To officially kick off my series of Japan travel posts, I am going to start off with Shibuya. I had an itinerary all mapped out, and it’s quite packed, but I knew that I wouldn’t be able to go to all of them. I made allowances for the fact that I’d be sidetracked at one place and take too long, and also the fact that nature may throw some curveballs to derail even the best-laid plans (she did). But, just for reference, I had a packed itinerary, listing down the places that I must go to. If we’re going to be technical about things, I touched down the night before at Chubu in Nagoya, then took the first shinkansen trip from Nagoya to Tokyo, finally arriving at my hotel in Ikebukuro at 10:30. After dropping my stuff off, I headed straight to Shibuya. Because, you see, I was already hungry. Haha!
It seems that 11am is when everything REALLY comes to life around here. Most shops and establishments open at 11, if I’m not wrong. Upon arrival at the JR Shibuya Station (one of the busiest railway stations in Tokyo), I immediately headed towards the Hachiko Exit to – what else? – check out the statue of the beloved and famous dog, Hachiko.
Immediately you will spot this wall outside the station, depicting Hachiko.
You’ve already probably seen one (or both) of the two movies made about Hachiko. There’s the Japanese film, “Hachi-ko”,and there’s the one with Richard Gere, “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale”. It is the story of an Akita-born dog who was known for its loyalty to its master. Every day, he would wait for his master – a professor at ToDai – at the Shibuya Station, even long after the latter’s death.
This was also my first time to see the famous pedestrian scramble crossing of Shibuya. The pic below was taken from the side of the Shibuya Station, and right across the intersection is the building where Starbucks and Tsutaya (a major music store – think Odyssey or AstroPlus, only much much bigger) are located.
This is a major intersection where all the lights are in sync so, one moment, there’s no one crossing the road except vehicles. Once the lights change, pedestrians FROM ALL SIDES cross the road to wherever they are supposed to head to. It would then seem like they are all converging in the middle.
The Shibuya crowd is so diverse. It has everyone: from young students and teens to elderly sarariman (salaryman) groups. One thing’s noticeable: they all have purposeful strides as they wait for the lights to change so they can head to wherever they must go to.
This area is also a shopping district (and a nightlife area). It caters mostly to mid-range shoppers. A bit of a walk to the right side of Tsutaya, and you’ll spot Shibuya 109, the landmark shopping establishment dedicated to the “fashion-forward” young Japanese women.
Think “gyaru” and “lolita” looks, with some goth thrown in, and Shibuya 109 is where you’ll find them. If you’re like me, you’ll find the prices a bit steep, though. Also, the clothes are not really “my style”, since it’s mostly frills and lace and… yeah.
One thing I noticed, though: the sales persons – all ladies – are soooooo striking and gorgeous. It’s like they are modeling what they are selling, and they are all heavily made-up.
There was also a Disney store around the block. I didn’t go in, though, since Disney does not really figure greatly in my plans. Haha!
It was already past 11am and I haven’t had a proper breakfast since taking the 6am train from Nagoya, so I immediately headed towards where Genki Sushi is located (that’s for a separate post). The large Forever 21 sign is my point of reference. Since Christmas is around the corner, illuminations are a big thing around Tokyo, and you will also spot Christmas-y installations all over the place. Like this one.
After a hearty lunch of some of the freshest sushi I’ve ever had, I headed off to check out Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park (separate post). Later that night, I went back to Shibuya to buy the Starbucks city mugs I was asked to bring home with me. (Omiyage-buying on my first day. Already!?) That’s where I finally entered Shibuya 109 and came out not buying anything.
And then I spotted the Under Armour store, and…. well, things happened. Haha!
I went up to the second level of Starbucks after buying the mugs and a cup of matcha latte. The place was quite full, all of them to view the scramble. Then this elderly Japanese guy motioned me over, showing a hidden spot behind a post where I could take photos from, saying, in his halting English – “this…. best spot”. It was.
Anonymity becomes a heady feeling when you’re part of the crowd going anywhere in the scramble.
After grabbing some take-away dinner, I headed back to the hotel and turned in early (if half past 9 still counts as early, that is). I, after all, have an early start the next morning.
Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.