I must admit I was a bit disappointed that the weirdness and wonderfulness that is Harajuku’s fashion and cosplay scene was dampened by the rain (that infamous bridge was pretty short on photo opportunities) but the surrounding area is still worth wandering around. It made for an enjoyable afternoon, not least because I walked back into Shibuya to sample the Tokyu Food Court again and discover how certain things are cheaper here than back home. It plays into my guitaku tendancies if nothing else.
The best thing of the past couple of days is the fact that it’s the Sanja Matsuri festival, one of the annual events that are held in the local area. I mentioned previously that Taito City, and Asakusa in particular, are pretty quiet and laid-back but in the last couple of days it’s become much, much livelier.
The portable shrines are carried around town and even in rainy weather, as is here (see above and below) it doesn’t seem to lessen the locals’ enthusiasm to dress up and have a good time. I found their adherance to the old traditions and the atmosphere in general to be really heartening…the partying spirit is infectious and it’s quite something to see the local communities join together; something that doesn’t really happen back in the UK, for any reason.
The rain was a minor nuisance but Harajuku was still worth the trip. Beyond the bridge is the old temple in Shibuya dedicated to the old emperor Meiji and his wife Shouken. It’s built in a wonderful wooded area (allegedly founded with 100,000 trees!) and is reputedly one of the most spectacular in the country. I see no reason to disagree.
There were several weddings going on at the time but thanks to my excessive sentimentality I felt a bit uncomfortable taking pics of the processions themselves as they passed through the main courtyard. To be honest it felt like I was looking in on a very private event and mere pictures wouldn’t really do the whole spectacle justice. Suffice to say they were quite simply exquisite.
I’m not sure if it was anything to do with the festival going on in Asakusa and the surrounding districts but an entire street of Shibuya was closed off for a traditional style dance featuring people in local attire; considering that we were just passing through on our way home (via one or two shops) this was a nice surprise. Not as much of a surprise as this though…
Hatsune Miku crossplay? Believe it. Gives me one or two ideas for Ayacon actually. >_>
I’ve also discovered that certain things are cheaper in their country of manufacture – I’ll be picking up a PSP with a bit of luck, and have already splurged out a considerable sum of money on a Boss Blues Driver guitar pedal on the grounds that it’s cheaper than in the UK. Needless to say I’d pick up one of the Fender Japan Jazzmaster guitars if I could find a way to fly it back with me…seriously.