Picture This

You are in Japan. Yes, Japan. The primary mode of transportation is the train. Not like here, where the trains have constant delays or are held due to "train traffic".

The trains are clean, have legible signs and TV's to depict where you are on the route. My personal favorite part is the heated seats, yes, you read that correctly... heated seats. I have never known how much I needed those until my time in Japan. It was the best surprise by far.

Ok, let's focus. Back to the picture... I'm setting up a scene here.

So, you're on the JR Yamanote Line headed to Harajuku. Now, you may have heard stories, or even watched videos on YouTube about the culture of Harajuku. However, you are still unsure what to expect. As you exit the station it's a little crowded, no more than usual, after all it is Tokyo.

You cross the street and proceed to walk to the corner and as you turn the corner... you see this!

At that moment, you realize you are at the top of the busiest and most crowded street in Harajuku. It's not a special event, or holiday this is a normal day on Takeshita Street.

As you begin to journey down and mesh with the crowd you realize there are stores on top of stores and so many street vendors. There are so many people vying for your attention and you have to remain focused.

Honestly, it's overwhelming. However, if you are from any major city like New York or Los Angeles you realize this is a smaller scale of somewhere like Times Square. At that moment, you realize it's not too bad, right? Ummm wrong!

It is quite fun to see the different Harajuku girls dressed up and see all the fun fashion choices. The Hrajuku girls are friendly and allow plenty of photos in return for a purchase of what ever they may be selling. 

The best part about Takeshita Street is it is famous for the Crepes. There are more than a dozen vendors along the street. Some with super long lines and others with smaller lines. You finally find a place with a medium line and go for it.

The menu is filled with all of these delicious images that make you want it all.

You decide on the chocolate Crepe and the journey continues. 


As you reach the end of the street, you turn and look back and realize that wasn't too bad. Then you look at your watch and realize it only took 1 hour and 10 minutes to get through.

Now, how do you get back to the train???? 

Thanks for stopping by and Traveling with May