TOKYO
CHRISTOPHER SCHNEBERGER
Early morning along the river. Colors are muted by cloudy skies and fog. The restaurant boats bob along the docks, straining against the mooring ropes.
Nearby, morning commuters stop by Shinto shrines nestled in the neighborhoods. Ritual blessings and devotions are a part of the daily routine.
The world famous Tsukiji fish market is abuzz with activity as chefs and tourists mingle among the stalls purveying the incredible array of seafood caught the day before; so fresh that some is still moving.
Larger temples such as Senso-ji, with its giant lanterns, attract people from all over Japan, as well as tourists. The smoke from a cauldron of burning incense purifies visitors to the shrine.
Takeshita Dori in the Harajuku section of Shibuya is a pedestrian shopping area lined with shops, restaurants and entertainment for the youth culture.
In Yoyogi Park, people stroll to the Meiji temple. On this day there was a festival celebrating various regional cultures of Japan, with participants dressed in traditional costumes.
The main intersection of the Shibuya area is known as one of the busiest street crossings in the world, with pedestrians crossing in all directions at once.
Akihabara, also known as the Electric City, really comes alive in the evening. There are electronics stores selling everything from cameras and televisions to appliances and toys. One can also find all manner of restaurants and entertainment including the famous “maid cafes” where young women in exagerrated maid costumes cater to patrons in stereotypical submissive acts. There are also buildings completely dedicated to video gaming where every floor features a different array of challenging game machines. This is also the heart of “Otaku” culture and numerous shops market to fans of anime and manga, selling figurines and other merchandise for collectors.
Nighttime in Shinjukiu. The streets are buzzing. Shops, restaurants, clubs, all call to the passers-by with neon signs and alluring images.
On the edge of the Shinjuku nightlife district is the Golden Gai, an older neighborhood of narrow streets and hundreds of intimate bars and restaurants.
The Golden Gai neighborhood is lined with tiny bars, barely larger than walk-in closets, often seating less than ten patrons. Regulars are allowed to keep private whiskey bottles at their favortite spots.
Yuki is the owner and bartender of a typical bar in Golden Gai. She also fronts the band, Zombie Lolita.
Images and text by Christopher Schneberger, Copyright 2016 www.christopherschneberger.com