Memory Lane for great yakitori in West Shinjuku

Omoide Yokochō

Omoide Yokocho (or Memory Lane) is an old neighborhood of small yakitori joints that harkens back to days long past. It is located within the neon-lit skyscrapers of West Shinjuku.  Adjacent to the Uniqlo store near the Lumine Department Store, Omoide Yokocho’s days are numbered as it is beyond its shelf-life.  The area is ramshackle and its only of matter of time before it is torn down in the name of progress.  The option is to rehabilitate the area however no one except for some of the tenants is in favor of this.  Some of the Yakitori is quite good as the numbers of patrons indicate.

This area dates back to the US Occupation post World War II and has always been a favorite for good relatively well-priced food.

All photos taken with a Nikon D700 and Nikkor AFS 24mm f/.4 lens.

Crowded and friendly.

Red lanterns everywhere.

Tight confines.

Another joint.

Shinjuku East Gate fashion show

I’m heading back to Tokyo next week and I remembered the last time I was there.  Around the end of October last year when the weather was as perfect as could be be.  Bright sunshine drifting in from the west.  Still a touch of summer with just enough autumn to be a little cool in the shadows.  On the last trip, I had a meeting in the Shinjuku and afterwards, while waiting for a mate of mine, I snapped off a couple of hundred shots.  This area is great for street photos as there is a lot of activity with a big dose of Japanese fashion.  I’ve posted these photos before.  This time in black and white.

The photos were taken with a Leica M8 and a Summicron 90mm f/2 lens.  Practically every shot was taken while I was focussing like mad.  They were all moving targets.

Tokyo – Boots are made for walking, one more time

Don't walk away, Renee

A number of my women friends are really into boots.  However, those that live in Bangkok and Singapore very rarely wear boots mainly because the tropical climate is not conducive to comfort when wearing nearly knee high boots.  It doesn’t stop them from buying boots and taking holidays where they can wear them.   Friends in Hong Kong are a different matter as the winter weather encourages boot wear.  But nothing like the boot fashion environment in Tokyo.  In any given square kilometer in Shinjuku, Shibuyu and similar neighborhoods in Tokyo, the sheer variety is astounding.

I’ve posted boots several times in the past and sad to say I am reaching the end of my supply of boot photos from my trip to Tokyo at the end of October.  And if you consider that most of the photos were taken in an hour’s time in Shinjuku, it gives you an idea of their popularity in Japan.

Knee high boots

Suede buckle style

Fur hood and boots

From top to bottom

Roaming Shinjuku – boots are made for walking, part 2

Plaid and leather

Closeup

Japan is one of the most interesting places to visit and especially if you’re interested in photography.  From cultural and historical sights like Buddhist and Shinto temples to an active fashion industry, there’s enough variety to keep any photographer happy.  And Tokyo style is very dynamic, a little over the top and definitely interesting.  The fashion shown in these photos are very typical for young woman.  Layered with lots and accessories and definitely a fondness for boots, all styles.  And in a two block radius, you can many different styles.

These photos were taken during my last trip to Tokyo in late October.  In fact, I spent only an hour at this location near Shinjuku station and took upwards of 150 photos.  Lots to see and shoot.

Hope you like what you see!

Shopping spree

Closeup

Walk on by

Closeup

Double down

Women in boots – Tokyo style

High chic

Young Japanese women are partial to boots of all styles.  From cold-weather boots to above the knee “musketeer” type boots, style has no boundary in Japan.

A cigarette and fishnet

Pearls in boots

Waiting to open

Fashion strutting, Tokyo Style

Late for work

Ok, so I’ve got more photos from Tokyo.  Couldn’t help myself while I was there a month ago.

Fully loaded

Where we going?

Three of a kind

Going away

Very colorful fashions worn in Shinjuku

Just a little bright

These woman stood out because of their use of color and accessories .  It enhanced their appearance.   One could say that they would never be lost in a crowd.  And because the Japanese are attuned to detail in their fashion statement, take a look at their boots (and shoes).

Woman in black

Just messing around

Just walking

A look at street fashions in Tokyo in black and white

Light on her toes

Sometimes black and white photos convey a different feel from color photos.  There’s a purity that can be disguised by color.  With black and white, one only has the subjects of the photo.

I'm here

Peering out

Two of a kind

Over there

Walking around the corner in Tokyo – street fashion show

Thundering herd

When I was in Tokyo two weeks ago, I spent about one hour at Shinjuku.  And this corner was hectic.  But interesting.   One can’t help but get photos.

Limping along

Poetry in motion

Hurry up

More Shinjuku street photos – torn jeans and off the shoulder

Waiting for what?

In the area outside the east entrance of the Shinjuku Station, you can see the most concentrated and diverse styles on the planet.  One thing for certain, there are plenty of people to look at.  And photograph.  They must be accustomed to this as no one ever pays attention to a camera taking photos.  I watched this particular lass for a few minutes.  I could never figure out what she was up to.  I was just grateful she was there.  Also take a look at the girl with the short skirt, fishnet stockings and the spike highheeled boots.  Indeed!

Also click on the photos to take a look at an enlarged image of the guys, or maybe girls, with the colorful wigs.  And all the different shoe styles.  Very interesting stuff.

Round two

Reaching for a drink

Final chapter