Yoyogi Park is a rare pocket of nature in the heart of Tokyo—a lush urban oasis that’s perfect for a relaxing walk, picnic, or jog. With its spacious grounds and seasonal beauty, it’s a beloved hangout for both locals and tourists.
The park is conveniently located next to Meiji Jingu shrine and is within walking distance of popular neighborhoods like Harajuku and Shibuya, making it an ideal stop between sightseeing or shopping.
Harajuku in particular has become a hotspot for trendy cafes and diverse global cuisine. In this guide, we’re spotlighting five unique specialty restaurants—from omurice (omelet rice) and vegan ramen to handmade sushi rolls, donuts, and gluten-free pancakes.
- 5 must-try restaurants near Yoyogi Park
- A specialty restaurant offering a variety of omelet rice dishes: "Tamago Kitchen Harajuku Omu"
- Vegan ramen from the famous Kyushu Jangara: "Vegan Bistro Jangara"
- DIY sushi rolls with an entertaining twist: "Gonpachi NORI-TEMAKI Harajuku"
- A whole new take on donuts: "I’m donut?"
- A guilt-free gluten-free pancake experience: "Riz Labo Kitchen"
5 must-try restaurants near Yoyogi Park
The area around Yoyogi Park is home to a variety of unique restaurants, each with its own specialty and personality.
Whether you’re looking for an everyday spot, a place for a special meal, or just a quick snack, you’ll find plenty of great options to match your mood or occasion.
A specialty restaurant offering a variety of omelet rice dishes: “Tamago Kitchen Harajuku Omu”
Just a two-minute walk from Harajuku Station, “Tamago Kitchen Harajuku Omu” is a must-visit for omelet rice lovers.
The menu features ten different types of omurice, each with its own unique rice seasoning and sauce, so you can enjoy a new flavor with every visit.

Interior of Tamago Kitchen Harajuku Omu
One unique feature of this omurice specialty restaurant is that you can choose how you’d like your eggs cooked—something only a dedicated omurice shop can offer.
The first option is the classic maki (roll) style, where the eggs are fully cooked and neatly wrapped around the rice, just like the traditional version from the past.
The second is the “fluffy and melty” style, where the eggs are soft, creamy, and souffle-like in texture. This version offers a light, smooth texture that practically melts on the tongue.

Classic “rolled” style omurice
If you want to experience the most traditional style of omurice, go for the roll-style ketchup omurice.
The rice is cooked in vegetable bouillon and then stir-fried with chicken thigh and onions in ketchup and consommé to make a flavorful chicken rice.
Paired with the richness of the egg and the tanginess of the ketchup, each bite delivers a perfectly balanced taste.

Rice omelet with ketchup (Roll) at Tamago Kitchen Harajuku Omu
On the other hand, if you’re going for the fuwa-toro (“Fluffy and Runny”) style, the “Seasoned cod roe potato mayonnaise cream rice omelet” is a must-try.
The rich, slightly spicy mentaiko (seasoned pollock roe) mayonnaise and the mellow béchamel sauce with potatoes are gently wrapped in a soft omelet, bringing everything together in perfect harmony.
Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a repeat customer, this carefully crafted dish is sure to satisfy.

Seasoned cod roe potato mayonnaise cream rice omelet at Tamago Kitchen Harajuku Omu
Vegan ramen from the famous Kyushu Jangara: “Vegan Bistro Jangara”
“Kyushu Jangara” is a beloved ramen chain known by just about every ramen lover. In 2021, they launched a new venture in Harajuku: a fully vegan ramen shop called “Vegan Bistro Jangara.”
As the name suggests, every item on the menu here is completely plant-based and free of animal products—an unexpected twist for fans of the original Kyushu Jangara.

Interior of Vegan Bistro Jangara
The shop’s signature dish, “Vegan Karabon,” is a completely reimagined vegan version of their popular spicy tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen, “Karabon,” served at the original Kyushu Jangara.
Without using any animal-based ingredients, the broth draws out the deep, savory flavors of vegetables, resulting in a rich, creamy soup that rivals the original pork-based version in both depth and satisfaction.

Vegan Karabon at Vegan Bistro Jangara
Although the noodles are made without eggs, they perfectly replicate the firm, but pleasantly chewy texture that the original Kyushu Jangara is known for.
The level of perfection is so high, even ramen connoisseurs will be amazed that this bowl is purely vegan.

Vegan Karabon from Vegan Bistro Jangara
At Vegan Bistro Jangara, you’ll find healthy yet satisfying dishes that don’t compromise on flavor.
In addition to ramen, they also serve vegan-friendly burgers, offering a new dining option where people with different dietary preferences can share the same table.
DIY sushi rolls with an entertaining twist: “Gonpachi NORI-TEMAKI Harajuku”
Sushi comes in many forms—from nigiri and pressed sushi to chirashi (sushi rice topped with various ingredients like sashimi, vegetables, and egg)—but among them, temaki (hand-rolled sushi) stands out as a fun, casual, and satisfying way to enjoy sushi.
At “Gonpachi NORI-TEMAKI Harajuku,” a restaurant specializing in hand-rolled sushi, diners get to wrap their own sushi using their favorite ingredients with rice and nori. This interactive style adds a playful, almost theatrical element to the dining experience.

