SKINNY
If you are a fashionista who loves sweets and trendy stuff, this is your destination. Harajuku and Omotesando is next to each other but you will see younger and funkier people in Harajuku and older (but not too old) conservative people in Omotesando.
Harajuku was famous for colorful dolly 'kawaii' fashion back in the days but you won't see that so much any more. Since these cities are popular among trendy crowds, many international sweets shops and cafes often opens the first store there. If you see a long line outside, probably that's it.
STATION INFO
In this area, there are mainly 3 stations that you can use - JR Harajuku Station, Metro Meijijingu Station and Omotesando Station. To get to Harajuku, use either JR Harajuku Station or Metro Meijingumae Station. Chiyoda line and Fukutoshin line are running thru Meijingumae Station. If you are going to Meiji Shrine, JR Harajuku Station is right next to it. To get to Omotesando side, use Omotesando Station or Meijijingumae Station.
It's pretty simple and there are many significant buildings everywhere so you will not get lost in this area.
10 Things to Do in Harajuku/Omotesando
1. Fresh Start at Meiji SHrine
Meiji Shrine opens at the time based on the time of sunrise. (Check the exact time at Meijijingu's wbesite.) Since not a lot of place opens early, it may be a good idea to start a day here. Have your comfortable shoes on to walk around the big property.
2. BE squished in Takeshita Dori
If you are in Harajuku, you can't miss Takeshita Dori, right?
3. Treat yourself with trendy sweets
There are A LOT of cool sweets stores in Harajuku and Omotesando. I know you can't eat try them all in a day but at least try a few!
Watch TOP 10 Harajuku Sweets for more details.
4. SHOPPING, SHOPPING, SHOPPING
Although there are big shopping buildings like Laforet Harajuku and Omotesando Hills, you will be surprised how many cool shops are hidden in Cat Streets and all the other side streets.
Also, if you are looking for a high brand shopping, you should definitely go to Omotesando area. Many tourists don't go any further than Aoyamadori, but there are a lot more on that side too!
5. Have a lunch at AFURI Ramen
Harajuku is not really known for ramen but AFURI has been one of my favorite. Don't be in a ridiculous line of tourists at Ichiran. Try something new!
6. Kawaii Monster Cafe
7. MOSHIMOSHI BOX
8. Take a photo in a mirror escalator
There is a big escalator in Tokyu Plaza just across from Laforet Harajuku. It definitely is instagramy.
9. Enjoy Christmas Illumination
During every Christmas time, it's lit up from the Laforet intersection all the way up to Omotesando. You are lucky if you are visiting during this time.
10. Check out Apple store
Well, even if you are not getting a new iPhone, it is alway fun to check out every apple store with a great architecrue.
HARAJUKU OMOTESANDO HOTELS
Before I start, let me tell you that there is no hotels right by either stations. I will list the ones that I know is good but there is a bit of a walk.
1. Dormny Inn Premium SHibuya Jingumae
Recommended if you prioritize: onsen
The lowest room rate for 2: 230USD~
Dormny Inn Premium SHibuya Jingumae is a premium brand hotel of business hotel group, Dormy Inn. The highlight of this hotel is for sure the onsen. They use super soft water which is good for your skin and skin. This is actually the closest hotel to a Station in Harajuku (Meijijingumae Station) but still 6 minutes far by walk. If it is too far for you, choose a hotel near Shibuya Station and hop on the train to go to Harajuku and Omotesando area.
2. Hotel Allamanda Aoyama
Recommended if you prioritize: the access to Omotesando and Aoyama
The lowest room rate for 2: 280 USD~
This hotel has a member's only fitness and spa club inside of the building and hotel residences get a free access, which is pretty cool for this price. The room is definitely bigger than business hotels. The hotel is located right in front of Ginza line Gaienmae station, so you have to travel one station to get to Omotesando.