Lights, Camera and Noise!
Chris awoke this morning with tails of rainy dreams. He had a dream that started raining then awoke to the top bunk dripping through to his. Luckily it was only water that the guy spilt.
our 3rd day saw us heading to the wooded grounds of Meji-jingu. We walked throught he grounds and garden, following the crowd we ended up praying at a well that supplies the grounds. We then checked out the shrine, which started with us cleansing ourselves before entering. Wash your left hand, right hand, rinse mouth using left hand, rinse left hand then ladle.
Entering we saw a wedding ceremony about to take place, the guest were walked into a building with the groom whilst the bride was dressed outside.
Making our way towards the shrine we made our wishes, by supplying a donation, bow twice, clap twice, make wish, bow again.
After this serene experience we walked across the bridge into the famous Harujuku Area. The streets were packed with teenagers, 20 somethings and people that keep onto their youth. After a quick walk through the crowds we saw a Bazaar offering a sale so we headed in. This was one of the noisiest places ever, rivalling the Pachinko halls. Floors of shops with people outside each using megaphones and just sheer shouting to attract the customers. Breaking from here across the road was not much better as there were more packed shops. Making our way to the top of this tower we found the roof garden that had a beer event going on. We partook in the beer floats, ale with ice-cream. Yummy! I also saw the first pet here, which was a tiny dog in a handbag, in this weather – crazy!
A quick walk down Harujuku street where the shops seemed full of vintage western style we left the manic but cool area towards what seemed the posher shopping district with watches for sale at 125000 yen and the incredible Prada building.
Next up was the Shibya Area where the famous crossing is held. We had to cross it several times, not just because we wanted to. Stopped by a film crew we were asked if we would like to be interviewed for T.V. after agreeing, because we hadn’tB bought anything from the area it couldn’t go ahead. A quick check of the area and we agreed to try it again at night.
Heading to Aki-Habara we took a look around and ended up in some of the amusements. Most of the places were closing early tonight and seemed to miss a lot of last orders.
3rd day done.
