A family sharing a colorful cotton candy.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Author: Hideyuki Matsui, The Sankei Shimbun
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