Arriving in Tokyo is great. Jumping into the streets of Tokyo, by yourself, is another thing entirely. Armed with no precise map or local guide, and only a smartphone with Google Maps, it can be quite puzzling in the largest metropolis in the world, but it lets you enjoy every little aspect of your trip even more.
Instead of hastening from one point of attraction to another, the trip soon turned into understanding Tokyo and how it functions. The subway rides proved to be surprisingly calm, whereas the busiest intersections did not make one feel lost.
Tokyo’s subway is said to be difficult to understand… But that’s just a myth.
The amazing part is that when the fundamentals align themselves, the rest is very much automatic.
Purchasing a ticket is fairly straightforward thanks to English-speaking ticket booths and Google Maps, which indicates precisely where to get on the subway and where to transfer trains. The size of the railway stations might be intimidating at first, but the abundant signs available make it much easier to find your way than it seems.
There is one feature that becomes visible right after you arrive at the station.
Instead of closing them, the whole system rests on trust and makes everything easy for people without supervision. Everyone just lifts their transport card or inserts a ticket, which is more than enough for using the subway.
Japan Probably Is Silent
Nobody expects Tokyo to be quiet due to the size of its population, but it actually is. The same sensation continues on the surface.
Millions of people are moving around, but the city seems not to be affected by noise pollution.
The use of electric vehicles, the politeness of the people, and respect for others have created an environment that is very relaxing.
Many people say that it is something that is hard to understand unless you experience it personally.
Shibuya Crossing Is More Than Just a Crosswalk
Many travelers have seen numerous photos of the Shibuya Crossing.
At first sight, it seems to be even smaller than one might expect. However, that is until the lights for pedestrians turn green.
Then all of a sudden, people rush to the intersection from all sides creating the chaos that is famous worldwide. Tourists are busy taking photographs, and locals simply continue doing their business as if nothing was going on.
It is a unique sight to see that people move around each other in a way that ensures they do not bump into anyone else.
Giant digital screens offer shopping and entertainment options that could easily be perceived as Tokyo’s Times Square but cleaner, quieter, and calmer.
The History of the Most Devoted Dog of Japan
Hachiko is quite a popular monument as millions of visitors pass by it annually.
What makes it so special is not its size but rather the story behind it. The dog symbolizes the concept of loyalty because he was waiting for his master until the day the latter died.
The statue became a cultural icon as it is a meeting point for many people.
Moreover, once you know about Hachiko, you understand the presence of the dog everywhere.
Best Snacks Exist Under the Ground
Subway stations in Tokyo are more than just transport points.
Subway stations can be compared to underground cities.
There are bakeries, cafés, dessert shops, and small food places in between different train stations.
A simple chocolate banana crepe snack turned out to be a tasty surprise. Even though a crepe with bananas, whipped cream, and chocolate filling does not sound something special, this crepe showed that even simple food in Tokyo is very finely prepared.
No frills.
A culinary masterpiece.
Taking Things Easy Resulted in Amazing Findings
One of the best decisions was not to stick to a strict plan.
Wandering through small streets allowing for a chance discovery of tiny artisan markets, souvenir stalls, and artists offering their own unique products.
Japanese calligraphy artist gave simple names an elegant and artistic look in art using artisan brush and colored paper.
Thus, instead of buying yet another coveted souvenir the experience became more valuable in terms of emotions.
A travel memory can sometimes be very valuable even if it may seem trivial in the first moment.
Shinjuku: Another Side of Tokyo
This area is busy; however, it is mostly filled with office buildings, bars, cozy restaurants, and huge transport stations.
It is already a big challenge to find the right exit of the station.
The underground tunnels lead us everywhere: to shopping malls, train platforms, restaurants, stores, and many exits. It is easy to lose the orientation even with Google Maps.
Nevertheless, there is a common pattern in Tokyo.
There are many kind people ready to give directions when you are confused and lost.
Tucked between the tall modern buildings is Omoide Yokocho.
While in this part of town, one can hardly see what could be called tourist attractions.
A cold Japanese beer and watching people chat after work grants a chance to experience another side of Tokyo, which is quite different from the famous touristic places in the city.
It’s obvious why this part of the city is attractive to photographers.
Experiencing Original A5 Wagyu Meets Expectations
Some meals become the zenith of the trip.
A5 Wagyu fits this description perfectly.
A teppanyaki restaurant on the 51st floor finishes off the epic dinner extravaganza that begins long before tasting the dish. The process of preparing the ingredients can hardly be compared to magic cooking.
The Wagyu beef is special because of its marble characteristics.
Like butter, the beef hardly requires chewing; the crispy garlic, vegetables, homemade mustard, and soy sauce add to the flavor experience, without ever covering the taste of the beef.
Costly?
Definitely so.
Unforgettable?
Of course.
For all beef lovers out there, having Wagyu beef in Japan is incomparable and unlike anything else they have ever experienced.
Tokyo Is Incredibly Safe At Any Time—Day or Night.
It seems that above all, it was not the food or places of interest that made the biggest impression.
It was the safety.
The feeling of safety that accompanied the walk through the bustling areas of the city at late hours was astonishing. The streets were clean, the public spaces were well-organized, and the people paid great attention to each other’s personal space.
Everything combined with the friendly people and helpful locals as well as extremely polite service people makes Tokyo one of those cities that one can enjoy wandering around without feeling uncomfortable.
A Comfortable Finale Following an Amazing Day
After a long day filled with exploration, the perfect ending was checking in at the hotel that had an amazing view of Tokyo’s skyline.
While gazing at the cities bright lights that went as far as the eyes could see, the discovery that stands out the most is that Tokyo is known for more than just its size.
Tokyo’s appeal doesn’t lie in its vastness, but rather in the city’s ability to combine great magnitude with incredible order.
Whether it is famous crossings or sumptuous Wagyu beef or the small charming corners of the city, or perfectly polite public transportation, the charm of Tokyo lies in its ability to inspire curiousness in people.
But the best news is that even after a whole day of exploration, it feels like just scratching the surface of everything Tokyo has.
