I have wanted to visit Tokyo for as long as I can remember. The neon lights, the exotic cars, the sheer enormity of it all. And now that day was finally here — while Nicole struggled to peel her eyelids open, I was standing at full attention, ready to go.
This is Adam by the way. Nicole and I are taking turns writing the blog because apparently living abroad involves a lot of task management. I am also currently juggling the art of using a squatter toilet without injury and walking on the left side of the road — both extremely viable causes for my ultimate demise. But anyway. Tokyo!
The train ride in was a pretty straight shot and at only 30 minutes was really pretty nice and easy. We arrived at Shibuya a little after noon and were immediately greeted with the cities enormity and mass crowds. If Hong Kong is as overcrowded as they say compared to Tokyo, then my god it really can only be described as a huge inadvertent orgy. My first taste of the crowds was at the famous multi-directional crosswalk in Shibuya that was a nice platform for a panic attack but once you realize that there is no right or wrong way…you just close your eyes…and walk 😉
Harajuku….known for its fashion prowess was quite a scene. Hoards of people wearing a combination of things that might be sacrilegious in some places but made to look somewhat reasonable strolled through the narrow shopping district that included everything and anything the diva boy, girl, or dog could want. If I had my hand on the trigger I could have snapped a shot of a Dachshund wearing little sunglasses (and liking it) as he strutted in his little jacket next to his owner.
No daytrip in Japan is complete without some conveyor belt Sushi so we hit a spot that Nicole had visited about 5 years back. 12 plates later and pleasantly stuffed….
Q: How do you get from our area to Tokyo by train? A: The train ride into Shibuya is about 30 minutes — straightforward, easy and cheap. Highly recommend over a taxi or rideshare.
Q: What is the famous Shibuya crossing like in person? A: Overwhelming in the best possible way. Hundreds of people crossing from every direction at once. Just close your eyes and walk. You’ll be fine. Probably.
Q: Is Harajuku worth visiting? A: Absolutely — especially if you love people watching. The fashion is unlike anything you’ve ever seen and the narrow shopping streets are endlessly entertaining. Dogs in sunglasses included.
Q: Where should you eat in Tokyo for a quick lunch? A: Conveyor belt sushi — full stop. Fresh, fast, fun and incredibly affordable. 12 plates and you’ll walk out happy.
Q: Is Tokyo easy to navigate as a first time visitor? A: Yes! The train system is excellent and Shibuya to Harajuku is an easy walk. Give yourself a full day — we saw about 1/100th of it in 5 hours. Tokyo deserves more time.
Discover more from Adventures We Seek
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Me and Jim were just talking about the Harajuku district the other day haha. In 5 hours I'm sure you just scratched the surface. I love the photo of the red car and the facial expression on the random dude riding next to it. That's awesome. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck with your new job/s.
LikeLike
Hey Dairy Gerry! You guys would getta kick outta some of the stuff you see just walking around this place. And yes, it will probably take another dozen trips into Tokyo to really laze over its entirety but we're looking forward to that. Jobs are goin well….everyday is an adventure to some extent but thats why we do it! Hope you and the team are great….talk soon! -adam
LikeLike