*
Shibuya was the main hub of modern Tokyo and the perfect place to shop. In every direction I was overwhelmed by neon lights, bustling crowds, and intense outfit choices that made my attire look bleak in comparison. My standard Converse, oversized T-shirt, and my now busting canvas shopper bag were suitable for the weather, but the shoe choice was impractical. I was painfully aware I couldn’t walk further than a mile in Converse without my little toe being severed—but I persisted. Maybe it was time to look for a new pairof trainers.
The stores were vast, and each had its own unique look and feel.
“I just love this place.” Beth twirled in awe.
“It’s something else.”
Shibuya was the sight to see; it wasn’t filled with temples or ancient shrines; it was known for its shopping and people watching. I recalled visiting on my first trip to Tokyo, but that was six years ago, so it felt like seeing it for thefirst time.
“The Scramble Square building wouldn’t have been here the last time you came.” Beth pointed towards a large all glass building towering above the famous pedestrian crossing. The majority of the glass windows were vertical, but the ones towards the bottom curved. When the sun caught the glass at a certain angle it gave off an optical illusionimpression.
“Didn’t we just go in there for Starbucks?” I asked. It looked familiar.
“Yes, but we didn’t explore the other levels or the observation deck. There are fifteen floors of shops and restaurants.”She beamed.
“After spending two hours in the Japanese version of Home Bargains, I couldeat again.”
My stomach grumbled; clearly, I’d worked up an appetite. The weight of the bag tugging on my shoulder became more noticeable the longer we walked.
The building was one giant sensory overload. I didn’t know where to shop first, where to walk, or where to avoid. I wanted to sample everything. I started with a souvenir shop that specialised in handcrafted products. I found my mum a pair of posh panda chopsticks with gold tips. Weirdly, that was herone request.
Among the sweet shops on the first floor was a place called Mori Yoshida Paris, the famous patisserie made my mouth water the second we walked through the door. The warm sweet smell felt like I was inhaling heaven. Beth’s nose practically touched the ceiling the more the scent arousedher senses.
“You look like a cartoon character. Like Jerry, when he floats through the air, the smell pulling him by his nostrils.” I chuckled.Tom & Jerryhad been my favourite programmegrowing up.
“Shut up.”
The glass cabinets housed numerous creations in various shapes and sizes; they looked like works of art. We sampled as many pastries as the patient sales assistant would allow. I eventually settled on a cone shaped pastry that looked somewhat like an upside-downwasp’s nest.
The sweet floor practically left me bankrupt. I purchased some cute macaroon-sized apple pastries, a chocolate caramel cookie sandwich, a strawberry classic shortcake, which looked like a mini layered cake with a little strawberry on top, and finally some saltyrice balls.
“We can’t stay on this floor any longer.” I lifted the four different colourful bags and gave them a shake for effect. “What am I going to do with allthis food?”
“You’re the one with no willpower,” Beth said whilst holding three bags of her own. “Don’t worry, I’m sure I can help you eat them.”She winked.
We made our way to the elevator. The tin box sped up to the fourteenth floor at lightning speed. You could tell it was a new building because there was no questionable screech or clangs of metal as the elevator came to a comfortable controlled stop. We purchased our tickets to the sky gallery and were directed to lockers to store ourbelongings.
“This was a great idea.” My hands looked like the human equivalent of a pork loin from the handles cutting off my circulation. I bundled my bags into what should have been a reasonably sized locker, but not for someone who clearly had an addiction to sugar. I had to get two lockers. Beth smugly fit hers into one with a forceful closure.
We climbed into a different elevator. This one had built-in screens showcasing stars and light beams; it felt like a voyage into space. We were transported by escalators up to the huge panoramic observatory. The views were like nothing I’d ever experienced. I’d been to New York and seen the view from the Empire State Building. I’d even seen the view of London from the top of the Shard, but this was somethingspectacular.
“Unbelievable,” I gasped.
“I know.”
“Is this the first time you’ve been up here?” I asked.
“No, I came up with Ren when it first opened, but it was very brief; you know he’s scared of heights.” She rolled her eyes. She’d never been sympatheticto his fear.
“I bet he thanked you for that.”
“I told him it wasn’t that high, and it’s not open air so it isn’t scary.”
“So, you lied.” I laughed.
“Yep. I’m surprised he wants to have a child with me.”
