Today I had a look around the skyscraper and shopping districts Shibuya and Harajuku area. I was hoping to see the some modern architecture and some nice minimalist clothes and furniture design along with plastic fantastic gadgets.
After getting off the crowded train and seeing my first Hello Kitty in Japan, I though I would see it everywhere, but it took about 48 hours to see one. Even more surprising it was the only one I saw all day. I did not see any cool minimalist and contemporary Japanese styled clothing or furniture design. It was more main stream clothing that I could find in the UK.
There were a couple of modern looking shops and sky scrappers but most of the surrounding area had a very distinct 1980’s feel to it. This has really surprised me because I was expecting Tokyo to be more futuristic than Shanghai, but this is not the case, most of the Japan Rail trains are 1980’s.
I was surprised and mentioned this to the guy on reception as the hostel and he stated that around the bay area, called Odaiba, is the best place to see modern Tokyo because that was generated last. So this is where I am going to head tomorrow.
That said I really did enjoy my day experiencing Tokyo and all this area had to offer. Looking out over the city from the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building and walking down the Takeshita Dori street were the particular highlights.
Oh and this road crossing which is called the Shibuya Rush:
