Tokyo: Shinjuku and Shibuya
These two districts are probably the most well-known in Tokyo, both being the most photographed and the source of most of the vibrant images of neon-lit shops and skyscrapers.
Shibuya Scramble
The Shibuya “scramble” is a pedestrian crossing where thousands of people cross from all directions at the same time. The photo below was taken from the most popular spot in a near by tower, but not at the busiest time, so you’ll just have to imagine ten times the number of people.
One thing I noticed throughout Japan was that, despite the sheer volume of people, no-one ever crashes into each other. Somehow there is always order – and respect – amidst the chaos.
Hachiko
Outside Shibuya station, there is a statue of a dog called Hachiko, an Akita, who belonged to a professor, Ueno. Every day, Hachiko would go to the station with his master to see him off, and then return to the station in the evening when he returned.
Sadly, one day Ueno died at work and hence never returned. For the next nine years until his own death, Hachiko went to the station in the hope his master would return.
He became nationally famous as the world’s most loyal dog and was immortalised in a number of statues, one of which is here.
The photo below is not the original statue, because it was melted down during World War II. Neither is this photo mine, as I am at a loss to explain why I cannot find the one I took. So I give credit to a man called Eliz Guei whose photo I found on the internet and have included here.
Shinjuku Station
Shinjuku is home to world’s busiest railway station serving a staggering 3.5 million passengers per day, with a number of lines connecting here.
With over 200 entrances and exits, this is not an easy place to arrange to meet someone. We did, however, successfully take trains to and from here, so once again Japanese order worked despite the sheer scale and complexity of the place.
Shinjuku at night
At night, the city lights up with vibrant neon lights of all colours. It’s an exciting and energetic place to be.
One of my all-time favourite chain of stores in Tokyo – in fact, in the world – was BIC Camera. If I was forced to live in a store, one of these would be my choice. There are several of them, all packed to the gills with electronics and spare parts of every description, not just cameras, despite the name.
And for tourists, it was even better – no VAT charged on presentation of a foreign passport (although I understand that this has since changed). I stocked up on a number of things, such as electric razor foils which were a fraction of the UK price, even excluding the tax element.
The staff knew stuff, or knew where to find out about it; no half-arsed or guessed information such as you get in Curry’s in the UK, even if you can find someone to help you. Plus they could find even the smallest item quickly.
It was a source of pride to be able to answer your question. And once (yes I went there several times), it was closing time so most of the doors had been locked, but the assistant personally escorted me down several escalators to an exit that was open. That’s what I call service and that is what the Japanese have in spades. I love Japan!