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We started our Tokyo adventures in the location, and the restaurant selection in
Shibuya District, one of Tokyo's most pop- this area is fabulous.
ular shopping and entertainment districts, Deep Traditions
with its large buildings, flashing neon ad-
vertisements, giant video screens, and Despite its modernity, Tokyo remains
busy streets. We watched the scramble deeply rooted in tradition. As a respite
crossing, touted as the world’s busiest from the cacophony and crowds, Tokyo
pedestrian crossing in front of Shibuya has pockets of tranquility everywhere to
Station, before venturing into the Shibuya reconnect with nature. These green spa-
Scramble Square building to the glass- ces provide a chance to reflect and
walled observation deck on the 46th floor, recharge, as do the countless temples,
Shibuya Sky, an open-air space with glass shrines, and cultural institutions tucked
walls. We had a clear day and walked throughout the city.
around the deck to see the surrounding
area, which is packed with shops, restau- One of the most famous is the Senso-ji
rants, and entertainment options, and Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest and
metropolitan Tokyo sprawling across the most significant Buddhist temple, dating
land in all directions. back to the 7th century. The temple's
beautiful architecture and public areas of-
We stayed at The Capitol Hotel fer photo opportunities everywhere, start-
Tokyu (former Tokyo Hilton) in the bustling ing with the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder
Akasaka neighborhood, near the Imperial Gate) with its giant red lantern. The flow of
Palace and Hie Shrine in the center of visitors showed its popularity: different
downtown Tokyo. It has direct access to groups of uniformed school children fol-
Tokyo’s subway system. It's an excellent
lowing flag-carrying leaders, international
140 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2025
