Shibuya

The phenomenon at the world famous 5-way Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo is one of our favorite spots to capture in photography. As one of Tokyo's famous and signature spots, the Shibuya Crossing is also known as the world's busiest crossing. At each interval when the light turns green for pedestrian crossing, throngs of people make their way through the 5-way crossing. When it's the vehicles' turn, the crowds wait patiently and systematically until it's time again for pedestrians to cross. The cycle repeats. Watching and observing this phenomenon with the backdrop of giant billboards and video screens can be pretty captivating. It tells us This is Tokyo. Welcome to Tokyo.

The best spot to capture this on photography is on the covered pedestrian bridge and walkway located across from the Q Front Building. To help orient yourself, Starbucks is on the 2nd floor of this building. Go up to the covered pedestrian bridge and walkway that is across the street from Starbucks. You can watch the crossing inside Starbucks but only if you grab a cup of coffee.

 

 

 

A district popular among young Tokyoites for fashion and culture, Shibuya still appeals to people of all ages given the myriad of choices in shopping and eating. Center Gai, a narrow street located just off the Shibuya Crossing, is said to be the birthplace of Japan's youth trends. The clothing and music stores on this street add to the Shibuya vibe.

There's always a saying that the Japanese come up with all sorts of ideas for anything. Love hotels are clearly one of them and there is nothing sketch about love hotels. In Tokyo, space is tight and real estate so it is not uncommon for married couples to live with their parents. Sometimes these love hotels come in handy for them (or for unmarried couples for that matter!). Love hotels can be found along Dogenzaka in Shibuya. A very obvious identifying feature is a sign usually outside the hotel that advertises hourly rates. Some love hotels also display images of their rooms with different fantasy themes. And as we all know, the Japanese are quite into fantasy themes; perhaps not every one of them but a sizable number are. Again, this is another This is Japan moment.