Tintin, or is it Tantan, on the top of 109

The renamed, Center-gai, now Basketball street or something that makes no sense except to the sponsors, puts up a bit of gold for Christmas

This is bright. 3 Coins. All 315 Yen. nice price, but that green is tough on the eyes

Burger King is back in Centergai. I think I did a post on this the year before last.

Hawaiian BBQ in Shibuya

Heading up to Tokyu Hands for nothing in particular

Christmas grotto in front of Parco

Busy streets in Centergai. No basketballs in sight

Parco department store, Shibuya

Nice decorations

Uniqlo hidden just off the main street from Koen dori at the top of Spain zaka

Shoppers everywhere

Francfranc Shibuya, ready for Xmas

Time to get your face drawn?

Plenty of cheap places to eat around here

More Francfranc. I am working with Francfranc to help their overseas store promotions at the moment

This site used to be a bakery which had been there for a long time.

Heading back to the station

Hoppy rolls by with ads and more ads on the station building - Galaxy tablets

Opposite side of the station over towards the 246 road

The sakura trees are a nice addition to the area where Hachiko sits.

Ryo Ishikawa who is at the Masters this week, doing some promotion for McDonalds and their new Teritama Burger. I wonder if McDonalds in the US have any burgers for Tiger to advertise?

The KFC store on Koen Dori, Shibuya is the 500th KFC store in Japan, or is was back in 1985. Been there a while now.

Mark City celebrating its 10 year anniversary.

I haven't tried the sbarro food yet. Is this from the US or Europe? It says Italian food, but is has a New York look about it.

New recruits getting together after the workday has finished on their first week of work.

Nihon Terebi giving us a taste of sakura with their latest programs.

Some hairspray getting used here by the girls in the foreground.

ZARA and Marui Store

Anyone for colored contact lenses?

As always, plenty of people, plenty of ads at the crossing.

Probably the most popular place to advertise at the moment if you have a lot of money.

Sakura Sakura for Shibuya Shibuya

Lots of chocolate selling stalls set up in the passageway between the Tokyu Stores. It became difficult to walk through the area with all the people making last minute chocolate purchases.

The crowds kept coming for the chocolates. Looks like many had left it to the last minute.

Some big brand names on the chocolate board here. Valentines Day chocolates seem to be either brand name or home made.

A familiar scene of Starbucks in the background here at the Shibuya Crossing.

A winters day in Shibuya can still appear quite warm.

Very bright fashion colors here.

Second and final episode of Nodame Cantabille will be on at the cinemas from April 17, 2010.

I always feel alive when I go out in Shibuya on the weekends. There are so many people around and so much movement. It really energizes you to do something.

Some nice restaurants here overlooking the street. You can see Tsutaya in the background. I am meeting up with the Roppongi Tsutaya store soon to talk about ways they can improve their store for the many foreigners who go there. Anybody got any ideas on what could be done better?

Plenty of neon, plenty of cars and taxis.

As always the Crossing is a busy place. It is interesting to see the change of fashions over the period of a year. As we move towards Spring the clothing colors will change as will the accessories.

Popular group at the moment.

There was a helicopter hovering overhead for a good 30 minutes. Normally one helicopter is joined by others as the news crews circle to take photos for a story. Today there was just this one helicopter.

The neon lights coming on at dusk always makes the streets look lively and warm. My fingers were freezing waiting to take the photo without too many heads in the way, but the view of neon made me feel warmer.

We have seen a lot of advertising trucks going passed the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. This is a new one.

Back in Shinagawa there were not some many crowds buying chocolates, but the brand names were still on display.

It is cold out today after the snow, but nobody seems to be worried that much.

Sakuraya announced they are closing all stores, which will include this one in Shibuya's Center-gai. There has been a slow change in Shibuya for older stores to make way for new brand name stores like HMV, adidas, Zara, H&M etc. I wonder if anyone has an eye on this spot yet. Uniqlo are due to open a store in Dogenzaka shortly. This would have made a good spot for them.

Looking up Dogenzaka past 109 to the right.

