Japan

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya crossing was quite a sight and experience. It is said to be one of the busiest crossings in the world. It was never really dark in this area as you can see with all the billboards and signs. When the rain fell it seemed to be brighter with all the reflections on the streets as well.

Shibuya Birthday

Walking among the people on the busiest crossing in the world was quite the experience. I thought of myself as a running back playing the craziest game of Football ever. I often found myself dodging and zig zagging through the crowd trying to get to my destination. Even so, the crowd flowed like water currents in the ocean with everyone mindful of one another.

Shibuya Traffic

Thinking back I wish I would have taken a time lapse of this area. First its a blur of people scampering across every which way and then it is the streaks of traffic lights negotiating the tight streets of the area. One can keep time to the beat of it all, red, green, cross, drive, and back again. So interesting, so many things to do.

Tokyo Tower

If you are in Tokyo and have time to check out the Tokyo Tower I would recommend it as a site seeing thing to do at night. The tower looks great lit up at night and looking out over the city lights make the experience that much better.

Tokyo Tower Rise

Such an awesome structure! Even though it is not the real Eiffel Tower this tower still had such an amazing presence over the city. That is the observation deck we are headed to. From there we shall have a wonderful view of the city.

Tokyo Tower Trails

It was like a beacon shining up toward the heavens. Tokyo Tower was a golden torch in the middle of a busy city. If you are looking for a night out I would recommend Tokyo Tower. It is an easy ride on the subway from Shibuya.

Futbol Tokyo Tower

I was surprised to see a couple of these futbol fields sitting atop rooftops. Every night i could look out from my hotel and see people playing late into the night.

Meiji Park Entrance

Just one of the entrances to Yoyogi Park where the Meiji Jingu Shrine is located. I would love to see one of tese gates constructed. Most of these along with the shrines themselves are held together only by different wood joints. The precision is amazing! If you decide to go here it is only a short walk away from Shibuya crossing.

Meiji Details

This park was great with little details such as this sprinkled around. They are simplistic yet intricate. I am not really sure of the specific symbolism or meaning of these columns

Meiji Grounds

These gates have such a presence in the park leading up to Meiji Shrine. Absolutely massive structures assembled with only wood joints except for the concrete footers of course. Wood working is an amazing art in itself and I have big respect for the artists capable of building these structures.

Meiji Shrine

This shrine is so peaceful. This is the entrance before the main courtyard of the shrine. We got there early in the morning on a weekday so there were very few people there. Even when more people came it was absolute silence within the grounds.

Meiji Shrine Courtyard

I absolutely love the design of this shrine as well as others like this. The natural wood and simplistic design is soothing and calming. I think we would all like to call something so comfortable home. Maybe one day I will too! It was a pleasure and quite easy to get to.

Meiji Lamp

The simple details is what matters here. At first glance it doesnt appear there is much here, but look closer and you find gems everywhere. That is the point though, we shouldn't worry about being overly flashy. Who but ourselves do we need to impress? We must be our true selves and remain humble.

Tokyo Skytree

This tower is an amazing piece of architecture. Anytime I see a structure remotely close to the size of this it is hard for me to fathom how it was constructed. We are capable of truly amazing feats, imagine what we could do for one another and for the better of the world if we worked together.

Tokyo

Here we see the expansiveness that is Tokyo. Tokyo Skytree provides an unparrelled view of the city below. I am amazed at what we as a people are capable of and hope we can continue to grow and better understand how we can reduce our carbon footprint.

Senso-ji

This temple is a must see in Tokyo. So rich in culture and history it obviously is a a tourist destination as well as a regular place of visit for locals. This is just before arriving at the main palace. Getting here you travel along a long street lined with shops ranging from restaurants, practical home shops, to souvenirs.

Sensoji Pagoda

The architecture and culture here at Sensoji-Temple is so rich. The details is what makes this place. The small ornamental details add depth to all their buildings even though they are simplestic in nature. I cannot imagine seeing this structure the first year it was built. I would be in awe just as I am now, but on a different level knowing the skill in architecture during the era.

Senso-ji Girl

Here we have a young woman wearing a Kimono under the large lantern in front of Senso-ji Temple. I really like this attire though most westerners would relate it to a robe or pajamas. I think it is very classy and it should make a come back! I was lucky to capture this moment.

Senso-ji Courtyard

The main entrance to the temple is bustling most of the day with people from all over! There is a constant ritual going on of blessing and donation to the temple. I didn't understand most of it but it was so interesting to see. Everyone showed respect for one another even though it was crowded. Everyone got a turn then went on with their day.