Tokyo

[hkskyline]

Japanese department stores are a great place to get some culture shock. Traditionally, I would recommend exploring the basement food halls, but there are some store brands that are worth a visit to explore entirely.

Hands is a chain offering everything and anything from greeting cards to luggage and even pets. Their Shibuya store spans many floors with each having a dedicated theme, signs in English, and tax refunds for tourists.

More photos on my website : https://www.globalphotos.org/tokyo-hands.htm

 

[hkskyline]

Tokyo has no shortage of free and paid observation decks. A number of years ago, I started exploring whether there are off-the-beaten track locations for unique vantage points. Since many of Tokyo's tall buildings have restaurants on its upper floors, this isn't a difficult search.

One of my favourite hidden gems is Yebisu Garden Place. Located south of Shinjuku and west of Roppongi and Shinagawa, this is a great spot to see Tokyo's vast skyline especially on a winter afternoon when the sun shines from behind you, offering the perfect lighting.

More photos on my website : https://www.globalphotos.org/tokyo-ebisu.htm