Arrived in Harajuku but not sure which exit to use?
Harajuku can be confusing because JR Harajuku Station and Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku) Station are very close to each other.
You do not need to memorize every exit.
Here are the easiest directions for four popular places around Harajuku.
Quick Answer
| Destination | Easy choice |
|---|---|
| Takeshita Street | JR Harajuku Station → Takeshita Exit |
| Meiji Shrine | JR Harajuku Station → Omotesando Gate → West Exit |
| Yoyogi Park | JR Harajuku Station → Omotesando Gate → West Exit |
| Omotesando | JR Harajuku Station → Omotesando Gate → East Exit |
Takeshita Street = Takeshita Exit
That is the easiest one to remember.
Takeshita Street
Going to Takeshita Street?
Follow the signs for:
竹下口 / Takeshita Exit
This is the easiest exit for Takeshita Street.
If you find yourself following signs for the Omotesando Gate, check the signs again before leaving the station.
JR East — Harajuku Station Official Information
Meiji Shrine
For Meiji Shrine, use:
Omotesando Gate → West Exit
The West Exit is on the Meiji Shrine side of JR Harajuku Station.
Remember that reaching the shrine entrance is not the end of the walk. According to the official Meiji Jingu website, it takes at least another 10 minutes from the entrance to the main shrine buildings.
Meiji Jingu — Official Access Information
Yoyogi Park
For Yoyogi Park, use:
Omotesando Gate → West Exit
You can also reach Yoyogi Park from Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku) Station.
The official Yoyogi Park website lists both JR Harajuku Station and Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku) Station as about a three-minute walk from the park.
Yoyogi Park — Official Information
Omotesando
For Omotesando, use:
Omotesando Gate → East Exit
One thing can be confusing:
Omotesando Gate is part of JR Harajuku Station.
Omotesando Station is a separate Tokyo Metro station.
They are not the same place.
Harajuku Station or Meiji-jingumae Station?
Harajuku Station
→ JR Yamanote Line
Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku) Station
→ Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and Fukutoshin Line
If you are already on the Chiyoda or Fukutoshin Line, you may be able to get off at Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku) Station instead of transferring to JR.
Tokyo Metro — Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku) Station
Remember These Three Directions
Takeshita Street → Takeshita Exit
Meiji Shrine / Yoyogi Park → Omotesando Gate → West Exit
Omotesando → Omotesando Gate → East Exit
Check your destination before leaving the ticket gate, especially when Harajuku is crowded.
Related Guide
Not sure how Tokyo subway lines, colors, and station numbers work?
How to Read the Tokyo Subway Map: 10 Easy Steps for Beginners
Disclaimer
Station exits, pedestrian routes, construction areas, and access conditions may change.
Always check current station signs and official railway or destination information before travelling.
