for a while.

[@RomanticCity.]

Tokyo harajuku is a cool and fun place to enjoy Japan.👍 100comments!

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's always a must-visit place when I go to Tokyo!

[@Jiskle]

B-side is a must visit for us everytime, they do some great stickers. They sell some great t-shirts by new type standard in some of the shops in Harajuku. They have this really vibrantly coloured band, anime and comic shirts for about £15 each. Hoping to visit it when we go back in November.

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's probably my favourite shop in Japan! I'm wearing their earrings today...! And last time I went I found they do shoelaces too. 💯

[@Jiskle]

I stocked up on monster hunter stickers, slightly more expensive but worth it, I think I still have one unused somewhere! Can't decide what to put it on!

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@Jiskle I always have commitment phobia when it comes to stickers...! But it's more fun if you stick the stickers.

[@hanagara1907]

I LOVE Harajuku, it's my fav hangout spot, although I tend to avoid Takeshita Street! I do love that you showed Noemie coz I have the funniest memory of that store. I was walking with my friend like "don't let me spend any mo- OH MY GOD THAT IS A CUTE SWEATER!!!" XDDDDD And yeah, just amused me seeing it. I loved the clothes (I'm a bit more into the edgy-but-still-cute-kinda-kawaii-punk-ish like Listen Flavor) and I find a ton of nice stuff in Laforet, although sometimes a bit expensive. I didn't actually know that Listen Flavor was there so thanks for the heads up! What I miss, there also used to be a Closet Child that sold used CDs not clothes. There used to be signs for it along Takeshita Street (the times I did venture down there!). I really like Japanese music so I LIVED in that store. It closed and only operates online and I'm SO sad (the Ikebukuro Closet Child just had a music section in the back and they had a few other locations but they ALL stopped ;_;) I also miss seeing the signs, it was like a landmark lol

[@cakeswithfaces]

Haha that's a funny moment!! 😂 Sounds like we have similar taste - still hoping the Listen Flavor store comes back one day. 🤞🤞🤞

[@hanagara1907]

@@cakeswithfaces I made that friend watch and we were both laughing so hard because it was just one of those moments lol. Maybe not quite as funny to others but the timing was just perfect! Yeah, I think we have a similar style. I LOVE your hair and would dye it like that except work. Oh well, I have loads of wigs to satisfy the desires! But yeah, be great if Listen Flavor can come back! I'd love to go to Togo Shrine but I have some troubles walking and it's not too bad, I can walk up stairs as long as there's a rail but from what I've seen (please do feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) I think I saw rails everywhere EXCEPT in front of the shrine itself (kinda sucks to have to think of these things but)

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@hanagara1907 You can still visit the garden of Togo Shrine! 🎉 The part with the koi pond and bridges (which is the loveliest part of the shrine!). If you're walking along Takeshita Street going away from the station, turn left at the end. Then you can turn left into the shrine entrance and there are no steps to the garden, only at the back where you go to the shrine buildings.

[@hanagara1907]

@@cakeswithfaces yeah I was thinking that, the grounds do look really pretty! I saw a video coming in from the side and those stairs looked like they had a rail and if I was in England, the stairs right in front of the shrine, I'd probably just like sit at the top and swing round climb up that way (I can be stubborn and resourceful if I wanna do something!) but I feel like in Japan that might be disrespectful. Oh well, the grounds are nice, and Tokyo isn't exactly lacking in shrines, I know of some nice ones I CAN get to, I just feel like I'm always going to the same old places and would like to go somewhere different lol

[@shoeithecat523]

Mofusand! Reminds me of trying but failing to rescue a cute little shark-cat from a ufo catcher machine by our hotel, we had no idea what it was but then we randomly came across a great store in Shinjuku called Village Vanguard selling some of the same merch, and then a couple days later an entire Mofusand store on character street in Tokyo station, so cute and one of the most fun discoveries of our holidays!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Mofusand is everywhere! 😅 But it's easy to see why they're so popular 😻

[@swissfoodie3542]

I just started your video Amy, and I was last in Harajuku in 2023, and before that, in 2019 - and the biggest change for me was definitely, that the beautiful old station building is gone :-(. I understand that capacity was a problem, but they should have found a way to keep the old station and build a new building next to it or something like that

[@cakeswithfaces]

I think fire regulations were also a problem with the old building. But yes, it would have been good if it could be converted or preserved in some way, even if it was just the facade. It lives on in our hearts! 💖

[@swissfoodie3542]

I have now finished the video, thanks a lot for the great update Amy ! I didnt realise that Togo Shrine is there, so next time I am in Tokyo, I will definitely include it when I go to Harajuku. I also like B-Side Label a lot, I got some "posters" from their shop in Kyoto, and even if it has been almost 10 years since I was there, they are still proudly displaid in my apartment. The TeamLab "thing" in the Galaxy shop looks like good fun, I like TeamLab and hope that the next time I am in Tokyo, it will still be happening.

