Cat Street: Tokyo's Fashion-Forward Lane
Explore Tokyo's trendy Cat Street: A vibrant mix of fashion, culture, and unique finds nestled between Shibuya and Harajuku.
Cat Street, or Kyu-Shibuya-gawa Yuhodoro, is a unique and trendy pedestrian alley connecting Shibuya and Harajuku. Once a narrow back street, it has transformed into a hub for fashion, culture, and unique shopping experiences. The street was created on the bed of a stream that was diverted underground in 1964 as part of the preparations for the Tokyo Olympics. Today, Cat Street offers a diverse range of shopping experiences, from vintage and local designer boutiques to upscale international brands. It's known for its relaxed atmosphere, contrasting with the crowded Takeshita-dori in Harajuku. Here, you can find unique merchandise, including clothing, accessories, food, and drinks, in a more laid-back setting. The area also features stylish cafes, ranging from monochrome interiors to European-style galette shops and American pop-style bakeries. Cat Street's name origin is subject to various theories, including the presence of stray cats, the street's narrow layout, or the 1980s rockabilly band BLACK CATS. Regardless of its true origin, the name has stuck, adding to the street's mystique. While there aren't many actual cats on the street, its charm lies in its ever-changing nature and blend of small, independent shops and upscale brands.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking between Shibuya and Harajuku.
- Explore the side streets branching off the main path to discover hidden boutiques and cafes.
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy a calmer atmosphere.
- Check the operating hours of specific shops in advance, as each store has independent hours.
- Look for street art and murals on the side streets and building walls for unique photo opportunities.
A brief summary to Cat St
- Shibuya, Tokyo, JP
Getting There
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Walking
Cat Street is easily accessible on foot from both Shibuya and Harajuku. From Shibuya Station, take the Hachiko Exit and walk towards the Shibuya Modi department store. Cat Street starts just past the tower, on the left side of Meiji-dori Avenue, about a 5-8 minute walk. From Harajuku Station, take the Omotesando Exit and walk down Omotesando avenue. Turn right at the Ralph Lauren store, and Cat Street will be on your right after a short walk, about 8-10 minutes.
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Public Transport
To reach Cat Street via public transport, Meiji-jingumae 'Harajuku' Station (Chiyoda and Fukutoshin Lines) is the most convenient. Take Exit 4 or 7, and it's about a 5-minute walk to Cat Street. Alternatively, from Omotesando Station (Ginza, Hanzomon, and Chiyoda Lines), take Exit A1. Walk down Omotesando avenue towards Harajuku and turn left at the corner with the large Gyre shopping center. Cat Street is a short walk from there, about 6-8 minutes. Subway fare: Approximately ¥200-300.
