Harajuku, Japan
I love the holiday season. There always seems to be so much love in the air. I'm probably biased because my hubby proposed to me on Christmas Eve—cliche, I know, but it's our love story, and I love it. I was a bit worried when we moved to Japan in 2009 because I heard that Christmas wasn't as popular as in the States, but the places we have visited seemed to have proven the rumors wrong. Stores start selling Christmas decorations as early as late summer, and we walked through many cities lit up with holiday lights and decorations. Seeing twinkling lights in the night always bring a joy to my face, the lights down Omotesando-dori are exceptionally beautiful. I actually took this photo of Omotesando on the 1st of this year, and I'm super excited to explore other places this season!
Shibuya, Japan
It's been a few weeks since we visited downtown Tokyo, and it seems that the day we planned to be in Shibuya is the same day winter decided to say hello! Despite the rain and chilliness outside, it doesn't stop hundreds of Tokyoites from walking around the city. Shibuya or Hachiko (in tribute to a dog named Hachiko who loyally waited for his owner at the station even years after his death—there's a statue and wall art at the station as well) Crossing is my favorite crosswalk in Tokyo. Every time I walk out of the station and see the tall buildings filled with advertisements—print and video, which are more of cute & bubbly music videos advertising drinks and snacks—with loads of people waiting to cross five different ways, it makes it feel so surreal that we live in Japan even two and half years later. Despite the fact that Starbucks' second floor seating is no bigger than a walkway, it's my favorite place to watch the passersby at Shibuya Crossing!
