Shibuya - a hub in Tokyo where the following lines branch out of the main station - Yamanote Line, Saikyō Line, Shōnan-Shinjuku Line, Tōyoko Line, Tōkyū Den-en-toshi Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzōmon Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, Ginza Line and the Inokashira Line.
Anybody visiting Tokyo should make some time to drop by Shibuya. Streets are filled to the brim with fashion stores, restaurants and there are quite a few electrical outlets here too including Bic Camera, Yamada Denki Labi and the Apple Store.
Other stores of interest would be Tokyu Hands (Zakka) and Mandarake (Manga, Doujin and rare figures, dolls).
Thought we'd take a look at what Shibuya looked like many moons ago.
This photo of Shibuya station taken during the Taisho Period sometime between 1912 and 1926.
Photo source.
Not sure exactly when this photo was taken but I'm guessing its a little bit after Showa 8 (1933).
Photo source.
This photo of the Shibuya Hachiko crossing snapped in Showa 27 (1952) - a few years after the end of World War II.
I have annotated this photo so that you can see where the present day landmarks are.
Photo source.
Photo of Hachiko crossing snapped in 1994 - my second visit to Japan.
Me and my bowl haircut in Shibuya. Got the dog tags printed with "Nishida Hikaru" from Harajuku. At this time in life I was hell bent on making it to Japan. Was sad every time I went back to the UK but it served as even more determination to make it out here.
Little did I know that I was to move here 5 years after. Also ended up working in the Shibuya area as Website Manager for Amazon - was the Cross Tower building.
And back to present day - August 2010.
Put most of these images in the wallpaper pool if you fancy having some Shibuya behind those icons.
Leaving you with the rest of the photos as I head out to Akihabara - Good Smile are having the post-Wonfes makers exhibition.
Photos taken on the Lumix GF1.
Shibuya Station located below.
View location with Google Maps
