Written by Liam Hill, photos by Parker Bates

Over Christmas break, I had the chance to travel to Japan. During my 18-day vacation, I dedicated an entire day to exploring Harajuku, the fashion district of Tokyo. Harajuku is also a term used to refer to the unique style of clothing the area is famous for.  I’m currently studying fashion, so this was an incredible opportunity. 

The first area I explored in the fashion district is called Takeshita-dori. It is a narrow pedestrian-only street lined with dozens of independent boutiques as well as a few recognizable chain stores. My first stop was Drug Honey. I actually wandered in by accident without knowing what store it was. I was drawn toward a staircase lined with punk and music stickers between two stores and decided to follow it upstairs. To my delight, I found myself in a neat little boutique with a punk-inspired aesthetic. Here, I purchased a black jumper with white checkered sleeves and the brand’s logo embroidered on the chest. 

Further down the street, I visited a small store from a brand that I know and love— ACDC Rag. I had a specific item in mind I wanted to purchase from this store. Before my trip, I saw they collaborated with Evangelion, one of my favorite animes, and I felt the intense need to purchase a piece from the collection. To my delight, it was all there when I visited, and I was able to get the exact jacket I wanted. The color combination of the blues and purples with the white block pieces on the jacket is stunning. The anime graphic on the back is the cherry on top. It’s just the perfect 90’s windbreaker and statement piece for anime fans.

My last purchase was made a few blocks away from Takeshita-dori, at Tokyu Plaza Omotesando. This shopping center is famous for its entryway. As you take the stairs or escalator to the top floor, you are surrounded by tons of mirrors that create a beautiful reflective cave. This is a must-see photo spot. My last purchase was more made out of necessity rather than on a whim or a desire. I purchased this long, black, drop shoulder coat with a single button to better help me fight off the cold during the rest of my time in Tokyo. I saw this style worn by both men and women in passing on the street, and I immediately fell in love with the linear silhouette and simple detail. After purchasing it, I wore it daily around Japan. Out of all of the items I purchased, this is definitely my most used and underrated piece.

Overall, my visit to Harajuku and Shibuya was incredible. I’ve never experienced anything like the fashion there, and it has definitely changed the way I dress and view clothing. It has brought me a lot of inspiration and filled me with an intense desire to explore more international fashion.