Cat Street (officially Kyu-Shibuya-gawa-michi, ‘Old Shibuya River Road’) is the indie back street running parallel to Omotesando between Harajuku and Shibuya — same youth-fashion energy as Takeshita-dori but with vintage clothes, indie cafes and skater shops instead of cosplay snack stalls.
What to Expect
Walk south from Meiji-Jingumae down the lane that runs east of Omotesando — Cat Street unfolds as a 1km strip of vintage stores (Ragtag, Chicago, Flamingo), indie sneakers (atmos), independent cafes (Crisscross, Streamer Coffee), and graphic-tee printers. The middle section near the Shibuya end has Goodwill outlet, A.P.C. and the Adidas Originals flagship — a mix of high-low you don’t see on Takeshita.
Consider This Instead
For more punk-vintage and basement live-houses without Cat Street’s polished retail, head to Shimokitazawa — 10 min west on Keio Inokashira from Shibuya.
How to Get There
Getting There
From Harajuku Station
- 1Walk south through Omotesando, then east one block to Cat Street → Cat Street north entrance
Tips
- Walk Harajuku to Shibuya via Cat Street. 25-min stroll connects two stations through the neighborhood best.
- Vintage shops 12:00–20:00. Earlier you walk a quiet street; after 12:00 the shops open.
- Streamer Coffee for a sit-down. Indie roastery with seating; ¥600 latte breaks up the walk.
FAQ
Cat Street vs Takeshita-dori?
Cat = vintage + indie + 25-25 ages. Takeshita = candy + cosplay + under-25 tourists. Same Harajuku DNA, different demographic.
Best vintage shop?
Ragtag for designer second-hand (Comme des Garcons, Yohji), Chicago for retro Americana, Flamingo for cheaper streetwear.
