Tokyo Things to Do Tips by giampiero6

Without Shibuya, No Blade Runner Shibuya Review

Because of the area where we were staying and because we were not traveling at rush hour, I was surprised at how relatively calm Tokyo seemed. (Compared to the popular image) It didn't seem anymore frantic than NY or other major cities. I did have a brief moment of the insantiy though when I popped out of the Metro station at Shibuya. Imagine Times Square neon and multi-street intersection with crowds, traffic, neon, subways, shops, video on a slightly smaller and closer scale and then image that the billboards all have sound. The resulting Cacaphony is impressive and wierd. Especially during a sunny day where it all seem disconcerting. I am 100% certain that without Shibuya, there could be no opening scene of Blade Runner. It's kind of cool and a good place to hang out watch people, shop, grab an inexpensive bit or coffee.

Address: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo-to

Directions: JR / Eidan Metro Shibuya Sta.

Website: http://www.welcome-shibuya.co.jp/

Harajuku - Meiji Dori Harajuku & Omote Sando Review

More upscale and slightly more grown up than Takeshita Dori, Meiji Dori is a tree lined boulevard with lots of swank, cool shops, cafes and restaurants. It's a really cool place to hang out, watch people, have a bite or a drink and maybe buy a hello kitty coin purse for your friend.

Address: Jingu Mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo-to

Harjuku / KooKoo: Takeshita Dori-- Harajuku & Omote Sando Review

I would say the best way to describe this is that Harajuku is to Tokyo what the East Village is to NYC. Harajuku is where kids hang out to see and be seen, shop for pop culture stuff, music, clothes and show off their unique styles. I mean I see the raver kids in LA, but I saw a woman who looked more like a college football mascot than night life afficionada. Takeshita Dori is a pedestrian street lined with shops and packed with young people hanging out. I recommend that if you want to people watch, grab a coffee or coke at one of the shops and just watch the world go by. Japanese kids often lead such proscribed lives that fashion and hobbies are the only real way for them to express individuality...so they throw themselves into it with gusto. Enjoy the scene. If you walk to the end of Takeshita -dori and turn right, you'll hit

Address: Jingu Mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo-to