Exploring Tokyo's serene Meji Shrine - Japan Vlog Day 2

This is the second vlog of our trip to Japan in September 2015 and features Shibuya, Harajuku, Takeshita Dori, Meji Shrine, Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Skyscraper District. We started off the day in Shibuya, then walked all the way to Harajuku. Unfortunately we didn’t see much cosplay on Takeshita Dori. But we did enjoy a bit of Purikura. Next we visited Yoyogi Park and the Meji Shrine, before ending the day at the top of the Metropolitan Government Buildings. SHIBUYA Shibuya (渋谷) is one of Tokyo’s most colourful and busy districts, particularly famous for the popular shopping and entertainment area surrounding Shibuya Station. Shibuya is a center for fashion and culture and the birthplace of many worldwide trends. A prominent landmark of Shibuya is the grand intersection in front of Shibuya Station. Similar to Time’s Square, the intersection is highly decorated by giant neon advertisements and video screens. When the pedestrian lights turn green, all vehicular traffic on this huge junction is stopped, and pedestrians flood the street. The statue of Hachiko, the dog, is another popular tourist attraction. HARAJUKU AND TAKESHITA DORI Harajuku (原宿) is the center of one of Japan’s most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles, known as Cosplay. The focal point of Harajuku is Takeshita Dori and its side streets. Lined with trendy shops, fashion boutiques and crepe stands, this area is aimed at the fashion conscious teenagers of Japan. Watch teenagers in outrageous outfits parade down Takeshita-Dori or pop into a Purikura Photo Booth for a souvenir Snap-Shot MEJI-SHRINE AND YOYOGI PARK Next head to the nearby Yoyogi Park and Meji-Shrine (明治神宮), for a little bit of traditional Japanese culture. The Meji-Jingu, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meji and his consort, is one of Tokyo’s major and most popular Shinto Shrines. It is located just west of Harajuku Station in the large green oasis, shared with the Yoyogi Park. Visitors can participate in typical Shinto Rituals such as making offerings at the main hall, buying charms and amulets or writing one’s wish on an ema. If you are lucky you, you might ven be able to witness a traditional Shinto Wedding. SHINJUKU SKYSCRAPER DISTRICT Shinjuku (新宿) is a large entertainment, business and shopping district around Shinjuku Station. Handling more than two million passengers a day, Shinjuku is the World’s busiest Railway Station. Shinjuku’s Skyscraper District is located to the West of Shinjuku Station. It is home to some of Tokyo’s tallest buildings, such as the Metropolitan Government Buildings (東京都庁). The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s two free observation decks, provide panoramic views across Tokyo and beyond. You might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji on a good day (we didn’t). The North Observatory remains open late at night and is an excellent spot to watch the sunset in Japan. _________________ Read more about our itinerary in Japan on my blog: https://www.beautifullytravelled.com/itinerary-one-week-tokyo/ _________________ The video was filmed in September 2015