Shibuya

They drive on the left.
It makes it tricky to cross.
Always look both ways.

Yes, that's right. It's a SmartCar vending machine. George, this is definitely the craziest thing I've seen in a vending machine so far, but sorry to say I didn't get it for you. I went to Shibuya on Friday after class. It's a sort of trendy part of Tokyo, with lots of shopping and nightlife spots, and it's also home to the world's busiest pedestrian intersection. I think there are something like 5 crosswalks, and they all get the green light at once. I'm definitely going back to pick up some gifts and to take some pics of the intersection in action.

At the station there is a statue of a dog named Hachiko. Hachiko, an akita, is famous in Tokyo and his statue is a popular meeting spot. During the 20's and 30's Hachiko would wait at the metro station for his master to return from work. Well one day his master died and did not return home. Still, the dog returned every evening, at around the time his master's train was due to arrive. The dog continued this for ten years until the day of his own death. So Hachiko is still remembered to this day for his loyalty and devotion to his late master. A pretty amazing story if you ask me.

I tagged along with some friends who went shopping at Shibuya 109, a huge 6 or 7 level department store that sells exclusively girls' clothing. Now you may laugh, but it's one of my favorite spots in the city, it's absolutely teeming with girls. Luckily I saw a few things that I want to buy as gifts, so I'll be making a return trip there. Ok, I've got to run for now, but I will be posting another entry about the rest of my weekend.