Meiji Shrine

The massiveness of this location becomes apparent when visiting in person. Enormous Torii gates mark the entrance to the grounds, and visitors feel dwarfed by both these structures and the dense forest flanking the path. The walkway meanders through woodland before opening into a central shrine area.

Rating: 4 out of 5. Creates an interesting contrast with the brighter Arakusa Shrine.

Directions: From Shinjuku station, take a JR Line south to Harajuku station.

Following the shrine visit, the group enjoyed sake ice cream before heading to their final destination: Shibuya Crossing.

Shibuya

This internationally recognized intersection represents the epitome of Tokyo's busy commuting culture. The crossing presents a chaotic scene with masses of pedestrians moving simultaneously across the street.

Rating: 4 out of 5 for the spectacle of tourists rushing into the road while businesspeople surge past them.

Directions: From Shinjuku station, take a JR Line south to Shibuya station.

The group shared beers and travel recommendations before parting ways—I would head toward Mount Fuji while companions traveled to Osaka.

The Robot Show

Located near Shinjuku Station in Tokyo's red light district, the Robot Restaurant offers an unconventional entertainment experience. While waiting for the show, patrons receive complimentary drinks. A band dressed as "a cross between Daft Punk and a Cylon" performed jazz music.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 laser-equipped robot aliens. The experience proved memorable but somewhat overwrought.

Directions: A short walk north from Shinjuku station.

The venue occupies cramped underground space—two floors down with three rows of seating lining either side of a narrow corridor. Staff warned front-row patrons to "lean back and points in the show so they don't get taken out by a platform."

The production combined "an 80's Vegas show and a Japanese Anime from the 90's," though the spectacle quickly devolved into what many would consider tacky entertainment. After viewing approximately half the performance, I departed early due to feeling unwell—possibly from dehydration—and returned to my capsule hotel. While acknowledging disappointment at missing the full $50 show (regular price: $70-80), prioritizing health proved sensible. The early night proved necessary before attempting Mount Fuji the following day.