Slightly off the beaten path and away from the craziness of Takeshita Dori in Harajuku is Cat Street. Paralleling Omotesando and it’s high end shopping, this windy, narrow street with cafe’s, restaurants and a plethora of mostly foreign name brands is another fashion mecca of Tokyo. Close to my New Year’s eve shrine of choice, it makes a great afternoon stroll.
What’s in a name?
Don’t go thinking this is just an American nickname (feel free to email me for a multitude of stories on made up names! They’ll all make it here to Kristen Abroad eventually!). When your left with nothing else, sometimes you just latch on to something is a visual reminder. No, Cat street is referred to as the same in Japanese, キャットストリート, kyatto sutori-to (Katakana is my least favorite of Japanese…).
It still conjures up images in my head of at one point being over run by cat’s or something to the like. Not a single 猫 (neko – cat) was to be seen though. According to Shibuya ward’s official website, there are three going theories.
- The narrow opening of the street reminds you of a cats forehead (really Japan?!)
- There are many cats. (See aforementioned I’ve never seen a cat on this street).
- A band called “Black Cats” was born here.
Regardless of where it came from, it makes a unique and common showing to Japan. Right next to expensive brand name shops are little grandmother’s putting out their clothes lines on their balconies without a care to the shoppers abounding around their humble abode.
Cat Street キャットストリート Shopping
Lots of great shops to check out. Surprisingly, a lot of outdoor stores and there are even more if you head a few streets parallel to Meiji Street or closer to Harajuku Station. Bottom line: There’s lots of shopping to be had in Harajuku and this is definitely a place to hit while you’re there!
Where as this use to be purely a pedestrian street, to help in case of emergencies a vehicle street was added. However, like most places in Japan, pedestrians spill over when it’s not being utilized.
Cat Street キャットストリート Dining
All that shopping can work up an appetite. For a little taste of American Northeast, there is Luke’s for some delicious lobster rolls. They are small but they make a great snack.
Quick note on Japanese etiquette, you don’t generally see people walking and eating or drinking. They’ll generally stand close to where they made their purchase (yes, even a vending machine!) and consume the product on the spot. This is also a fairly good way to ensure that there is a trash can to dispose of the rubbish!
For a quick enjoyable drink (alcoholic or not) and some fried bread, there is Coco Agepan. This donut like treat is slightly less sweet than you might imagine them to be.
If dinner is something more up your alley, there is Urban BBQ Smokehouse for some absolutely delicious American style BBQ. Also, if you are like me and like to try all the craft beer when travelling or exploring (that’s only a slight exaggeration), this is your place! TJ Harbor Brewery owns the restaurant and serves up their craft beer that they’ve been making in the Tokyo Ward since nearly the dawn of the craft beer in Japan.
Getting to Cat Street
Easiest when you are already in the Harajuku area of the Meiji Shrine or other events in Yoyogi Park. A quick walk from the Omotesando Metro stop or JR Harajuku Station. Of course, trains will always be the recommended mode of transportation but depending on where you are, buses may be better suited for your needs! And surprisingly, it’s not that far from Shibuya and it’s famous scramble crosswalk, so if you need some exercise, I highly suggest taking the scenic route.
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It would be so exciting to spend a New Year’s Eve here. You write about the most exciting places!
~ Suzana Barton