Cat Street – Shibuya/Harajuku

Cat Street is a 1-km shopping street connecting Shibuya and Harajuku. It is a pedestrian-friendly, small, bustling street where visitors can explore clothing boutiques, vintage stores, and trendy cafes, as well as art galleries and design studios.

History of Cat Street

Cat Street has a somewhat peculiar name that piques the curiosity. Now it has no connection to feline activities and you won’t see cats running around.

There are several theories about the origin of the name. One is that there used to be a lot of cats in this area. Another is that the street is small and narrow like a cat’s face. Yet another is that it’s the birthplace of the Japanese rock band called “Black Cats”. One other most likely theory is that the name is derived from the abbreviation of “Carefree Tokyo Street,” a term coined in the 1970s. During this time, the street became a popular hub for counterculture communities, artists, and musicians who sought freedom from societal norms and conventions.

The Shibuya River used to run under the street until it was covered around 1964. The Shibuya River still flows underground under the paved promenade. You can see a stone post at the Omotesando side indicating that there was a bridge there.

What you can find here – hip, modern, trendy, edgy, cozy stores

Cat Street is a fashion-forward shopping destination. Its unique appeal is its eclectic mix of boutique stores, vintage shops, and high-end fashion labels, selling everything from avant-garde couture to casual streetwear. From limited-edition sneakers and statement accessories to handcrafted artisanal garments, shoppers can discover a diverse array of fashionable treasures waiting to be uncovered.

When you get hungry

You can relax at interesting cafes and restaurants. There are also plenty of places where you can grab something to eat on the go. As the sun sets, the area comes alive with trendy bars and hip restaurants perfect for an evening out.

Luke’s Lobster

Strolling along Cat Street you’ll come across Luke’s lobster – hard to miss. Luke’s lobster is the Japanese branch of the American restaurant specializing in lobster rolls using lobster caught in Maine. There is a small terrace where you can sit down and enjoy your meal.

WaraTako

Also right on Cat Street towards the Omotesando end is WaraTako, a takoyaki (octopus balls) stand. You’ll have to try takoyaki, if you haven’t already. It’s Japanese soul food made of round balls of dough with octopus filling and savory takoyaki sauce. Delicious as a snack to go.

Number Sugar

Also right on Cat Street is Number Sugar, so named because the twelve flavors they make are numbered according to the flavor. Popular flavors are vanilla, salt, raspberry and ginger. I like the No.6 peel and the No. 9 rum raisin. Their delicious caramel is made without artificial coloring and comes in a beautiful box – perfect for gifts to bring home! It’s always crowded with locals and tourists with a sweet tooth.

Tokyo Tarako Spaghetti

Tokyo Tarako Spaghetti (Harajuku-Omotesando store) is not exactly on Cat Street but easy enough to find in a back alley between Omotesando Blvd. and Cat Street. They also have stores in Shibuya and Ikebukuro.

Highly recommended if you like “tarako”. It’s a west-meets-east pasta place where the toppings are tarako, shiso leaves, tobiko, myoga, green onions, katsuobushi flakes, sesame seeds, etc. You can either eat it as it is or you can pour Japanese dashi soup stock over the pasta – up to you. Their original pasta noodle made of Hokkaido flour with Tapioca flower has a “mochi mochi” (chewy) texture. It’s delicious and addictive! Repeaters, like me, and tourists flock to the store.

Jingumae Yaiyai

Also in the back alley between Omotesando Blvd. and Cat Street is Jingumae Yaiyai. You’ll notice a large lantern in front of the restaurant with usually a big crowd waiting their turn. It’s a popular teppanyaki (griddle) restaurant where they serve grilled dishes and their signature okonomiyaki.

Micasadeco & Cafe

This cafe is also in a back alley off Cat Street. There’s always a line to get into this pancake place so I still haven’t been able to try their pancake. Their most popular product is fluffy pancakes with ricotta cheese which takes 30 minutes to make. If you’re ready to relax, have coffee and wait for their fluffy pancakes, please try the cafe. Judging from the long lines, it’s probably worth the wait.

How to get to Cat Street

Cat Street is one street in from the major Meiji Dori. It’s a back street snaking its way to the main Omotesando Boulevard.

Take the Tokyo Metro to the Meiji-Jingumae Station on the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines, or the Omotesando Station on the Ginza, Hanzomon, and Chiyoda lines. You can also go to the JR Harajuku station. From all three of these stations, it is just a short walk to Cat Street on the Omotesando side. (Close to Kiddy Land on Omotesando)

It’s also a short walk from Shibuya station (JR, Tokyo Metro Ginza line, Tokyu Toyoko line, Inokashira line). Just across from Miyashita Park on Meiji Dori, go one street in – this is the start of Cat Street from the Shibuya side.

Attractions near Cat Street

The area around Cat Street offers a variety of attractions. Nearby, on Omotesando street you’ll find the iconic Omotesando Hills shopping complex, featuring a wide range of high-end international and domestic brands. The beautiful and serene Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a lush forest, is also within walking distance from Cat Street. Additionally, the vibrant neighborhood of Harajuku, known for its unique fashion and quirky street style, is just a stone’s throw away.