Tokyo Now #30 : Sanctuary and Source of Trend

Tokyo has many aspects and it is constantly changing.

You can observe a good example at Harajuku, two stops from JR Shinjuku St.

Across the railroad track, a vast sanctuary forest and a source of the latest trends are facing each other.  They are Meiji Jingu Shrine and Harajuku/Omotesando.

Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken and celebrated a centennial anniversary in 2020.  It is one of the most popular shrines in Japan, especially during the new year holidays.

Over 100,000 trees, many rare birds and insects, and a fascinating part of Japan’s history will make you freshen up and give you relaxation. 

Harajuku is famous for its unique youth fashion represented by “kawaii.”

There are many reasonably priced and unique clothing stores for middle school to high school students, mainly on Takeshita Street in Harajuku.

On the other hand, Omotesando, a neighbor of Harajuku,  is a most pleasant and luxurious street lined with Zelkova trees.

Over these 3 years, there have been lots of changes.  Not a few popular shops were impacted by the epidemic.  The lovely old JR Harajuku station building was transformed into a modern building.

A new complex facility now stands in front of JR Harajuku, “with Harajuku”.   “A future-oriented laboratory” is its concept.