Tokyo is a city of contrasts. One moment you're standing in the middle of the world's busiest pedestrian crossing, surrounded by giant screens and rushing crowds. The next, you're in a centuries-old temple garden, listening to nothing but wind through bamboo.
First Impressions
Landing at Narita after a 12-hour flight, the efficiency hits you immediately. The trains run on time. The signs are clear. Everything just works.
The journey into the city on the Narita Express is its own experience. Watching the suburbs gradually give way to the dense urban landscape of Tokyo proper. By the time you reach Shinjuku, you understand why this city is unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Neighborhoods
Each neighborhood in Tokyo has its own distinct personality:
Shibuya - The famous crossing, yes, but also winding backstreets full of fashion boutiques and tiny restaurants.
Shinjuku - Skyscrapers by day, neon-lit entertainment district by night. Golden Gai's tiny bars are an experience everyone should have.
Asakusa - Old Tokyo. Senso-ji Temple, traditional crafts, and the best street food.
Akihabara - Electric Town. Multi-story arcades, electronics, and anime culture.
The Food
The food alone is worth the trip. From hole-in-the-wall ramen shops to high-end omakase, every meal was memorable. The Tsukiji outer market breakfast of fresh sashimi and tamagoyaki became a daily ritual.
Notes for Next Time
- Stay longer in Yanaka for the old-town atmosphere
- Visit more kissaten (traditional coffee shops)
- Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto for a few days