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I don't know what Japan's source of energy is - possibly hydroelectric ? But whatever it is, they sure need lots of it ! The Japanese night scene is unbelievably bright due their to liberal installation of neon, animated and video signs on every piece of available vertical real estate. But it is a great spectacle to check out all the hot areas at night. Photographers can leave their tripods at home because there's so much light from the neon signs that you can very comfortably hand hold your shots. I think I'm gonna get neon withdrawal symptoms once I get back home ...
It's a good thing too that Japan is a relatively crime free society. We were able to wander the streets at night and mingle, sorry .. jostle, with the crowds with no concern for pick pockets or bag snatchers.
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Shibuya, Tokyo - Shibuya reminded me of New York's Times Square. Throngs of people and night turned into day by countless neon signs. This was my first introduction to the crowds of Tokyo. Shibuya sports many funky restraurants and bars and "love hotels" in the back lanes. One thing which struck me was the obvious investment in decor and design in the many restaurants in this area. |
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Dotonbori, Osaka - Of all the cities covered on my tour of Japan, none can rival the night scene of Osaka. Osaka's Dotonbori district is straight out of the Blade Runner movie. The night sky is pierced by building-height animated billboards and the streets are choked with people. There are two long covered shopping streets that feed into the Dotonbori. Dotonbori itself is a mall filled with eateries and restaurants whose main claim to fame are their outlandish storefront designs. We saw a giant moving crab, a couple of puffer fish and all manner of tacky advertising gizmos. All great fun ! Nothing absolutely comes close to Osaka's night life. |
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Shinjuku, Tokyo - This is the skyscraper district of Tokyo. Shinjuku station has the distinction of being the busiest subway station in the world as well as the distinction for being the site of the Sarin gas attack a few years ago. It has a great variety of eating places as well as huge camera and electronic stores. |  |
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Ginza, Tokyo - Tokyo's Ginza district is a famous shopping area featuring many large Japanese department stores as well as many famous boutiques. No self-respecting Japanese district is without its compliment of mega-wattage neon signs and video walls, and Ginza is no different. |  |
Shinsaibashi, Osaka - Near Dotonbori, is the Shinsaibashi shopping district which is very similar to Tokyo's Ginza district. Boutiques and Japanese department stores line this area. |
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