All by myself

Although I am somewhat familiar with the train system, it is still quite hard to get used to. I know the Yamanote Line and the JR Line...anything other than that forget about it! The train system is so complex here and there are so many trains, so many different types, it seems as if they go on for days. It makes things a bit difficult to navigate without someone showing me around  butit still turned out quite successful for me on Friday. I planned out my day, mapped out my routes/trains, took snap shots of directions and headed out for a day of exploration! Onto the Yamanote Line I went to Harajuku to visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo's biggest one. It was beautiful of course but it's so strange to think that this beautiful place exists amidst the huge dense city of Tokyo. This shrine had rows and rows of huge barrels of sake on the right side and barrels of wine on the left. The barrels of sake are offered every year to the enshrined deities by sake brewers from around Japan to show their deepest respect. Sooo much sake!! On the left are the barrels of wine generously offered by the celebrated wineries of Bourgogne in France in spirit of world peace and amity. This is to reflect their respect for the friendship that lies between France and Japan.

Saki barrels

Wine barrels

Next was a walk to Shibuya to capture the chaos of the crosswalk for my fellow readers (you)! It truly is the time square of Japan...it never sleeps. Last was another chance for me to explore Omotesando Hills again...amazing architecture. One thing I am constantly noticing is the architecture/design. I ALWAYS see something that catches my eye!

Absolutely amazing