Tokyo Shoe Distribution Center Harajuku
Experience the innovative world of On Running at their popular Tokyo flagship stores, known for expert fittings and exclusive releases.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Shorter waits, more relaxed browsing
Tokyo Shoe Distribution Center Harajuku
Best Time
Shorter waits, more relaxed browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the innovative world of On Running at their popular Tokyo flagship stores, known for expert fittings and exclusive releases.
"Prepare for a wait, but the personalized service and unique brand immersion at On Running Tokyo are worth it."
⏳ Prepare for the Queue
Expect long waits, especially on weekends. Use the QR code system and be patient; it's part of the experience.
📧 Sign Up for Notifications
You'll receive emails when your turn is near, allowing you to explore nearby shops while you wait.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Magic Wall'
On Running Cat Street
Experience the unique 'magic wall' display, a signature feature that draws crowds and showcases the brand's innovative shoe designs.
Expert Fitting Experience
On Running Stores
Receive personalized attention from knowledgeable staff who help you find the perfect fit and style for your needs.
Exclusive Tokyo Releases
On Running Stores
Discover limited edition colorways and models that might only be available in Tokyo, making your visit a unique shopping opportunity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wait for On Running
Consider the Ginza Alternative
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Prepare for the Queue
Expect long waits, especially on weekends. Use the QR code system and be patient; it's part of the experience. +1
📧 Sign Up for Notifications
You'll receive emails when your turn is near, allowing you to explore nearby shops while you wait.
📍 Consider Ginza First
The Ginza store is larger and may have shorter lines, making it a good alternative if Cat Street is too busy.
👟 Know Your Size
Having your desired model and size ready can speed up the process once you're inside.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Prepare for the Queue
Expect long waits, especially on weekends. Use the QR code system and be patient; it's part of the experience. +1
📧 Sign Up for Notifications
You'll receive emails when your turn is near, allowing you to explore nearby shops while you wait.
📍 Consider Ginza First
The Ginza store is larger and may have shorter lines, making it a good alternative if Cat Street is too busy.
👟 Know Your Size
Having your desired model and size ready can speed up the process once you're inside.
✨ Enjoy the Brand Experience
While the wait can be long, the store offers a unique brand immersion and excellent customer service.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The On Running store on Cat Street is a highly sought-after destination, praised for its excellent customer service, knowledgeable staff, and unique brand experience, including the 'magic wall.' However, visitors should be prepared for significant wait times due to a popular queue system, which some find overly hyped. The newer Ginza store offers a larger space and potentially shorter lines. +2
"TEAM ON JAPAN 🇯🇵
I recently visited the On Shoes flagship store both last Sunday and again today with my friends and had fantastic experiences both times. A huge thank you to Miku and Tasuku, who assisted us with fitting shoes. They were knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely helpful in finding the perfect fit. Their attention to detail made the process smooth and enjoyable.
At the counter, Satsuking and Momoko provided excellent service, handling our checkout quickly and professionally while maintaining a friendly and welcoming attitude. It's clear the team here is committed to customer satisfaction.
Highly recommend visiting this store not only for the quality of the shoes but also for the top-tier service. Thanks again to Miku,Tasuku, Satsuking, and Momoko!"
Anne Ronquillo
"I visited both the new On Ginza store, as well as this one on Cat Street. As of writing (4-Oct-2025), the new Ginza store does NOT have the limited entry for crowd control that the Cat Street store has. The Ginza store is much larger, but both stores seemed to have the same shoes available. I would recommend people to visit the Ginza store first and only visit the Cat Street store if the Ginza store does not have your size in stock. I was able to find the sizes I needed for my husband, myself, and a friend at the Cat Street store (but they were sold out at Ginza). At Cat Street, you have to first queue to register (scan QR code, register with your e-mail and number of people in your party). This took about 5 minutes including the queue waiting time. I imagine they stop the registration process around 17:30/18:00 or so. Once I registered, I had a waiting time of about 1h15m. You will get an email when your waiting time is around 20 minutes. You are then required to return to the store within 10 minutes of receiving the email. You can then enter the store’s ground floor (clothing floor) where you have to wait the remaining 10-15 minutes. You then get a second email that will allow you to go to the second floor where the shoes are. The wait to get to the 2nd floor went by faster than the original estimate of 1h15m and I was upstairs in about an hour."
Mitzi P. Dyrdek
"On Store Cat Street: All Hype, Zero Hustle
This store operates under the delusion that its shoes are a religious artifact requiring a 30-minute pilgrimage, even when you know exactly what you want. I had my model and size dialed in and walked into an essentially empty store, ready for a quick "in and out."
Instead, they treated the simple act of retrieving a box like a sacred, hour-long ritual. They dedicate more effort to generating "premium experience" hype than they do to actual efficient service. The shoes are fine, but the process makes you feel like you’re waiting for the Pope to personally sign the shoebox. If you value your time, this place is definitely anti-On. The best part was ... shoe wasn't even for me!"