With Yamada Denki's LABI opening, it must have been hard for BIC Camera to compete. Hearing that Sakuraya is leaving Shibuya might help them. Of course if Yodobashi Camera hit Shibuya with a large store that would make it harder still.

Shibuya street fashion on show as people wait to cross at the lights.

A group of friends out for the day in Shibuya.

An advertising truck up very close.

I wondered what this cameraman was trying to take up on his ladder.

... and then I found through the crowd he was taking model shots of a guy with his shirt off. On a cold Winter day in Shibuya you have to give this guy points for effort.

Lots of brand and cute bags in the action here. Guy in the front of frame just leaned in as I clicked the shutter. Pity.

Plenty of time to amble across the street here. When it is crowded it can be very difficult to cross, but on a day like today, its just like a stroll in the park.

Shop signs sticking out on the right trying to get everyone's attention.

People starting to gather waiting to cross. Shibuya fashion can be bags, clothes or even just face masks.

happymail and their advertising has been around for a while now. They must be bringing in enough money to support the marketing campaign. I keep getting their tissue promotion packs when they are handed out at the station.

Big ears on this album promotion. I wonder what they said when the manager first suggested it?

When the lights turn green everyone is off to their destinations.

The Electric Love Tour advertising truck makes another pass through the crossing.

When you are waiting for the lights to change, there is always enough time to fire off a few mails or check an update on the web. In the last 10 years, the world has become a very connected place.

There are many model, job and talent scouts in Shibuya looking for new recruits. It must be hard to figure out which ones are genuine and which are not so ... genuine.

The Shibuya Scramble Crossing is very casual. If you are late crossing the road and the lights change, normally the cars don't honk in disapproval and nobody tries to run you down ^^.

The trees looked really cold and lonely in this photo. In other seasons they provide great shade and color.

This is a well traveled shortcut to get from one side of Dogenzaka across through Tokyu Bunkamura and beyond. It used to be quite seedy but recently new shops have come into the area and it is on the up and up.

Uniqlo coming to this space very soon now. Above here is the billiard and darts bar that I have written about before.

Michael Jackson is back in Japan. At least, his video is now on sale at BIC Camera. I am sure this will be quite popular for a little while and then disappear, to be brought out on selected anniversaries.

Nice fashion here. I like the matching pants/socks, but wasn't quick enough to get a proper shot of it.

Taking a look at the latest adverts being displayed at 109.

A different angle looking at Shibuya over the subway sign towards the Scramble Crossing.

Looks like a new selection of ads on the Station as well. McDonalds Burgers are not here anymore.

Susan Boyle gets in some advertising time for her new album. After being on the end of year, Kohaku program they are probably expecting some sales in Japan.

This truck suddenly came in front of me and obscured everything. Very "in your face" type of advertising.

A few stragglers running across the street as the lights change.

A different look at Hachiko showing some bamboo plants. Can't remember when they arrived. I remember years ago there were bushes here and rats used to run back and forward in them. They needed a few cats to chase the mice and then Hachiko to chase the cats.

Many people hear the announcement that the trains are stopped and decide either to leave the station or not bother coming in. Normally the station runs so smoothly, but when the trains stop, everyone wants to ask questions and get directions. It can become a very busy place in no time.

Yamanote train headed for Shinagawa, Tokyo is stopped at the platform due to a problem at Tokyo Station. Sounds like a passenger may have fallen on the rails. I hope they are ok.

When waiting for the trains to start there is nothing to do but check your mail or maybe catch up on the news about the train stoppage. With Internet on mobiles it is faster to do a quick search than waiting for the station announcements.

No trains rolling in from the direction of Harajuku, Shinjuku. It is strange to see things so quiet.

The train driver takes a peek out of his cab to see what is going on.

The Shonan Shinjuku Line and Saikyo Line were still running so suddenly everyone decided to make the walk to the new platforms for these lines. It is still called Shibuya Station, but it seems a long way away.

So many people trying to find there way to or from the station. Normally this area of the concourse is not crowded at all. Today is a different story as normal Yamanote Line passengers look for alternate ways to travel.