Hand-rolled sushi from Gonpachi NORI-TEMAKI Harajuku
The highlight here is the nori seaweed. The restaurant uses premium nori from Maruyama Nori, a storied brand with over 170 years of history.
To preserve the nori’s aroma and crisp texture, a clever detail is added—one leaf of lettuce is placed between the rice and seaweed. This small touch prevents moisture from softening the nori too quickly.

Hand-rolled sushi from Gonpachi NORI-TEMAKI Harajuku
The menu features over 30 types of hand roll ingredients at any given time. If you’re not sure what to choose, go for the “5 Temaki Set,” which includes a selection of their most popular options.
One standout is the “Shrimp Tempura”. Prepared right in front of you at the counter, the crispy batter and plump shrimp offer an irresistible combination of crunch and juiciness—best enjoyed hot and fresh.

Gonpachi NORI-TEMAKI Harajuku’s hand-rolled sushi
Another standout is the “Spicy Tuna,” made with rich middle cuts of tuna enhanced by chili oil, mayonnaise, ichimi tōgarashi chili powder, and green chili pepper for a bold, flavorful kick.
The melt-in-your-mouth texture of the tuna makes it absolutely addictive.

The Spicy Tuna at Gonpachi NORI-TEMAKI Harajuku
Other crowd-pleasers include “Salmon & Avocado,” “Stewed Beef & Kimchi,” and “Tuna”—each one offering its own satisfying, flavorful experience with every roll.
Let your taste buds explore the world of hand-rolled sushi, and enjoy the fun of deciding, “Which one should I roll today?”

The Recommended 5-Roll Set at Gonpachi NORI-TEMAKI Harajuku
A whole new take on donuts: “I’m donut?”
One of the hottest dessert spots around Yoyogi Park is the donut specialty shop “I’m donut?” It’s not unusual to see a line forming before the shop even opens, and popular items often sell out well before closing time.

Exterior of I’m donut?
The reason for its popularity lies in a completely new texture that challenges the conventional image of donuts.
The outside is lightly crisp and aromatic, while the inside is soft and chewy. Rather than being something you chew, it melts gently in your mouth—a unique experience only I’m donut? can offer.

A donut from I’m donut?
This texture is made possible by using a brioche dough—originally from France—enhanced with pumpkin kneaded into the mix.
The natural sweetness and moisture of the pumpkin make the dough incredibly moist, resulting in an irresistible softness.
The signature item, simply called “I’m donut?,” is a minimalist donut that lets you fully enjoy the flavor and texture of the dough itself. With no extra toppings or fillings, the chewy feel and gentle sweetness take center stage.

The signature donut from I’m donut?, “I’m donut?”
Another fan favorite, “I’m donut? Matcha,” offers a refined Japanese twist, featuring the distinct bitterness and aroma of matcha green tea.
The surface is dusted with kinako (roasted soybean flour), which pairs perfectly with the matcha to create a harmonious blend of traditional flavors.
The gentle sweetness and subtle bitterness come together beautifully—an exceptional bite you won’t want to miss.

“I’m donut? Matcha” from I’m donut?
A guilt-free gluten-free pancake experience: “Riz Labo Kitchen”
Just a short walk from Omotesando Hills, “Riz Labo Kitchen” is located in a corner of the Urasando Garden complex and specializes in sweets made without any wheat flour, making them gluten-free.
Offering light, gentle desserts made from rice flour, this popular spot attracts a steady stream of visitors from both Japan and abroad.
Their signature item is a thick, fluffy rice flour pancake that makes a visual impact. Each one is cooked to order, and with every bite, the delicate texture melts gently in your mouth.

Riz Labo Kitchen’s pancakes
One especially recommended option is the “Organic Matcha & Strawberry.” With organic Uji matcha and Hokkaido cream, every ingredient is carefully selected for quality.
Take a bite, and the matcha’s slight bitterness and aroma gently unfold, perfectly balanced with an elegant sweetness.

Riz Labo Kitchen’s Organic Matcha & Strawberry
Thanks to a low-sugar recipe and plant-based ingredients, the flavor is surprisingly light despite the dish’s substantial appearance.
It’s a health-conscious treat you can enjoy with far less guilt—one that has already won a loyal following of repeat customers.
During your stroll around Yoyogi Park or Omotesando, treat yourself to a wholesome, feel-good dessert!

Riz Labo Kitchen’s Organic Matcha & Strawberry
The Yoyogi Park area is conveniently accessible from both Harajuku and Shibuya, making it an easy stop during your day out.
Take a break between sightseeing or shopping and discover a new favorite among these carefully curated specialty shops.
※Menu items, prices, and store details are accurate as of August 2025.