Getting Lost in Shibuya is the Best Way to Feel the Wackiness of the Town!

It is impossible to miss the town Shibuya if you are somewhat interested in Tokyo. From the iconic scrambled crossing from the film Lost in Translation, the Shopping central of Shibuya 109, the “gal” culture and the statue of Hatchi-Dog, the town is filled with the most eye- catching aspects of Tokyo. If you have been there, you cannot avoid noticing the abnormal exhilaration of energy and the cramped atmosphere. The unique sensation is chaotic and also addictive. It is impossible to showcase the whole of Shibuya just within one article, but I’ll give it my best try!

We followed the current Rad girl of Tokyo, Saaya, who comes to Shibuya three times a week to introduce this amazing town. She doesn’t love Shibuya in comparison to anything, she just finds her self there. Basically, Shibuya is her habitat. What we feature in this article is only the tip of the iceberg, but hopefully you enjoy the tour around Shibuya from Saaya’s perspective.

This is the famous Scrambled-Kousaten, (Scrambled crossing). This photo was taken during the day on a weekday, so not as many people were there. What was seen on the Halloween night was abnormally crowded, but weeknights and weekends are usually filled up with young people that are going shopping or going out and enjoying the nightlife. If you really want to experience the real energy of the Tokyo youths, it is best to go out during the night.

Photo booths, aka purikura are common all over Japan. This unique subculture became popular because of the Shibuya ‘gals’. There is a shop called “Purikura no mekka”, 50 meters down the Center-Gai street of Shibuya. In the past, the shop was referenced as the center for the gal girls because the infamous gal girls would spend all-day, all-night taking glamourized pictures with friends. The 90’s gals’ fashion styles were internationally known for their extreme-tanned colour and exaggerated eye make up, but they no longer exist in the Purikura no mekka today. The photo booths are great in capturing memories of shopping or just wondering around Shibuya for just four hundred yen.

Shibuya 109, is possibly the closest thing to a shopping heaven. The shopping mall is 10 stories high, filled with female fashion goods ranging from clothes, shoes, cosmetics and even wigs! Formerly, the 109 building was another spot for the ‘gals’ to catch up. But nowadays, the term ‘gals’ it self is becoming outdated and young women dislikes been called one. Girls that shop at 109 have the same attitude as the ‘gals’ of the past, but the way of expression has dramatically changed from the previously noted exaggerated makeup. The female youth today doesn’t hold a particular name like the ‘gals’ but Shibuya 109 remains the nodal point in directing the newest trends of Japanese fashion.

Saaya

Author

Ayaya

Been working in girls’ fashion magazines for a long time and am now the chief editor of Tokyo Girls’ Update. I have more expertise in Japanese teen fashion than anyone else (probably)! I’m a huge fan of the Revolutionary Girl Utena and Bakemonogatari animes.

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