Great colors for a xmas tree here at the top of the stairs for 109 store. The girl on the left seems pleased to see the tree as well.

There are many people out with video cameras conducting interviews in Center-gai. some are TV stations, others are, well who knows? This lady appears to be from TV Asahi.

Plenty of toy characters on display here at the Taiyaki store in Center-gai. Which ones can you name?

B'z helping to celebrate Christmas in Shibuya this year with the promotion of their new album

Nodame Cantabile, the movie, coming out on December 19, 2009. Ueno Juri and Tamaki Hiroshi

The HOT PEPPER bus makes a quick spin through the streets of the scramble crossing. What is that Tokyu Hands bag pointing at?

This Family Mart is always crowded on the way up Dogen-zaka. You will probably find it packed at lunch time with workers from 109. Plenty of fashion on display in this shop when the lunch break is on

Until recently it was hard to find a convenience store in Center-gai or Dogenzaka. Now Family Mart in particular have opened a few and are doing good business

With the weather getting colder, it is boot season in Tokyo at the moment. Plenty of great boot fashions to see on the street

A really bright pink bag here with a bow, the focus point of this outfit. I like the blur of the trees in this shot reflecting her movement in the shot

Dean & Deluca has become quite a popular shop in Tokyo with locations at Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station and other places

The lights at the bottom of Dogenzaka, leading on to the scramble crossing

More boots out on the street here. Lots of different types and designs, but the dominant color was definitely black

Subtly different, but also very similar. Note the black again

Advert for a Pachinko store

Looking across towards Bic Camera, A and B kan

It was cold out. Some people were dressed to cover up, others didn't seem to mind so much. Do you feel the cold in winter?

After having a photograph taken, the cameraman shows the girl her picture to check she is ok with it

This looks more like a pre-organised professional shoot. Interesting choice of skirt. Nice smile

Working those angles now with some great street fashion shots

Taking a break to check the photos taken

As well as photo shoots, there are a lot of people conducting questionnaire interviews as well. Here is someone getting a few answers recorded

As popular a place as Shibuya is, the advertising boards are looking a little bare recently. With the economy picking up again we should see these filling up shortly

The advertising above Shibuya Station is always full. Here we have Disney, Softbank and KDDI all competing for space

Some big brand names looking down this street from the scramble crossing. ZARA, Tsutaya, Marui, Tower Records. What else can you spot?

There are a few shops underneath the railway line here. Can you see the one in blue. It is called Scramble and serves among other things eggs. ^_^

A few Christmas decorations going up at the entrance to Center-gai

If you have spent a bit of time in Shibuya you have probably seen this character before. I first saw him about 22 years ago.

More boots at the station

Shibuya Station. Busy as ever

Outside Shibuya station

Some more great boot fashion and black stockings. Standard fashion accessories in Shibuya at this time of year.

Looking out of the Tokyu Honten elevator back down towards Shibuya Station

ZARA are about to open a new store near Shibuya Station right next to Marui

Marui currently have nike, adidas in their store, but with concept stores popping up, how do these small stores in store keep going?

Marui City also has many small and large designer brands in store

Decided to show this picture in black and white, sort of sepia, just to change things up

Crossing the road using the overpass. This is the view looking down towards Harajuku.

Looking back towards Shibuya, the Cerulean Tower stands out nicely against the tree in the foreground. Autumn and its changing colors can be very nice

Mountain HARD WEAR for all your winter clothing needs

The Audi Forum Tokyo is quite an interestingly designed building

J!NS

collectpoint

These 2 girls were wearing exactly the same outfit. Not sure what the outfit was for

This looked like a Uniqlo UT store with lots of New York style jazz

Everyone was taking a good look at this car. Nice set of wheels on this Lexus convertible

GAP, Plaza and food stores. The main crossing at Harajuku, Omotesandori

The streets were packed out today. It was hard just to find a place to stand never mind walk. No chance of getting down to KIDDY LAND

Takeshita-dori was just as bad if not worse

The DoCoMo building at Yoyogi Station always stands out brightly

Harajuku Station was so busy they had to close the ticket gates every 5 minutes or so and stop people from entering

