"DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT SATURDAY": WANDER TOKYO WITH MY CAMERA IN HAND :)
Photography has been a hobby of mine ever since my parent's blessed me with my first Canon back in college. I was instantly hooked. I fell in love with freezing moments in time and challenging myself to see things in a new perspective. I quickly learned that my favorite thing in the world to photography is...life. Real, every day, naturally beautiful...life. I once did an internship at a photography studio that shoots portraits and weddings, and while that industry is necessary and valuable...it just wasn't for me. It was too posed, to proper, too expected. I was drawn to photography for every other reason. The spontaneity of it, the casualness, the random moments to capture...that's what I love. So this past Saturday, I grabbed my Canon 7D, my 22mm pancake lens and hit the streets of Tokyo with no plan or agenda. Just the love of this city and the love of photography.
BEST. DAY. EVER.
I hit up what is arguably the coolest street in all of Tokyo, Cat street, in Omotesando. This street leads from Omotesando (Meijijingumae) to Shibuya...so it is the prime spot for the most stylish shops and restaurants. An awesome instagram account I follow is TOKYOFASHION which pretty much takes all their photos right here on this street. And for good reason - it's full of the trendiest kids in Tokyo.
it oozes amazingness!!
THIS HOUSE. ughhh...incredible.
Follow this road about 10 minutes and you will find yourself in...
SHIBUYAAAAAA.
Best place in the world to people watch.
I can't go to Shibuya without making a stop at one of my favorite views...HIKARIE 11th floor. This view will always be special to me.
I walked back to Cat Street and Omotesando to snap more shots.
Before the "selfie" there was the good old-fashioned "self-portrait"...and here is mine :)
busy busy day in the city. A lot of people complain about the crowds in the city...but to be honest...I love it because no one knows you, you don't know anyone, and in that way it's endlessly free and endlessly exciting! I love this quote, "I love the feeling of being anonymous is a big city. No one knows me so it's easier to remember who I am." -unknown
People in Tokyo are seriously so stylish. I think the secret is what I like to call... quiet-confidence. This kid on the left was walking with his Hilfiger bomber jacket and jordans looking like a 50 year old dad but rockin it anyway which made him all the more dope! And this guy on the right...had strong asian John Lennon vibes. When he saw me taking this photo he quickly bowed his head and moved out of the way...as if he wasn't dressing for the attention but rather, living his life per usual, NBD. haha so cool.
Also let me just admit...that sometimes I sit outside Yves Saint Laurent in Omotesando and just stare inside LOL. I can't afford a single item in there..but I just like to see who walks in and out and what the store people are doing. I know, weird, but I can't help it! It's all just so beautiful.
And can we all just take a moment to appreciate how beautiful and hidden this Isabel Marant store it!!? obsessed.
Something I love about Tokyo is the architecture. It's some of the best in the world...and so photogenic!!
After a day wandering around...I met up with friends in Aoyama for dessert at the ELLE cafe. We ordered these amazing strawberry parfaits (seasonal) and enjoyed the cozy and stylish atmosphere.
Tokyo...amazing as ever.
This city has changed me BIG TIME. I never expected to love it so much. As a kid, growing up, my image of Tokyo was what most westerners assume - anime. bright lights. crazy fashion. harajuku girls. But living here, I've been lucky enough to see Tokyo in a new light. To me, this city is fabulous. It's clean. Efficient. Luxurious. Convenient. Entertaining. And absolutely never-ending. It's a city with impeccable style and rich history...and I love every day I get to wander these roads.