Escape to myself

Up with the lark I decided to get going and sample the delights of Tokyo. I saw the sunrise and that inspired me.

I decided to visit the studenty, boho type area at Shimokitazawa. I walked which was interesting as much of the way was through pleasant residential streets. I was s bit disappointed… lots of vintage shops but all closed … I was too early.

So I braved the metro (so many companies with their own lines and ticket machines … but I’m getting the idea). I went to the Manga and anime fashion area at Harajuku and although it was raining walked with hundreds of people down the main shopping street; Takeshita Street.

This was an experience, even in the rain. It’s the anime centre and fashion tropes abound here. Great vintage shops and I saw a shirt I covet! Also I saw my first petting cafes where you have coffee and pet a variety of animals! MiPig cafe caught my eye. Little piglets run around as you drink! Cruel?

It sums up so much of Japanese culture which I find so fascinating. I’m compiling a list of things that strike me. The appearance of a pretty garden and shrine in the centre of skyscrapers sums up this culture of old and new, formal and exuberant.