Day 7, 8 & 10 - Discover Tokyo
It is my first morning in Tokyo, and I can't wait to discover the Streets of this modern Metropole. I walked towards the metro station of Ueno
The map looks more intimidating than it in reality is. In fact there is a round ring called the JR-line that takes you to all the interesting areas of Tokyo and it is free with the JR-pass.
I noticed many differences compared to cities I visited before. A lot of people wear mouth masks or use umbrella’s. The umbrella seems to be an accessoire that is used for every type of weather in Japan. See-through umbrellas are used in the rain and nicely decorated umbrellas for dry sunny weather.
In the metro it is quiet and a lot of people are actually sleeping. Most people were dressed so neat, most men wearing suits. The women wearing flawless Japanese fashion. I felt almost underdressed, but I solved that later... Cuteness overload There is a word for everything that looks lovable, cute or adorable in Japan: KAWAII!! And in fact you hear that word often 'shouted', since it is everywhere. Every brand in Japan seems to have his own cute mascotte. Commercials and banners are cute. Pies and cakes are cute, even guard rails and dog cookies look cute. Divers people - from young to old - have key rings like cute looking animals attached to their bag.
Signs at the station are all in English. But in other parts of the city, English is mainly used for decorational purposes. Simple English words to make signs and clothing look more attractive. I tried to communicate with local people. I think they understanded me, but their English was basic. My Japanese knowledge is even more basic btw... I could have tried harder to find conversating partners, but stopped trying to have convo's. Tokyo's Major City Districts Tokyo consists of different city areas. Each having their own different and unique characteristics. It is what makes Tokyo such a versatile metropole. It has so many modern features and gimmicks. I saw payments were made by waving their smartphone in front of a sensor. Cars were driven into a lift, parked automatically and brought back to you again. There were small conveyer belts next to public stairs to carry your bicycle up with you. Akihabara is easily recognized by the bright neon-lightning. Huge electronic stores 6 floors tall and filled with smartphones and cameras. On the street attentive cosplay girls flyering for the club or eaterie where they work.
Shibuya is probably the largest shopping area in Tokyo, With many fashionable clothing stores, like Parko, Forever 21 and 109's. In front of the station there is the famous Shibuya intersection. Every few minutes all pedestrian lights turn green and hundreds of people cross the road in all directions as if it is an ant-colony on expedition. So the stores are often much bigger than you'd expect when stepping through the door. The side Streets are narrow, but the buildings are tall. I found sport stores, eateries, 1ooyen shops and luxery deparmental stores with kitchenaries and the weirdest tools to massage or scratch your own head XD I checked out the clothes in the clothing mall. During that I did get a lot of questions from staff members, what I was looking for. They showed me many different options, Great service, but I prefer to watch more relaxt by myself. One store had a chill guy that let me watch and helped me with good tips when I asked for it. That's where I bought some typical Japanese blouse with short sleeves and some matching t-shirt and jeans.
Shibuya crossing
I think nearby Harajuku area is one of the most interesting and unique areas of Tokyo. Takeshita Dori street is a well known walking street that especially caters to young people, fashion, and it’s where the cosplay scene takes place. Walk around for a few minutes and you’ll see some pretty interesting costumes.
These comic socks were sold in one of the boutiques.
Shinjuku station, one of the biggest and most crowded stations in the world with 3 million visitors per day. After a few nearly-collissions I found out the only way I could walk there was to walk in a stream behind others. Especially bc there are so many signs you need to read to find your directions to the right platform.
From Shinjuku station it is only a short walk to The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Both towers housing an observatory at a height of 202 meters.The only tower in town with free entrance. A fast elevator will bring you to the 45th floor. The North Observatory remains open untill 23 O’clock. The view is magical at night with city lights as far as the eye can see, looking like a starry sky. tip: On the second floor of the building, there is a tourist information center providing useful maps and information about Tokyo.
Omotesando has luxury malls
Tokyo is not the cheapest city to dine, but it is hard to find any bad food in Tokyo. Actually, everything I ate was absolutely delicious. From a simple ramen Noodles (6 euros) to Tonkatsu fried meats (20 euros). All food plates seem to be prepared with pride and passion. There is so much more that I wanted to try. Most restaurants display their foods with plastic look-al-like versions. Very convenient to choose what you'd like to eat. And all the delicious plates makes you hungry soon :p
Every time you greet someone you get a respectful nod. Every time you buy something like clothing you get an even deeper bow. I got to say the deep bows felt a little too flattering to me, but the quick nodding is something you actually start to copy fast. In fact, I caught myself nodding a few time in the first days back in the Netherlands XD. There are thousands of vending machines in Tokyo. Easy to find drinks. Nicely cooled and lots of choice.
