Friday 24 Jan 2020 – Tokyo

Another long day. We set off for Shibuya to find the Goretex shop, using the subway. Good and bad. It is very confusing and disorienting. Google maps is a help to determine the lines to use but determining which they are when in the subway is another matter. The signs lines are coloured and numbered for each line which helps, but its still not easy. We passed through many more gates than necessary in our attempts to find the right platform. Guards at the gates, and the few locals who can speak English, are very helpful, and courteous. We have yet to meet an unpleasant one.

We managed to take the longer route to the shop, probably 1.5km, with some steep uphill. We were almost there when Hilary spotted a small shop selling some outdoor gear. The manager (from Iran) was great – we became hugging friends! (And a selfie confirms it). The army style jacket is as more bulky but does the job. We returned to the big station past the transformed drain and fresco at the station. A sandwich lunch, and then a search for the train to Shinjuku, ostensibly to see the famous crossing. My only excuse for the following 1.5hr diversion is that I planned it months ago, as the crossing is in fact, Shibuya Crossing. I had even noticed the signs at Shinjuku and thought it was a second subsidiary crossing. So we returned and there it was. Well worth seeing, a large paved area where five streets meet at strange angles, and pedestrian zebra crossings are also at angles. All streets are stopped simultaneously to allow the hoards to cross. Viewed from above, people look like ants. The two best views are from the always crowded 2nd level Starbucks window, but the top floor cafe in the Magnet 109 building is better at about four levels. I read that there is a rooftop view with no glass/reflections, but didn’t find the way in my limited time. We left before the big rush so these shots show the usual flow, rather than at peak time. On the way back through the subways, I was intrigued by a step climbing box/crate carryall at the station, while Hilary loved the bread/pastry shops! The buildings here are often very narrow (these are on our street). We arrived back at the hotel at 5pm, worn out.