Strolling along the tree-lined avenue, you'll find boutiques, select shops, and distinctive cafes on both sides. It's stylish and feels very Tokyo. Around the middle of Omotesando, you can stop by Omotesando Hills, designed by Tadao Ando. The building itself is a major highlight, with a soaring central atrium and spiral ramps that make browsing feel very design-focused. Inside, you'll find Japanese designer brands, international luxury boutiques, lifestyle shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a good place to browse slowly and hunt for finds. Afterward, head into the surrounding side streets to look for hidden shops and cafes and experience the most charming side of everyday life in Omotesando.
Omotesando Hills | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Universal Citywalk Osaka
This mixed-use commercial complex is located along the street connecting the large theme park "Universal Studios Japan" and JR Universal-City Station. The streets are filled with an American flavor, creating an extraordinary atmosphere fitting for the entrance to the park.
It has a strong Hollywood atmosphere, with all kinds of snack shops, restaurants, and unique gift shops lining both sides of the street. It's fun to browse as you walk around. It's also open later than expected, so after leaving the park, you can come back to shop, grab something to eat, or buy souvenirs. The streets look even better in photos at night with all the lights. It's a great way to end a day at Universal Studios—take a leisurely stroll before heading back to your hotel.
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Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Shrine was established in 1920 (Taisho 9) as a shrine to enshrine Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
Walking through Meiji Jingu Shrine feels like entering a vast, quiet, deep forest hidden within the city. The towering trees lining both sides of the approach make you feel cut off from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo as soon as you enter. Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken are enshrined here, and it is also one of Japan's most important shrines, attracting millions of worshippers every New Year.
The enormous torii gate at the entrance is said to have been made from cypress from Alishan, Taiwan. As you walk along the gravel path, hearing the crunch beneath your feet and looking up at the towering torii gate, you feel a solemn sense of entering sacred grounds one step at a time.
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Marion Crepes - Harajuku Takeshita Street Store
Established in 1976, this leading crepe chain is the pioneer brand in Japan that first tried wrapping crepes in paper as an on-the-go snack. The sweets brand has always stayed ahead of the curve, exploding with sheer popularity since launching in Harajuku, the hub for youth fashion and culture. Today, there are around 80 stores nationwide.
You can't go wrong with MARION CREPES when you're craving a crepe! The dazzling selection is almost overwhelming, and every flavor looks so tempting that it's incredibly hard to choose. In the end, I went back to a classic and chose the chocolate banana flavor. The crisp yet soft crepe wraps around sweet bananas, topped with rich chocolate sauce and a huge mound of whipped cream. The richness of the chocolate, the gentle sweetness of the banana, and the smooth cream come together in every bite for a blissfully indulgent combination!
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