When in Tokyo
And the past week I spent in Tokyo really was a dream. Walking along the streets of Shibuya felt cinematic — the narrow winding alleys are bustling, yet still somehow quiet, each person a main character in their own story. I was beguiled by both the peaceful stillness and the energetic hum that defines the city.
I tried to squeeze in as much as I could. A fourteen-hour flight isn’t for the weak, but knowing what was waiting for me on the other side of it made it seem a lot sweeter — I even enjoyed the traditional meals served to us while flying over the Pacific Ocean. Joined by other fashion friends, we passed the time with rich meals and steaming cups of tea. We visited Daigo, a fourth-generation tofu house near a traditional temple, CENSU, a relaxed Izakaya, and I couldn’t leave without trying conveyor belt sushi. I think if we had more time we’d have stayed there summoning salmon rolls for hours.
Maybe the most intriguing part of the trip was observing the fashion trends that have taken wind in Tokyo. Young girls congregated in groups of three or more, all sporting preppy, collegiate garb. Pleated skirts and Mary Janes seemed to be their chosen uniform. In the more whimsical Harajuku region, ruffled midi skirts and bomber jackets were spotted on every other person, and tote bags or backpacks were adorned with tons of charms — smiling Hello Kitty’s, cute Miffys, and tiny Totoro’s were just as abundant as tourists. Colors were commonplace in this area, while the most common through-line across the city was distinct tailoring and monochrome, neutral ensembles. Charles and Keith, a popular brand within the region since it has circulated from Singapore and beyond, outfitted many passersby in metallic shoulder bags or elegant monogrammed crossbodies.
The architecture of the region was just as varied as the fashion tendencies. Colored tiles warmed from bright cyans to rusty oranges, reflecting the sinking sun as the days melted away. Some strolls were reminiscent of leisurely Parisian alleyways while other busy streets — like the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, fondly reminded us of New York’s Times Square.
As this trip came to a close, I was reminded of the privilege of “time traveling” (being thirteen hours ahead of my customary time zone confused the body but enriched the mind). I got to step into the anime, movies, and snapshots I had only before consumed from a distance, and even across the world, I was reminded of how connected we really all are.
See Tokyo through my eyes below.