Donald Isaac
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The On Running store is located on Cat Street, a popular pedestrian lane connecting Shibuya and Harajuku. You can easily reach it by taking the train to Shibuya Station or Harajuku Station and then walking.
Parking in the Harajuku and Shibuya areas can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation to reach the store.
Cat Street is best explored on foot. From Shibuya Station, head towards the Center Gai area and look for signs pointing towards Cat Street. From Harajuku, you can walk down Takeshita Street and then turn towards the Omotesando area to find Cat Street.
Yes, besides the popular Cat Street location, there is also an On Running store in Ginza, which is larger and may have different crowd dynamics.
Taxis are available in Tokyo, but traffic can be heavy, especially around Shibuya and Harajuku. Public transport is often more efficient for reaching this area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need a ticket, but you do need to register for a queue number via a QR code upon arrival. This system manages entry due to high demand. +1
Wait times can vary significantly, but expect at least an hour, especially on weekends. The store uses a notification system via email to alert you when your turn is approaching. +1
The registration process for the queue typically stops around 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.
Yes, you can try on shoes once you are allowed on the second floor. However, you cannot try on the display models; demo versions are available for fitting.
No, there is no entry fee to visit the On Running store. The wait is for managing customer flow and ensuring a better experience.
🎫 👟 Onsite Experience
The store is known for its unique 'magic wall' display, exclusive Tokyo releases, and a highly attentive staff that provides excellent fitting assistance. +1
On Running specializes in performance running shoes known for their comfort and innovative CloudTec® cushioning technology. They also offer lifestyle and athletic apparel.
Reviews consistently praise the staff for being knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely helpful in assisting customers with finding the perfect fit.
Yes, On Running shoes are available at other retailers and the Ginza flagship store. However, the Cat Street store often has unique displays and a specific brand experience.
The 'magic wall' is a distinctive display feature within the store that showcases a wide array of On Running shoe models, creating a visually striking presentation.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Yes, the Tokyo stores, particularly the Cat Street location, often feature exclusive colorways or limited edition releases not available elsewhere.
Cat Street is a vibrant shopping area with many boutiques, vintage stores, and streetwear shops. Harajuku's Takeshita Street and Omotesando are also nearby for more shopping options. +1
Yes, the store offers a range of On Running apparel, including jackets, t-shirts, and accessories, complementing their footwear selection.
Yes, the surrounding Harajuku and Shibuya areas are filled with shops selling unique Japanese souvenirs, from quirky trinkets to fashion items. +1
While specific return policies can vary, it's always best to check with the store staff at the time of purchase for the most accurate information regarding returns or exchanges.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🏃♀️ Serious Runners
Consider visiting during weekdays to minimize wait times. If you have a specific shoe model in mind, research it beforehand to streamline your fitting process. The Ginza store might be a more efficient option if your priority is a quick purchase rather than the full Cat Street experience.
👟 Fashion-Forward Shoppers
Keep an eye out for limited edition collaborations or Tokyo-exclusive colorways that can elevate your sneaker game. The vibrant atmosphere of Harajuku and Shibuya, easily accessible from Cat Street, offers endless shopping possibilities for the fashion-conscious traveler.
🎁 Souvenir Hunters
Consider items like unique stationery, character goods, or even custom-made items like personalized sneakers from White Atelier by Converse on Cat Street.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the On Running Queue System
This system, while designed to create a more organized experience, means you'll likely be waiting for a significant period, often over an hour, especially during peak times like weekends. The emails are crucial: the first indicates when you can explore the ground floor (apparel), and a second email grants access to the second floor where the shoes are displayed. It's essential to be near the store when you receive these notifications, as there's a limited window to enter.
While some visitors find this process overly hyped and inefficient, particularly if they know exactly what they want, others appreciate the structured approach and the opportunity to browse the apparel section while waiting. It's a key part of the 'On experience' in Tokyo, so patience is key.
The On Ginza vs. Cat Street Experience
The Ginza store, on the other hand, is significantly larger and, as of recent reports, does not enforce the same strict entry limitations as the Cat Street location. This makes it a potentially more accessible option for those who want to try on shoes without a lengthy wait. However, it's worth noting that inventory might differ, and some limited releases might be more readily available at one location over the other.
For visitors aiming to purchase specific models or sizes, it's advisable to check both locations or prioritize Ginza for a potentially quicker visit, reserving Cat Street for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the brand's curated experience and don't mind the wait.
Beyond Shoes: Exploring Cat Street
Visitors can find unique streetwear, designer resale items, and quirky accessories. The area is also dotted with cafes and small eateries, making it a pleasant place to wander and discover hidden gems. It's a great spot to find souvenirs that are a bit more off the beaten path than those found in the main tourist hubs.
For those waiting for their turn at On Running, or simply exploring the area, Cat Street provides a delightful contrast to the high-energy shopping streets of Shibuya and Harajuku, offering a more curated and laid-back retail experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit