Cat Street is an roughly 1 km pedestrian street in Shibuya Ward that connects Harajuku and Shibuya, also known as "Ura-Harajuku" (Back Harajuku). Its official name is the Kyu-Shibuyagawa Yuhodo (Old Shibuya River Promenade), a walkway laid over the Shibuya River after it was culverted underground during preparations for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Unlike the busy Takeshita Street, it has a calmer, more refined feel, lined with select shops, vintage clothing stores, and stylish cafes.
A walkable route linking Harajuku and Shibuya, divided by Omotesando into a Harajuku side and a Shibuya side
Few large commercial complexes; instead a run of distinctive select shops, designer brands, and boutiques, making it a source of Tokyo fashion trends
A wide range of vintage (secondhand) clothing stores, from nationwide chains to small themed boutiques
A growing number of takeaway stands, coffee stands, and street food adding to the cafe scene
Walls and side alleys are popular Instagram photo spots, and many visitors shoot fashion snaps here
Good to know
MannersEating while walking is often seen as bad manners in Japan. Use a shop's eat-in space or step to the side of the street to finish your food.
MannersThere are many popular photo spots, but be considerate not to block pedestrians while shooting, and avoid framing shop or residential private property or other people without care.
CautionAround Harajuku and Omotesando, friendly approaches inviting you to an "art-student gallery," a "donation," or a "blessing" that then push overpriced goods or ask for money have been reported. Street touting is illegal under Tokyo ordinances, so do not engage.
SeasonIt gets very crowded with young people on weekends and in the early evening. Weekday mornings are comparatively quiet, and queues at popular restaurants grow soon after the 11:00 opening.
Practical info
The nearest station is Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae (about a 3-minute walk); it is also reachable from JR Harajuku Station and Shibuya Station (about 5 minutes toward Miyashita Park). The street itself is always open and free; check current hours and prices for individual shops and cafes before you go. Set aside about half a day if you also want to do a cafe crawl.
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