The great, the good and the goths of trendy Harajuku are in for a shock on March 16, when the chic shopping district will be taken over by Tokyo's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.

And the raucous street party, held to honor the man who reputedly drove the snake population out of the Emerald Isle, is sure to have the more faint of heart among Sunday shoppers scurrying for cover.

Omotesando-dori has already been festooned in Irish flags and bunting in preparation for the festivities, which kick of at 2 p.m. and run until 4 p.m.