Japan - Tokyo Shibuya

We arrived in Shibuya and after a brief moment to figure out where we were on map, our first stop was to pay our respects at the famous Hachiko statue.


Hachiko bronze statue which was erected in 1934. Hachiko was actually present at the unveiling.


The story of Hachiko is very touching:

In 1924, a university professor in agriculture took in Hachikō, a golden brown Akita, as a pet. During his owner's life, Hachikō greeted him at the end of each day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return. The professor had suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage and died, never returning to the train station where Hachikō was waiting. Each day for the next nine years Hachikō awaited Ueno's return, appearing precisely when the train was due at the station.

Hachikō died on March 8, 1935, and was found on a street in Shibuya. In March 2011 scientists settled the cause of death of Hachikō: the dog had terminal cancer and worms. There were also four yakitori skewers in Hachikō's stomach, but the skewers did not damage his stomach or cause his death.

Each year on April 8, Hachikō's devotion is honored with a solemn ceremony of remembrance at Tokyo's Shibuya railroad station. Hundreds of dog lovers often turn out to honor his memory and loyalty.

I just love stories like that!

 Shibuya is famous for its scramble crossing crosswalk.






Walking along the streets in Shibuya there were so many great photo ops. I desperately wanted these sunglasses but Kingsley said no...




We also stumbled upon a "purikura". Purikura, is short for "Print Club", which are these popular photo booths in Japan. You can add little images to the pictures and then the pictures print out as stickers. The photo booths also instantly photoshop the pictures to make your eyes appear bigger and skin more white and flawless.



I really wanted to give it a try but there was a massive line of girls waiting for one of the many photo booths to become available.  Hopefully someday I will get a chance to give it a try as I am incredibly curious how my pic might turn out - my guess is it would be incredibly unflattering and hilarious! 



0 Response to "Japan - Tokyo Shibuya"