Tokyo-Thursday-04.10.25

Today we have another day off and have decided to visit downtown, Shibuya, and Shinjuku.

In the morning, we first slept in and went for a late breakfast. We met some others from the group who were also not participating in any program. After breakfast, we head to the train station located across from the Tokyo Stay hotel. We try to navigate through the fare maze, which is easy since everything is well signposted, including in English. We choose the green Yokohama Line, buy a ticket costing 170 yen (about €1). We quickly find the platform and queue up at the train entrance. The train arrives in less than a minute, and we find a seat. At the 2nd station, it gets very crowded. People stand close together, but it is very quiet in the carriage. After about 6 stations, we get off at Shibuya Station. First, we see the entrance to Shibuya Sky, where we had booked a time slot on the observation deck for 2:00 PM. We quickly find it since it is also very well signposted. Then I want to see the famous 'Shibuya Crossing', so we go along with the crowds. We quickly find ourselves at the crossing, which isn't that big but is impressive as you cross it with people everywhere. What is special about this crossing is that all crossings turn green at the same time, and not only the straight crosswalk is used but also the diagonal ones simultaneously. During peak times, up to 2000 people cross this intersection during a green phase. I attempted to film the crossing, but it's not possible as you need to watch out for not bumping into anyone. Then we strolled through the crowded streets of Shibuya and did some shopping. In these streets, I find it not as clean as usual for the first time. There is some litter at the corners, and it smells like urine. It's a typical commercial district with many skyscrapers and billboards full of advertisements. But I also found some funny T-shirts with Pokémon prints, which I bought.

Around 1:00 PM, we then went to the Shibuya Sky skyscraper, to the 11th floor, and strolled through the mall. Right at 2:00 PM, we went to the elevator for the observation deck and went up to the 45th floor. Then we admired the view from above, over Tokyo. Unfortunately, the sun is gone, and it is a bit stormy. Nevertheless, the view is grand and very impressive. We took many pictures and also sat on a bench. After about 30 minutes, we went back down.

We again took the Yokohama Line and rode 4 more stations to Shinjuku. There, I had discovered the Shinjuku Gyoen Park, which we want to visit to get some peace. After a 15-minute walk, we found it and strolled to a nice bench with a view of trees and a pond. But even here, we were not alone. In the late afternoon, we then walked back to the station and took the train back to the hotel, in a crowded train, but it was quiet in the carriage. I was surprised that almost only men were in the seats while the women had to stand. Even the older ones. There seems to be a strict hierarchy. However, Anne still sat down when a seat became free in front of her. Everyone stared at their phones and was silent. Unfortunately, I felt worse again in the evening, but I took a tablet and we found a place to eat, this time again Italian, with pizza and salad. When we headed back, it started pouring rain. Luckily, I had my umbrella with me. Around 9:30 PM, we were back.