One of the most fascinating places I visited in Tokyo is Shibuya, it is the centre of fashion and culture. Here you can find the prominent landmark of Shibuya - the busy Shibuya Crossing and the sculpture of Hachicko (the legendary loyal dog). Shibuya crossing reminds me of the chaotic New York Time Square where massive and huge electronic and digital advertisements hang on every building.
Shibuya is indeed fascinating as it composed of two extreme environments, the chaotic and fun side where young adults display strange costumes and outfits, fashion that you can only see in Japan and the serene and spiritual side where shrines and religious activities are held.
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| Shibuya Crossing |
Shibuya Crossing is considered as the busiest crossing in the world and popularly know as "The Scramble". Some people call it as the Time Square of Tokyo. Looking up the buildings around may caused you dizziness with its glittering neon and electronic ads. You'll be mesmerized as if the structures are trying to hypnotize everyone.
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| With Machiko, the legendary loyal dog |
Oh Machicko, the legendary dog who gained popularity when a movie was made and shown about his life and his master. It is now considered an icon in Japan. It's sculpture was built and placed just outside Shibuya Station, they named the exit as "Machicko Exit"
HARAJUKU
Harajuku is a district in Shibuya and is known as the centre of fashion and culture for the youth. Nearby Harajuku station is the Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park. In here, you'll find Takeshita Street, where tourists and young Japanese locals flock and gather to grab their latest fashion wear from the weirdest to the most colourful stuff.
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| Takeshita Street, well loved by young Japanese |
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| Did not attempt to walk through the street, super crowded |
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| Young Japanese students in costume with the asian hand sign |
MEIJI SHRINE
Meiji Shrine is the Shinto Shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken (from Wiki). The shrine is located in the forest in the middle of the city. A number of traditional weddings are celebrated here almost everyday.
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| Checking the diameter (1.2M) |
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| The Torii Gate |
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| The Shrine in the middle of the forest with 120,000 trees. |
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| The bridge leading to the shrine |
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| Sake barrels at Meiji Jingu |
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| Washing hands before entering the shrine |
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| Fortunate to witness traditional weddings at the shrine |
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| Wedding photoshoot |
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| Another gate to the shrine |
Traditional wedding ceremony in progress
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| Wedding couple with their parents |
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| With their guests and relatives |
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| After the shrine tour on our way out with my niece and nephew |
