Day 3: May 22, 2025

We hopped on the Green Line of the Sky Hop Bus and dove into another day of Tokyo magic.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Peaceful paths, towering torii gates, and a taste of serenity amidst the city.

Meiji Jingu Shrine is a famous Shinto shrine located in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. They played key roles in the modernization of Japan during the Meiji Era (1868–1912). The shrine was completed in 1920. It is surrounded by a large, serene forest. Over 100,000 trees, donated from across Japan, make up this forest. Visitors enter through towering torii gates and walk along peaceful gravel paths to reach the main shrine buildings.

I walked along the quiet path. I was surrounded by lush green trees swaying gently in the breeze. I felt a deep sense of peace settle within me. The sunlight filtered softly through the leaves. It cast playful shadows on the ground. The sweet scent of earth and foliage filled the air.

In that moment, time seemed to slow down, and the world felt simple, gentle, and beautifully alive.

Pokémon & Nintendo Centers

Visiting the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine is a unique experience. Its quiet forest paths create a sense of tranquility. The calming spiritual atmosphere makes it feel like stepping into a peaceful retreat from the modern world.

In contrast, entering a bustling Pokémon Center right after is a complete shift. Bright lights illuminate the space. Crowds of excited fans gather around. Shelves packed with colorful merchandise create a lively, almost chaotic energy. The experience is paradoxical. One place invites quiet reflection and tradition. The other bursts with noise, pop culture, and modern excitement two very different slices of Tokyo, side by side.

The kids had stars in their eyes at the Pokémon Center. Let’s be honest… the adults did too. They also had stars in their eyes at the Nintendo Center.

Shibuya Crossing

Then we saw The Shibuya Crossing. It is located just outside Shibuya Station in Tokyo. It is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. What makes it truly unique is the organized chaos. Every few minutes, traffic stops in all directions. Thousands of people from all sides cross at once. They fill the wide intersection in a perfect, flowing rhythm. Towering screens, neon lights, and the buzz of the city surround you. It feels like you are stepping into a living, moving scene from a movie. Being part of that massive crowd is surreal.

You walk alongside students, tourists, business people, and locals. This creates a feeling of unity amid the rush. It is a moment where you’re just one of many, yet fully immersed in Tokyo’s heartbeat.

After all that excitement, we called it a day early recharging for our first bullet train adventure.

Do read Japan travelogue:

  1. My Japanese Memories
  2. On toes in Tokyo
  3. Sky Hops & Matcha Stops
  4. Riding in Shinkansen and Kyoto clouds
  5. Tracks, trains and Robot service
  6. Serenity & Showers to Confusion at the Condominium
  7. From Maze to Magic
  8. A Rainy Day in Nagoya Castle
  9. New memories brick by brick

**All Photos by Author