Since Harajuku Station was packed out I decided to come home via the new Fukutoshin-sen

The adidas store at Shibuya has had a bit of a facelift or wrapper lift

Some nice hats in the background here as friends cross the road talking

There are so many casual fashions in Shibuya, that all look good

Plenty of people heading over to Center-gai for a stroll through Shibuya

Mobile phones in hand, straps with character goods. Shibuya fashion on the streets

The bus is directed into its spot. Tokyo 2016 Olympic banners on the front

Sharing good times with friends. Autumn sure is a great season to be out in Shibuya

Looking back from Center-gai towards Shibuya Station

Mobiles to tell people where to meet or just that you are running late

A mother takes a moment of reflection as she pushes her pram through the crowds. What type of fashion will her child claim for the next generation of Shibuya young

Route 246 runs alongside Shibuya Station on the other side from Center-gai. If you follow the road straight you can get to Roppongi

Sunglasses were a handy item today with the sun out giving us a final reminder of summer

More hats and more smiles. The weather combined with Shibuya fun had everyone in a good mood

Have a Dream? Center-gai advertises 'Ganbare Sendai'

This guy is selling mobiles, softbank and Docomo. The dog is Softbank's mascot. In the commercials he is referred to as Otosan, or father, of a rather culturally mixed family

Anyone want to buy some shoes. ABC Mart has plenty for sale

As the crowd clears the road gives way to the many shop signs, looking back here to Shibuya Station

Kuraki Mai promoting her latest album on sale 9th September, 2009

Bit of promotion for NHK and Domo-kun on this Tokyu Bus

It is election time now so you expect to see all types of Politicians cars

The Tuxedo Bear Balloon Shop. Sounds like fun

This Lamborghini almost got away from me. Snapped it just in time

More politicians. This is the Japan Communist Party

The LOTTE Green Gum bus talks to the Tokyu City Shuttle

Plenty of girls wearing Yukata at the moment. Probably they are on the way to a fireworks display

People get ready to cross at the change of lights

Standing out from the crowds in pink

Looks like these girls are about to be run over by the cars who just got a green light to go

Nice sporty BMW convertible passing through town

These characters look ready for a road race

If you dont have a car, then a pink bicycle is the next best thing

A better than average taxi from MK Taxi. Their service includes running around the car to personally open the door for you, instead of the normal automatic opening doors on most taxis.

Harley through the streets. The satchel bag looks great on the back of this classic model

UPSTAR Cruising ad Bar Party bus. Enjoy your drinks while cruising through Shibuya

A bus supporting the Tokyo 2016 Olympic / Parlympic Bid

Watch out for one of these rolling up behind you

Politician vans coming from everywhere

Nissan Cube

A nice black Honda NSX with gold wheel rims

Lexus convertible. Is this sold under the Toyota badge in the States?

KATE Magazine coming to a mobile phone near you soon. A web only magazine production

Not all the cars were lucky enough to make it as far as the crossing. This one was getting some special attention from a friendly police officer. Nice bike !

happymail.co.jp

Let it go, Double (new single)

Everyone loves to take photos at Shibuya Crossing

Busy afternoon at the Shibuya scramble crossing

Plenty of fashions at this busy Shibuya scramble crossing

Lost in the crowd, lost in his music

This one was by mistake, but since this is 'Shibuya Streets', why not?

Fashion in the foreground, ads in the background. Lots of action in Shibuya

This is one way to get above the crowds

Horikita Maki advertising for docomo on the 109 building

A policeman contemplating his ride home. Maybe he is looking up at Horikita Maki

A strangely peaceful view in the big city. The Shibuya river that flows under the Tokyu Dept store

Looking back up Dogenzaka, Shibuya Station

Pepper Lunch or Pepper Dinner? Either way these steaks are good

Large truck ads for new TV show on Fuji Television roar by

Another truck ad. This one for an Manga Cafe, manboo

Livedoor's YYC community dating site rolls by. 2,500,000 members. now in its 9th year

Shibuya community bus, Hachiko