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@swissfoodie3542 I went to Harajuku several times before I discovered Togo Shrine. You'd never know it's there, but I think that makes it all the more magical. There's no end date announced for TeamLab at the Galaxy store so fingers crossed for you!

[@pahoopahoo]

That old Harajuku station is iconic for us Japanese too.personally I’m not so much into Harajuku culture,but even for me, the design of the station was special and symbolic of postwar Japanese pop culture.

[@Mandamonster89]

I have not yet been to Japan but I have watched so many of your videos as well as Sharla in Japan, etc… I feel like when I see footage and images of Tokyo that I am looking at photos and footage of home. Idk why but I have always felt that way when looking at things from Japan. I know when I go I’m not gonna want to ever leave.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I hope you feel at home when you're there too! There are so many great things about the culture - there's a lot to love!

[@Mandamonster89]

@@cakeswithfaces aw hugs thank you dear ❤️🙏

[@johnp6987]

I’ve actually started making notes of things I see in yours and other videos as part of the Japlaning file 😄

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's a never-ending list! I have a Google Doc and Pinterest 😝 Thinking of starting a Google Maps too..!

[@cstpa1]

i heard theyre bringing back the old station

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes, it was in my Japan news! ☺️ It's going to be some kind of shopping mall.

[@akumiestravels]

I was in Takeshita dori in 2005 and it was mostly Japanese people My favorite shop was third stage that sold visual kei music but they also closed down years ago

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's changed a lot since then! Even since I first visited in 2010.

[@AlanVByrnes]

This was still fun and enjoyable and informative to watch thanks super much again 🦾🦾🦾

[@cakeswithfaces]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@AlanVByrnes]

@@cakeswithfaces 😎😎😎

[@AlanVByrnes]

@@cakeswithfaces ✈️🇯🇵

[@firewalkwithme90]

I was there last summer and I was a bit disappointed, because I dreamed for decades about the fashion and everything and it felt quite touristy and overrun now that I was finally able to afford the journey, especially takeshita doori. The side streets seemed a bit more interesting, but overall I found the best fashion in the more unexpected places in japan. I was glad to finally get a harajuku crepe though :D

[@cakeswithfaces]

Sadly Harajuku isn't how it used to be, even since I first went in 2010. Where did you find the best for fashion?

[@firewalkwithme90]

@@cakeswithfaces probably in Osaka I bought the most overall. Maybe because the second hand stores there weren't already picked clean by other tourists :D generally I'd recommend the more quiet streets away from the hot spots. Also check the districts that are not exactly known for fashion as well, like in shinjuku or nakano I found good stuff instead of harajuku or shimokitazawa surprisingly.

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@firewalkwithme90 That's a great tip! It works for anything you're shopping for pretty much!

[@SleepingFairy]

I miss the old Takeshita Street 😢 It’s sad how touristy is now, I think another factor is that many people who bought kawaii fashion are grow up now (as me). I think I’m not going to visit Takeshita Street this year and save time for better tokyo experiences.

[@cakeswithfaces]

You can still wear kawaii fashion as you grow up! :-) It's a shame it's not the same as it used to be. Maybe it'll have a rennaissance one day! 🤞

[@barbarastanwycksanklet1546]

The “touts” you mentioned are a group of expat men scamming tourists into buying fake designer clothing. They can be found in Ueno and Osaka’s Amerikamura too. They’ve been there almost a decade doing this and can be quite full-on in their sales pitch. I’m only wanting to highlight this because over the past 10 years I’ve been traveling to Japan no KZbinrs or blogs mention them. It needs to be spoken about more so more people (especially naive tourists) don’t get scammed.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes - we all know about the touts in Kabukicho but you don't hear so much about these guys. Always best to ignore them and keep walking!

[@xXNekou]

4:08 at this shop on the left side, with tshirts, I bought a super cute tote bag (with cats) that I love sooo much haha it's cool to see this shop again on someone's vlog :D

[@cakeswithfaces]

That sounds cute!!

[@Panda_Roll]

Your vids always getting me excited about visiting Japan. I am surprised by everyone's attire though. The vids from Jan was showing people in Jackets and heavy layering. Now it's more a casual hoodie or something. 😯

[@cakeswithfaces]

All my recent videos were filmed at the end of February / start of March. It warms up quite a bit throughout those months, and I think we were particularly lucky with how unseasonably warm it was. Didn't need my winter coat, and it was even t-shirt weather a few days. The start of Feb is still pretty chilly though!

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awesome job Amy

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thank you!! 😁

[@natashabolton2338]

Wow great vlog :) japan on my list :) 💙💜😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much! Harajuku's a must-visit place for me, every time I go to Japan!

