Cats, canines, and canaries collide on the giant “Town Musicians of Bremen” 3D billboard in Harajuku. Another example of Tokyo’s 3D billboard trend, this display has been catching eyes and hearts since its installation in November 2022.

Where is the Town Musicians of Bremen billboard?

Takeshita Dori, Harajuku
Head into the sea of people! | Photo by iStock.com/Chloe Harris

You can find the Town Musicians of Bremen 3D billboard at the far end of Takeshita Street in Harajuku. The easiest way to get there is to take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station, and then go out of the Takeshita exit. Cross the road, then continue straight down the long (and usually crowded) Takeshita Street. Once you reach the other end, look across the road and to the left — there you are!

When can you see the Town Musicians of Bremen?

Beams advertise on the 3D billboard in Harajuku. | Photo by Shyam Bhardwa

The Town Musicians of Bremen appear every 30 minutes, on the hour and at half past. There are also different 3D ads playing in between other ads on the billboard. These include another one for BEAMS, the company who sponsors the 3D Town Musicians of Bremen ad, and one from Change Vision, the designers of the billboard ads.

Why is it called the “Town Musicians of Bremen”?

The name comes from a German folktale about a cat, dog, bird, and donkey. Having grown old, they set out to the city of Bremen to find their fortune as musicians. On the way, they thwart a robbery, and are greeted as heroes when they finally arrive at Bremen. Our furry friends in Harajuku aren’t up to anything quite so serious, but do love a little mischief.

How many 3D billboards are there in Tokyo?

The “Town Musicians of Bremen” is not the only giant 3D billboard in Tokyo. It’s actually one of a number of billboards. There is also a 3D dog billboard in Shibuya, a 3D panda billboard in Shibuya, and another 3D panda in Ueno, a 3D owl billboard in Ikebukuro, and a 3D cat billboard in Shinjuku.

Other Harajuku Attractions