Signs, streets and shopping-oh my!

"Wow," said my friend at the school bus stop. "Unexpected twists and turns, heart-pounding excitement, non-stop action, thrill-packed adventures, an exhausting ascent...my goodness what were you doing? Climbing Mt. Fuji?"
"No," I answered. "Just trying to find my way out of the Shibuya Train Station."

My husband and I were in Shibuya Station, the third busiest commuter rail station in Tokyo. A huge complex that connects to other private railways and subways, houses tons of shops and restaurants, and offers six ways to exit.
"Honey," I said to my husband as I followed him through the corridors, up and down escalators, and around the English signs. "We aren't in Maine anymore."

"No," my husband said as we exited the station and stood at a 4-way intersection of people. "We are now at the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world."
I looked across the street. There were tons and tons of buildings, billboards, signs, shopping streets...and thousands of people lined up to cross.

"How about this?" I quickly said while the light was red. "How about if I stay right here for you. How about if I faithfully wait at this exit for you to pick me up and guide me home?"

My husband looked at me. Then, he looked at my guidebook. Then, he looked at the nearby bronze statue. "You've been reading about Hachiko again, haven't you?"

Well, Ok. I love the story. It's a great story. For 11 years, Hachiko waited at the station for his master to come home from work. The statue is a symbol of loyalty and devotion.

"C'mon," my husband said. "The light is green."

Admittedly, at first, to me Shibuya was overwhelming. And a bit intimidating. But now I love it. Shibuya is truly awesome. We have favorite restaurants, a favorite park, favorite coffee shops and a great walk back home. We even have a rallying cry: Sha-boo-ya!

Watch out Shinjuku, we're coming for you next!