Tokyo is the city that never sleeps,
there's so many different areas like the skyscraper districts
the low towns are shitamachi areas
the futuristic areas
and the fancy neighborhoods
sometimes it's just really difficult to pick where to go and what to do.
Today we're going on a walk on which you can be in the Restless City in one moment
then plunge into Tranquility the next.
This is to Tokyo with seeming opposites coexist side by side in harmony.
Here's the plan
Starting at Shinjuku station on the Yamanote line I head east and walk to Shinjuku Gyoen
from there, I make my way to the National Stadium before carrying on to Takeshita Street in Harajuku via Togo Shrine.
My walk continues Meiji Shrine, and I end the day at Harajuku station
which is also on the Yamanote line
My name is Reina Ong and join me as I discover
Shinjuku and Harajuku on foot
Shinjuku station is the world's busiest train station with six train companies operating
in the large station complex and creating an extensive train Network
the station complex has been undergoing redevelopment and since 2016 the South exit is where you
can find Buasta Shinjuku a highway bus terminal which is directly connected to the station
the new women's shopping mall
and a nice terrace area overlooking the train tracks
Shinjuku always feels so busy but if you're looking for a quiet place to go I know just the place, let's go
Shinjuku Gyoen is one of best places in central Tokyo to relax and enjoy seasonal flora,
like cherry blossoms in Spring and autumn colors in fall.
The park contains spacious Lawns, and it is a popular place to picnic and spend the day outdoors when the weather is good
You can bring your own food and drink into the park just not alcohol
but there are also a couple of cafes here I've got my drink and a little snack and I'm just
going to enjoy some time in the Sun
there are three different types of gardens Blended together in Shinjuku gyoen.
The English landscape garden with its spacious lawns
the French formal garden
and a Japanese traditional garden,
so visitors can enjoy a variety of flowers and views.
this is the cherry tree grove which turns into a sakura Wonderland during the sakura season and spring.
unfortunately, I'm a little bit too early to see the flowers at full bloom but I'm gonna head out to Sendagaya gate
which is just around the corner and walk to the National Stadium, which is about 10 to 15 minutes away
The old National Stadium which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the
1964 Tokyo Olympics was torn down in 2015 and in its place is the New National Stadium
built by star architect Kuma Kengo which was completed in 2019 ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
These wooden panels that you can see all around the stadium are from the 47 prefectures of Japan
we've got Cedar from 46 prefectures Ryukyuu pine from Okinawa
Now isn't this a cool way to represent the entire country.
paid self-guided walks inside the stadium are available on selected days
but walking around the outside of the stadium
and going to the rooftop garden on the fifth floor is free
Some things to look out for on the outside are the 1964 and 2020 Tokyo Olympic cauldrons
and other sport related sculptures and artwork
I take my leave of the National Stadium and make my way towards Harajuku the center of
youth subculture. It's about a 20-minute walk along the main roads but going by the smaller
streets where there's some independent shops and cafes tucked away can spice up the walk
Harajuku is an area in Tokyo well-known for its youth fashion and subculture
but before diving into all things cute and Kawaii
I'm gonna walk through Togo Shrine which is dedicated
to the dayfight spirit of Admiral Togo,
a highly decorated naval officer best known for his
achievements during the russo-japanese war
Togo Heihachiroo is worshiped as the god of Victory due to his military successes and
people come here to pray for victories in life, such as for exams and in love.
Right beside Togo Shrine is the famous Takeshita Street that is synonymous with Harajuku.
It's such a vast difference at the Solomon subdued Togo Shrine just minutes ago and here at Takeshta Dori
where bright colors and Loud designs reign supreme.
For some reason, crepe is a really popular dessert here in Harajuku they're like 10 shops
just along the street alone I'm gonna get one and see what it's all about
you don't have to be into youth subculture or fashion to enjoy Harajuku it's also a great place
to come if you want to try trendy snacks look what I got bigger than my head.
while the main Takeshita Street is plenty, don't forget to also check out the smaller sidestreets
you might discover something new or use them to catch a breather from the crowds on the main street.
word of note,
Takeshita Street can get pretty crowded on weekends and national holidays.
Across the road from the top of Takeshita Street and past Harajuku station is one of Tokyo's
and Japan's most famous shrines
Meiji Jingu.
A lush Forest which contains approximately 100 000 trees surround the main Shrine building
the sounds of the city are dampened almost the instant you pass under the Tori gate.
Established in 1920 Meiji jingu enshrines the emperor Meiji who was the first emperor
of modern Japan in his consorts.
The shrine is a peaceful place to visit and experience
Japanese tradition and culture right in the Heart of the City.
So during New Year's many Japanese will do Hatsumode which is the first visit of the year to a shrine or a temple.
and Meiji Jingu takes first place in Japan with around 3 million people coming to do Hatsumode.
I'm back at Harajuku station and this is where I bid you guys farewell, (Jane) bye bye
and that was a walk from Shinjuku to Harajuku
thanks for joining me, I hope this video has been enjoyable
and perhaps even inspires some ideas should you decide to plan a trip to Tokyo.
For more information about this trip or to watch another video click the links
on the screen now or head over to japanguide.com your comprehensive up-to-date travel guide
firsthand from Japan
thanks for watching be sure to subscribe and click the notification bell
for more videos about Japan.
Happy travels!