[@natashabolton2338]

@@cakeswithfaces oneday Japan on my deffo list as big anime fan :) keep up with vlogs :]

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@natashabolton2338 Thank you!! 🎶

[@natashabolton2338]

@@cakeswithfaces yr welcome :] yr video help , trying for a job not easy

[@beckylim6726]

Where did you get your stamp book from? Wondering if I need to bring my own to Japan? 🤔

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's from Neko Neko Post! I made a video all about collecting stamps and which sort of book's best: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpbQfWysacyEl68 ☺️✨

[@beckylim6726]

Ohh okay thank you so much!!! ☺️

[@Ranerdar]

The new station isn't bad, it's just that now it's just.....a building. Theres no personality to it.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes, there are much worse-looking buildings, but the old one had so much charm.

[@Bloodrunsreddownthenile]

Weeeee!! Welcome back! It’s snowing like crazy up here in Sapporo!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Perfect - that's what you want from Hokkaido!

[@AxiumKnight]

Noemie! I love that store!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Their collab with Kuromi's super cute!

[@lohanette]

It’s changed since I was there in January last year.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I try and remember that nowhere stays the same over time - and changes can be good as well as bad!

[@lohanette]

@@cakeswithfaces good thing is everytime we visit there’s always something new to see.

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@lohanette Absolutely! The to-visit list is never-ending. 😅

[@davidwolstenholme4676]

i enjoyed that thank amy.ill now watch 6 15pm clonard live mass in a minute.

[@MissiBoo]

Hi Amy. I'm going to Japan in November. Are there many clothes stores that cater for western women and where's the best place to shop that's not pricey. Lastly, when are you going to Japan this year? Thank you so much for all your videos 🫶❤️

[@cakeswithfaces]

I'd probably recommend Uniqlo. In Harajuku, most "free size" clothing is quite small, but there are some stores that have oversized hoodies and t-shirts that fit a larger range of sizes. For example the hoodies I got at Noemie are quite large, like hoodie dresses! Also Punyus and ACDC Rag. I'll be back soon, early springtime! 🎶

[@MissiBoo]

​@@cakeswithfacesThanks Amy. Spring will be beautiful, I bet that you can't wait 💖

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@MissiBoo Not long to go now! 🎶

[@MissiBoo]

@@cakeswithfaces I decided to go in November because of the Autumn foliage. I'm going on my own and it will be my first time in Japan. Your videos have really helped me gain the confidence to go 🫶

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@MissiBoo That's great to hear! I'm sure you'll love it!

[@annacasimiro7629]

How to get the stamp book?

[@cakeswithfaces]

I have a video all about that! ☺️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpbQfWysacyEl68

[@ChibiFallingStar]

Hi Amy. I'm going this year for the first time and one thing that I'm worried about is sizing. I've heard Japan is notorious for not having plus/normal for Caucasian sized clothing. In your experience do the indie shops carry size 14 US? Thanks in advance. I don't want to get my hopes up before I go thinking I can buy cute clothing only to find I can't.

[@cakeswithfaces]

In Harajuku, some stores only have one size (called "free size") clothing, which can be very small. However there are also stores that offer larger sizes, including Punyus, ACDC Rag, and some stores have oversized hoodies and t-shirts that fit a larger range of sizes. Uniqlo also has a good range of sizes - while it's not alternative, they have some cool t-shirt designs!

[@ChibiFallingStar]

@@cakeswithfaces Thanks so much. I'll pop into those and see if I can find something cute. Really appreciate the info Amy. :)

[@wonzo9090]

I was there recently and Paris Kids looked like it was closed down now....

[@cakeswithfaces]

Oh no, that'd be a shame - it's a classic Harajuku shop! It was open when I was there at the start of March this year.

[@wonzo9090]

@@cakeswithfaces I was there recently again, and it looks like they might be under construction or they are updating the shop. It still says "Paris Kids" So hopefully no big changes.

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@wonzo9090 That's good - hopefully it's just renovation. It says it's still open on their Google business page, which is usually pretty reliable.

[@davidwolstenholme4676]

i thought the clothes in there would have been expensive

[@christopherhightower7308]

hmm... well, I'm sure your just happy to be back. :J

[@cakeswithfaces]

Even if it's not quite how it used to be, Harajuku's always a must-visit place for me.

[@christopherhightower7308]

good to know it's still your happy place to be. :)@@cakeswithfaces

[@xXNekou]

I wish you showed us what you bought :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

Ah I should have done! Not really got into haul videos!! 😝

[@xXNekou]

@@cakeswithfaces maybe next time then :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@xXNekou Yes! I always forget to show things straight away because of how they put tape on the bag when you buy things!

