Tokyo: Harajuku 原宿

When talking about Japanese street fashion scene, we as westerners may not always fully understand the scope of it; there are many subcultures and style influences that we have not even heard about, let alone seen to be worn by anyone. That is, until you you've been to Harajuku- a district famous for its extreme fashion associated with the strong youth culture. Be it a sweet Lolita or a dark Goth, the chances are that you can spot either one of them on a Sunday afternoon around the Harajuku station or on the Jingu Bashi bridge that's just next to it. This is definitely the place to see and to be seen when it comes to the most extraordinary outfits and styles showcased by the local youth. And from a tourist point of view, this is the place and the opportunity to spot some real life freakish fashionistas, guaranteed to stand out from the rest of the 'common' crowd. 

I found it actually a tad harder to find these theatrical, over-the-top versions than the guidebooks let you understand. We strolled through Harajuku on a few occasions in hopes of seeing glimpses of these outrageous styles (on the exact days they are supposedly making appearances) but ended up seeing only few of them. Nevertheless, the ones we did see were certainly out of ordinary and nothing short of peculiar...And although I really am uncomfortable snapping pictures of people on the street in general, I just had to take a few...

But Harajuku isn't just about the people watching, it's also a well-known shopping district with countless small, unique boutiques as well as many mainstream shops and malls. Takeshita Street is one of the most famous streets with number of funky and kitsch stores- often having a girl equally kitsch promoting their label right in front of the store. Tip: If you're looking for a Halloween outfit, this could be just the place for you...

TAKESHITA STREET 竹下通り

Then there's the Yoyogi park. This immense evergreen area just past the Jingu Bashi bridge is not only a popular recreational spot amongst residents, but it also accommodates one the most celebrated shrine complexes, namely the Meiji Shrine. Visiting the shrine makes for such a good afternoon walk through the forest, and while you're at it, you just may catch sight of some local dog walkers with proper strollers and equipment for their puppy loves... ;)

YOYOGI PARK  代々木公園