As they say in Japan – sayonara or perhaps “matane” (see you later). What better way than an evening trot across one of the busiest intersections in the world – Shibuya Scramble in Ginza.

About a million people a day walk these multidirectional crosswalks, surrounded by the lights and sounds that can overwhelm the senses.

Similar to Japan in general, finding your way takes patience, skill and diplomacy. Even here where rules don’t seem to apply, Japanese courtesy and respect may help you dodge your way through the throng and get to your destination.

But always there is a need to escape the masses and find tranquility.

Coffee shops are everywhere in the vicinity but finding a bar took real effort. Finally up on the 9th floor of a building that seemed to house nothing but diverse drinking habitats, a watering hole that was so dim the staff had to use their iPhone lights to read.

Perhaps the lack of illumination was to provide the clientele some extra privacy. Or given only 8 or so counter seats we think that they save money by having the least number of lights possible.

Then a walk back to our home away from home.

But the story never ends as some of our favourite memories are still to be revealed .

The many serene green spaces throughout the city…often in the midst of the concrete jungle.

Perhaps a blog on those in the future.