I'm posting this from back home in Canberra, but this summarises my last day in Tokyo. Like most last days it involved some furious last minute sightseeing and shopping. I thought I'd head to the Harajuku area after packing first thing in the morning.

I thought I'd walk around a bit in the area my hotel was and take in some buildings on the way to the right subway station. Firstly, passed this temple/shrine in the heart of the CBD. So you are also forced to put up with the obligatory temple photo.

temple.jpg



temple2.jpg


After that quick photo stop, it was back to the trek to the subway. I passed the Diet on the way, the Japanese parliament for those not in the know. Apparently, a lot of action this week with the earthquake verification scandal. The Diet seemed very peaceful in this snap.

diet2.jpg


Wherever you go in Tokyo there are vending machines. One vending machine for every 20 people. Yes, they are everywhere, and they do make a statement about the Japanese...not quite sure what that statement is though. Still, they can be quite beautiful in their own right.

vending.jpg


I went to Harajuku hoping to see the "Beau Peeps" and "Goths" subculture that comes out on weekends, to perform vogue-ish moves for the crowds and photo-snappers. While the snappers were out the girls hadn't arrived by the time I had to go. Not all was lost as this is a great shopping area, much better than Ginza. It had the best all-in-one souvenir place (Oriental Bazaar). This is the main street of Harajuku.

harajuku.jpg


However, the main action is the the three or four blocks either side of the main drag where there is a myriad of alley ways with shops, galleries, cafes. A great walking and exploring experience.

So that puts an end to Tokyo....have to say after the first overwhelming day it really grew on me. Sayonara Tokyo.

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comments

Beautiful pictures.  And the Japanese culture is extremely graphic isn’t it?  Too bad you missed those kids.  Now on to Charlie right?

Posted by janey on 05.12.05 at 12.06pm

Blah. Sayonara Tokyo photographs. I enjoyed the condensed version of your trip! Manboy (eldest son) is saving to go to Tokyo during senior high school; Japanese is one of his favouite subjects. He has also seen your blog entries - so thank you!

Posted by Anonymous on 05.12.05 at 02.19pm

Really enjoyed the photo tour - horribly envious of the sword-making thingie, and the paper store - I shall go eat double chocolate, chocolate chip, chocolate cookies to make up for it smile

E

Posted by Elaine on 05.12.05 at 11.53pm

Vending machines can be quite attractive, can’t they? Have you sen the Art-o-Mat? These are old cigarette machines recycled into dispensers of miniature art. Only in the US of A unfortunately. These retro beauties are art in their own right. http://www.artomat.org/

Posted by andrea on 10.12.05 at 11.40am

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