Harajuku station was the main station for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic village; that concentration of international culture left a great impact on the area, attracting the young and innovative of Tokyo.
Today, Harajuku remains a fashion center from high-end international stores to bargain boutiques. The neighboring chic and expensive Omotesando and Minami-Aoyama areas cater to the more high end shopper.
Takeshita-dori, a narrow alley between Meiji-dori and Harajuku station is the place to find what is hot in teen fashion and culture. Prices range from cheap to outrageous, as do the fashions.
Besides the fashion and shops there are artists all over the area. Here is a picture of a young calligraphy artist...
As I was walking a group of Harajuku boys still in their school uniforms were hanging around the McDonalds.
We talked about music and how I want to move to Tokyo and how they want to move to New York someday.They were so adorable and even posed for me. Check out Tomioka with his glasses posing like a pro...
Another thing to do when you go to Harajuku that is super popular is to take photobooth pictures. These are not just any photobooths, they have ridiculously crazy graphics and backgrounds.
Here are some shots from the photoshoot that Matt, myself and our friend, Saito Kiyoshige took together. (Saito is a ski instructor who lives in Tokyo but has taught skiing all over the world, including Switzerland). Saito carrys a business card that he gave me that says: "My pleasures include: Mountain climbing & hiking, skiing, fishing, map reading, drinking & karaoke."
In addition to receiving a sticker print out of the photos, Matt is able to download the pictures onto his phone as well. Japan is so technologically advanced like that. Matt also uses his cellphone to scan when he goes through the subway turnstyle.
After a super fun day going to Ueno, Meiji and Harajuku I was off to meet up with Shaina and the rest of the gang at Shibuya 109, grab some dinner, and then another night out in Tokyo!
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