Shibuya (Tokyo)

2

Tokyo is one of the largest and biggest metropolis in the world. And within the twenty-something districts there is the whole multitude of cultures and characters, which you can imagine. The most modern and young ward of Tokyo is Shibuya. Everyone above 25 years old is quite a vintage machine, but don’t hesitate to go there anyway. The place is crowded all day long and consists of giant department stores and specialists.

Tokyo is one of the largest and biggest metropolis in the world. And within the twenty-something districts there is the whole multitude of cultures and characters, which you can imagine. The most modern and young ward of Tokyo is Shibuya. Everyone above 25 years old is quite a vintage machine, but don’t hesitate to go there anyway. The place is crowded all day long and consists of giant department stores and specialists.

There is the oldest and largest Manga and Otaku-Store in the world called Mandarake. And zillions of bling bling-entertainment features. Like Photo-Booths, Game-Halls, Pachinko-Hells and Love-Hotels. The kids have the most awkward dresses and looks. Some of them have a brown tan and blond hair. And some of them dress up like Manga-Figures. Consequently Shibuya is also the sujet for many Manga-Comics and Computer-Games, which also makes sense, because most of the IT-Industry of Japan is located in Shibuya. Style is the essential key here. And there are great second hand shops like we go, where I bought loads of stuff for a good price. Many Fashion scouts choose Shibuya to be the primal scouting ground. What becomes a trend here will likely to be seen soon elsewhere. We go also publishes an entire magazine only filled with people-shots from cool fashionistas in front of the store. This is quite an inspiration.

The Shibuya-Station is one of the biggest in whole Tokyo and masses pour through it constantly. There are loads of entertainers on the street and vendeurs screaming to get attention. Basicly, Shibuya is what you expect of Tokyo. One of the most impressive sights is the crossroads in front of the station. Simultaneously four giant pedestrian cross-pathways get a green signal and people run in large groups from one side to another. It is supposed to be the busiest crossroad in the world. I would recommend, to watch this scene from the Starbucks across, which has the best view on it.

But to top the awkwardness in the whole rush of sounds and light there are also shrines and temples as an island of silence. In any way, you will not avoid nor miss Shibuya. You can reach it with the JR line and several tube lines.

Links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shibuya%2C_Tokyo

http://ekizo.mandarake.co.jp/shop/en/index.do

http://www.wego.jp/

written by wil6ka on 2008-08-13 #places #tokyo #art #culture #shops #location

2 Comments

  1. anelfandhiszippo
    anelfandhiszippo ·

    I can´t wait till the day my wallet allows me to take a one way ticket to Japan and visit the Shibuya district and just enjoy the neon light close up.
    Nice shots :)

    //Mattias

  2. slemley
    slemley ·

    Nice article! This article & your photos bring back good memories of times spent in Shibuya a long time ago. I'm still aware of my fascination with the skyscrapers, neon-lights & crowds upon crowds of people buzzing around the district. Especially photo #5 makes me smile - that intersection is just plain crazy!

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