Shibuya Crossing through the years
One of the most iconic places in Tokyo undoubtedly is Shibuya crossing, with the Qfront building that houses, amongst others, Starbucks. This is a place I am sure you want to check out when visiting Japan, even at times when Danny is not strutting his stuff in Storm Trooper gear.
The Qfront building opened in 1999.
When tidying up my folders of pictures from various trips to Japan, I came across some interesting images.
Shibuya crossing and Qfront in 2009
Shibuya crossing ten years earlier, in 1998. The building of Qfront had just started. Strange isn't it, that big gap in the familiar view?
As an aside: upon arrival in Japan, I bought a throwaway camera that was Pokemon themed . After I had the pictures developed (this was before the digital age - when we were still using film in cameras ^_^), it turned out that Pikachu was added to every shot!
Shibuya crossing in 1995. It shows the building that was taken down to make way for Qfront.
This picture I took during my first visit to Japan. I was in Tsukuba for business for two weeks, and took the bus to Tokyo during the weekends. I hadn't done any research beforehand and did not know what to expect when going to the city. I remember my proverbial jaw dropping when cruising through Shibuya and Shinjuku. I was astounded and excited, but also quickly felt at home.
Although I have enjoyed every subsequent trip to Tokyo, there's nothing that beats that first time. Especially as I was so unprepared. How was your first time in Japan or Tokyo?
Qfront building. Starbucks Coffee a great spot to watch the crowds
Pika Pika!
Pretty neat! The new building looks great and maximizes the potential of the plot there with the window front for gazing. The one with Pikachu reminds me of some spots in downtown ATL somehow. Guess ATL is remodeling as well.
Took some pics from about here last trip.
Been 3 times so far and going again this May but the first time was so special. Took four disposable carmera with me and got quite a few bad shots. I did research the trip though and this is critcal for success. Lonely Planet guides are the best I've used so far.
Agree. Good preparation helps you get the most out of your trip. I did not mean to recommend going unprepared :-) It just so happened that, trough a business trip, I suddenly found myself in Japan. And having very little expectations increased the surprise very much. But, without any bearings nor map, it was difficult to find Akihabara!