Omotesando is a three-avenue lane in central Tokyo, more specifically in the Harajuku district, dedicated to high fashion. The biggest fashion houses have their own boutiques located on this avenue attracting both Japanese as well as foreign fashionistas. One of the hot spots is “Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku” a luxurious six-level department store that can be easily described as a fashion paradise, located on the corner of Meiji Dori and Omotesando!
The rooftop garden on top of the Tokyo Plaza building, also known as “Omohara’s Forest”, is a beautiful and spacious public terrace that can be used for free. The terrace is converted to different environments depending on the season. Every winter it features a special illumination. There are also light balls hanging from the trees that look like snowballs. The rooftop is covered with a wooden deck and chairs, with couches and swings spread out around the entire space, creating public as well as semi-private, cozy sitting locations. Thus, the rooftop is right now the place to be for young couples that want to enjoy a date admiring this beautiful illumination.
"I'll admit that it is pretty. I can understand why there're so many couples here, especially since it's in Harajuku and there are so many young couples in the area. However, I don't think I'd bring a girl on a date to the roof as I felt like there was some sort of “The Sweetest Couple” competition!"
Michael, a Nihon University student.
On the same floor there is a Starbucks, so what a better idea than buying a coffee and a sweet treat and sitting somewhere to enjoy the view? You’ll definitely feel like Christmas is already here. Wait a minute; Christmas is already here at Omohara Forest and it couldn’t be more fabulous!
Getting there
The department store is located 4 minutes on foot from the JR Yamanote Line's Harajuku Station, 1 minute on foot from Exit 5 of Meiji-jingumae Station on the Chiyoda/Fukutoshin Line and last but not least, 7 minutes on foot from Exit A2 of Omotesando Station on the Chiyoda/Hanzomon/Ginza Line. Hours are from 8.00 am till 23.00 but it would only make sense to go up to the rooftop when the sun has already set if you want to enjoy the illumination.
More info
Find out more about Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku.
Christie Petrakopoulou @christie.petrakopoulou
Hi! My name is Christie and I’m a journalist/blogger. Originally from Athens, Greece but living in Stockholm, Sweden I’m doing my Masters in Media and Communication Studies at Stockholm University. For one year I’ll be living and traveling around Japan in search of new challenges and experienc...
