The Harajuku Sweets Turning Takeshita Street into a Stage

Once a neighborhood that embodied the latest trends of youth culture, Harajuku in Tokyo is now a destination bustling with tourists from around the world.

*A tourist takes a selfie with a crepe.*

Crepes and cotton candy — the colorful sweets that brighten Takeshita Street—have become must-try, photo-worthy treats for inbound visitors. People walking along the narrow street often have a dessert in one hand and a smartphone in the other, snapping photos and posting them on social media right away.

*A tourist photographs crepe samples in the showcase, capturing the sweetness through the glass.*

Impressions from Abroad

Ori and Tamar, visiting Japan for the first time from Israel, smiled as they bit into their crepes. "In Israel, crepe toppings are simple — just chocolate, usually. Japan's toppings are so much more varied — it's wonderful," they said.

*Photos first, then enjoying the crepes.*

Nearby, a family gathered around a giant cotton candy, all reaching out at once. "I've never seen cotton candy this big and colorful in the United States — it's perfect for sharing. I sent a picture to my friends right away," said Nathan Hayden, a visitor from the United States, grinning. For many tourists today, sharing online often comes before eating.

*A child proudly holds up a colorful cotton candy.*

Takeshita Street as a Stage

In Harajuku, the line between performer and audience is blurred. Both taking photos and being photographed are part of the sightseeing experience. The entire neighborhood becomes a stage, with crepes and cotton candy serving as sweet little props in this ongoing performance.