[@1982lalaland]

Visiting Japan from Ireland for the first time in February, your videos have been very helpful, thank you. I agree with you regarding the animal cafes, I will definitely be avoiding them, they are something I feel very uncomfortable about. Cat cafes I can somewhat understand, being domesticated animals - but owls and otter cafes are just completely wrong.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes, I'm sure owls don't want to be bothered by people all day (especially when they're naturally asleep in the daytime). I've heard stories about cats in cafes being drugged to make them more cuddly, but who knows if it's true. Since seeing the overcrowded crocodiles in Beppu living in a small concrete enclosure, I avoid anything to do with animals in Japan, even though it's tempting sometimes, especially when there's a hamster cafe!

[@Nature_with_Peter_Kane]

Real nice video as usual ... only we found there was something different about your audio ..like it's a little muffled... Good video otherwise. Cheers from Canada!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Probably because I'm mostly speaking behind the camera in this one (and the mic's facing forwards) - also I was wearing a mask as that was normal at the time in crowded places.

[@Nature_with_Peter_Kane]

@@cakeswithfaces Ahhh okay..makes sense now. Thank you. for replying.

[@shpeen8835]

Amy, please remind everyone that it's a bad idea put a station stamp in their passport, buy a stamp book

[@cakeswithfaces]

I hope no one would do that...! 😱

[@davidwolstenholme4676]

im back now amy

[@vickyhepfinger7458]

I wanted to visit Harajuku when I was in Tokyo last November but I just felt too old and fat to go. I knew nothing would fit me and I’d just be this 40 year old woman looking sad.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Harajuku and kawaii are for everyone, no matter how old you are or how you look - it's for everyone to enjoy. 💖 If that's what you like, go for it! There's no need to change what you because of how old you are. 💕

[@Thefashiongoddessnyc]

So sad to see strawberry fetish took over sex pot revenges store😢 I’m so sad to see listen flavor and drug honey gone too. I went in 2018 and I don’t even recognize Harajuku..the magic is gone

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's sad to see them go. At least some of them are stocked in Silhouette now, upstairs. But I do miss Listen Flavor 💖

[@Thefashiongoddessnyc]

​@@cakeswithfaces I happy to hear that but sad everything is being put up stairs as I'm wheelchair dependent 😢

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@Thefashiongoddessnyc Oh no, yes that sucks. Some places in Japan are pretty good with lifts (as there are so many floors) but smaller shops like that one are tricky.

[@davidwolstenholme4676]

i prefer the old station ,i hate change.

[@ClulssCrs3310]

I can't believe they destroyed the harajuku station! Dude, it was beautiful. Now it is replace with another boring modern architecture. They destroyed art.

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's sad that it's gone. However they're at least building a reconstruction of it, in the same place as the old one. It'll be a "commercial complex", so I'm guessing it'll have shops or cafes inside.

[@primokarmasilver]

When there’s allot of the same shop in England, it’s a clear money laundering scheme

[@cakeswithfaces]

It is on Oxford Street with all the american candy stores...

[@primokarmasilver]

@@cakeswithfaces they’re everywhere and no one is going in em

[@Renzor004]

Is that racist store whose owner curses at any non-japanese still there? It's like a rock/alt style type clothes shop and has curse words like F-You written on signs all over and signs that say no cameras. Been there twice with different groups of people and both times he would immediately go on a tirade cursing at us to get out lol, even if we were trying to buy something. I'm hoping he closed down finally!

[@cakeswithfaces]

I actually don't remember seeing that one. I've not been in there but I've seen the signs outside.

[@ShardSpyder]

The touts there really soured me on ever going back there. They were so aggressive and obnoxious. The only blemish on an otherwise perfect vacation.

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's pretty annoying! Can't think they get a lot of business.

[@davidwolstenholme4676]

I just noticed your back amy but i must go to bed im really tired so ill be back tomorrow afternoon going out in the morning to boots for my medication night night angel.

[@davidwolstenholme4676]

I shall watch you this afternoon amy ,the gout as returned but not in my two big toes yer just the left one,its my own fault for drinking cups of tea and eating things like sausages etc.

[@AlanVByrnes]

Another helpful and fun video, but it’s really changed in Harajuku? Not like it was when you guys were always going together, That happens things change but you learn to move on with it what I do, still I’m sorry to see places you loved going to are gone or different I know the feeling with what’s going on in Jersey where I live certain things are changing, still let’s not forget the good with others we always had, 🫶🫶🫶

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's sad when places close, but important to remember that places will always change - nowhere stays the same forever.

[@AlanVByrnes]

@@cakeswithfaces yes that’s how I also feel you are very right 👍👍👍👍

[@AlanVByrnes]

@@cakeswithfaces looking forward very much for the next video also 👏👏👏