With nothing to do but explore this wonderful city, Marco and I decided to hop on a train to Shibuya today. While I pass through this part of Tokyo regularly to switch trains, I had never actually walked around Shibuya. Let me tell you - it is one happening place! Tons of cool stores, and of course...tons of people! it is certainly a popular area in Tokyo. The fashionable people, the tall buildings with flashing lights, and the awesome shops are a lot to take in. Agility is a must in order to look around, while dodging millions of people. I can tell you right now, this is one hot spot of Tokyo where I will spend much of my free time.
Marco recalled a park located in a central part of Shibuya that he wanted to show me. When we managed to find it we stumbled across a protest underway. This protest is regarding the preservation of the park. It was explained to us that the park is at risk of being bought by Nike which wants not only to re-name the park, but also to revamp it. While I wouldn't describe this park as aesthetically pleasing per se, it is simple and natural, with lots of character; these protestors intend to make sure it stays that way. To them, a new playground does not equal enhancement, rather it would be to conceal the art and simplicity that they know and love. In their eyes, there is no need for polishing - just a mere appreciation of what is already there. This park consists of a dirt pathway, swing set and a painted concrete climbing hill. One of the men invited us to sit with them for a cup of tea. I guess Marco and I spent maybe 45 minutes or more just sitting and conversing with these protestors before we returned to the hustle and bustle of Shibuya. Just before leaving I promised I would share their story, and post a link to their website - so here it is...
http://airmiyashitapark.info/wordpress/
We walked through Shibuya and ended up in Harajuku - an area of Tokyo famous for its fashion forward subculture. There were definitely some interesting styles going on. In case you're wondering... big bows, pig tails, fluffy short skirts (tutus), neat socks/tights, colourful hair, high heels, and hair clips or perhaps dressing up like your favourite cartoon character is really 'in' right now. Think Sailor Moon meets colourful-little boe peep-fashionista? ...Being different (to an extreme) is the new black. -- and that is your fashion update. You're welcome.
In all honesty, it's definitely a fun place to be. However, I feel like my average style made me 'uncool', next time I'm going to have to step things up a notch. Oh, and if you're not quite sure what to wear...just remember...anything goes in Harajuku. ;)
We continued walking around aimlessly and hoped we were on our way back to a train station. On our way however, we came across a nice looking park-like area (which caught our eye considering we were in the middle of a city) so we decided to take a detour in our train station quest and check it out... There were pretty gardens with cherry blossom trees, a pond full of Koi fish (and a turtle!), a building that looked like it was for hosting big events (i.e. weddings/ceremonies), and a temple. We wandered around a bit before leaving for the station. Finally, on our way into our neighbourhood, we stopped for 100 yen dumplings ($1.00) - a little place we were happy to discover the other day - truly a great way to end a long day of cruising the streets of Tokyo.
That's all for now folks.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment