Tokyo [Tokyo] 4 Shinjuku, Harajuku, Omotesando

Q. How is the town, Shinjuku?

A. Futuristic neon-filled town, the busiest train station in the world

Green oases, a Mecca for shopping, eating and relaxing

When it was registered by Guinness World Records in 2007, an average 3.64 million people used Shinjuku Station per day.

Q. What are fun activities I should do in Shinjuku?

A. Bustling nightlife and endless shopping opportunities

Major department stores including Isetan, Takashimaya, Keio, and Odakyu have flagship stores in Shinjuku. Kinokuniya Bookstore, Tokyu Hands, Bic Camera, Yodobashi and Labi all have a huge presence right in front of the station.

Kabukicho is where the party happens. Often called the town that doesn't sleep

Q. Are there any place to visit for relaxing atmosphere?

A. Shinjuku Gyoen, an oasis of nature amid the crowds

Q. How can I access to Shinjuku from Tokyo station?

A. JR Chuo-Line, Sobu-Line

Q. Is Shinjuku a central spot in terms of government as well?

A. Shinjuku is also home to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building (Tocho), which dominates the skyline.

Word focus:

Neon ネオン

dubious 半信半疑の

distinction 見分けのつく

flagship store 最重点の、本店

mecca 中心地、憧れの地

bustling nightlife 活気のあるナイトライフ

amid 〜に囲まれて、〜の最中に

accurately 正確には

urbanite 都市住民

Q. What are special features of Harajuku and Omotesando district? How are they different?

A. The districts of Harajuku and Omotesando might be next door to each other, but they're also worlds apart.

Both areas are hubs of Japanese and international fashion, packed with clothing stores, trendy cafes, design houses and fashionable locals strolling the maze of streets. However, their aesthetics couldn't be more different. 

Q. What are famous gourmet in the area?

A. Harajuku's extravagant streetside sweets, such as cheesecake-filled crepes and unique themed cafes

Q. How can we access to those stations from Tokyo station?

A. Harajuku and Omotesando are both easily accessible by train.

Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station

Both areas are connected by a main boulevard, so the best way to travel around is by foot.

Q. What is Takeshitadori?

A. For cheap, fun trends, make your way to Takeshita Street in Harajuku . Here you'll find upcoming trendsetting boutiques sharing walls with more iconic long-term staples like the nearby Dog, known to be frequented by fashion icons like Lady Gaga. Keep an eye out for deals as you dig through the shelves, and don't forget Daiso and Thank You Mart, Takeshita's two big discount stores.

Q. What do you recommend to do in Omotesando area?

A. Omotesando has become Japan's home of modern high-end fashion, with many designer labels setting up stores along the lavish and spacious boulevards that line the area.

Omotesando differs from Ginza by focusing on more contemporary names

Q. Are there any traditional spot to visit nearby? 

A. Meiji-Jingu Shrine. One of the city's most famous and well-trodden spiritual sites, and one of the area's largest green spaces. Originally completed in 1920, the shrine was destroyed during the Second World War, but was rebuilt not long after.

“Kawaii” かわいい

extravagant 誇張した

unparalleled 並ぶものがない、前代未聞の

luxury 豪華な

physically 身体的に

aesthetically 美的に

collide ぶつかり合う

well-trodden 人によく踏みつけられた