From Harajuku to Kyoto: Explore Japan’s Unique Style and Aesthetics

Japan is known as one of the countries that continues to preserve its culture and traditions. However, beyond its rich traditions and culture, Japan is also a hub for fashion and modern lifestyle trends. This blend of the old and new makes Japan a truly captivating destination for international travelers.

If you're looking to experience Japan's traditional and modern sides, Harajuku and Kyoto are the places to go. These two areas offer completely different vibes. Let’s explore Japan through the lens of these two iconic destinations!

Harajuku

Did you know that Harajuku, located in Tokyo’s Shibuya District, is Japan’s most iconic fashion center? The area is famous for its unique and eccentric fashion styles, especially among Japanese youth, making it a hotspot for tourists and fashion enthusiasts. 

It all started with the opening of a department store in Harajuku in the 1970s. Since then, many Japanese teenage girls have turned Harajuku into a place to express their fashion style, inspired by the trends featured in fashion magazines like Anan and Non-no. 

However, Harajuku isn't just known for its fashion scene, it also offers several tourist attractions worth visiting while you're there. Here are some of the must-visit attractions in the area:

• Togo Jinja: a Shinto shrine, built to honor Admiral Togo Heihachiro, who successfully repelled Russian forces during the Russo-Japanese War.

• Meiji Dori: a haven for shopping enthusiasts, filled with souvenir shops, karaoke spots, electronics stores, boutiques, and more. At night, the dazzling city lights make it even more vibrant.

• Yoyogi Koen: a city park famous for its stunning cherry blossoms in full bloom. Before it became a city park, the area was once used as a U.S. military base during World War II. 

• Meiji Jingu: a lush green space surrounded by 100,000 trees, creating a calm and refreshing atmosphere. This place is dedicated to the memory of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

Beyond sightseeing, Harajuku is also famous for its wide variety of delicious foods, such as:

• Takoyaki

• Godiva Dessert

• Marion Crepes

• Strawberry Fetish

• Kura Sushi Harajuku

• Rainbow Cotton Candy

• Harajuku Takeshita-dori Yurinan

• Daikanyama Candy Apple Harajuku

Kyoto

Are you more into cultural tourism? In that case, Kyoto should be on your list, offering a wealth of historic buildings and cultural landmarks. This prefecture is known for its many temples and continues to uphold age-old traditions. Kyoto is famous for its countless temples and is dubbed the "City of a Thousand Temples."

This area is also home to several must-visit destinations when traveling to Japan. So, what are they?

• Fushimi Inari Shrine: a popular destination for both locals and tourists when visiting Kyoto. At this shrine, you’ll find 10,000 vibrant red torii gates, which are often used as a popular photo spot.

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist spots, known for its towering bamboo trees that create a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
  Here, you can relax and take photos with the towering bamboo trees as your backdrop.

• Kiyomizudera: the most famous Buddhist temple in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple was built in 798 and is perched on a mountaintop, offering breathtaking views.

• Ninenzaka: a 150-meter-long stone-paved pedestrian street. You'll find restaurants, homes and souvenir shops built in traditional Japanese architectural style along this street.

Not only about sightseeing, Kyoto also boasts a variety of local dishes that you definitely must try. Here’s the list!

•  Shojin Ryori

• Yudofu dan Yuba

• Nishin Soba

• Kyozushi

• Obanzai

• Kaiseki

• Uji Matcha

• Yudofu

• Wagashi

And that wraps up our look at two areas in Japan known for their fashion scenes and historical landmarks. These areas are perfect for travelers who want to explore Japan's traditions, culture, and style all in one trip. But before you go, make sure you protect your journey with Travel Insurance Online from MSIG Indonesia.

Protecting yourself with insurance makes your trip even safer, giving you coverage from the moment you depart until you arrive back home. You will also get coverage for medical emergencies, travel inconveniences, and more.