Before I came to live here, I would visit Japan every year and one of the places that was always on my visit list was Harajuku.
At the time, I came mainly to buy a load of idol booty - there are many shops selling photos of idols. Theres also a huge toy shop with seven (I think its seven) floors of toys called Kiddy Land. You'll also find that the whole town is flooded with school girls - if you like school girls (no matter what day of the week it is) then you know where to go ^^;
Yoyogi Park
Harujuku is also the place where you can see many live bands playing in the streets - a tradition thats been going on for years.
Harujiku is not the sort of place I normally go to and think I've only been a couple of times the nine years of living here.
Took the opportunity to go when Andy was in town - he wanted to go and see his fave band play. When I have the time, I do meet up with my readers when they are in town. If you would like to meet up when you are over, just drop me a line. Cant always make it however due to work so no promises until a few days before meeting.
Took the opportunity to go when Andy was in town - he wanted to go and see his fave band play. When I have the time, I do meet up with my readers when they are in town. If you would like to meet up when you are over, just drop me a line. Cant always make it however due to work so no promises until a few days before meeting.
I think Harajuku is the only place where I have seen people selling stuff on the floor before - mostly a bunch of crap though.
Only on a Sunday does this pedestrian walk transform in to a place for many bands to come to play.
Forgot the name of this band but they were jumping about all over the place.
Some of the bands are stationed within a few meters from each other. There seems to be some sort of agreement where one band plays and the other band stops.
It does get very noisy though so if your are allergic to noise then dont stand around for too long.
Apart from the bands, you get to see people dancing (or attempting to).
Occasionally you will see fellow gaijin giving out free hugs...
The man in black contemplating whether to accept a free hug.
You also see girls dressed up in fusions of gothloli. They are usually good about taking photos with you so just ask.
Theres a small bridge outside Harajuku station where many cosplayers gather to have their picture taken with gaijin.
Apart from the cosplayers and bands, there is Meiji Jingu temple (read my previous post) and a huge park where people just laze around - its all very peaceful and tranquil.
Harajuku station is on the JR Yamanote line and you can join in on these shenanigans every Sunday. Dont know what goes on when it rains though.
Harajuku station is on the JR Yamanote line and you can join in on these shenanigans every Sunday. Dont know what goes on when it rains though.