TOKYO
As a lady who loves to wander large cities, Tokyo was always in my sights. After seeing it this spring I can happily say it exceeded expectation. Sprawling skyscraper views, neon lit streets and traditional customs make Tokyo an incredibly unique and fun place to be a tourist. Always a leader in business and technology, the Japan capital attracts people from all over the globe and is the world's most populated metropolis. Despite this, Tokyo was one of the cleanest and most efficient places I have been.
Shibuya is one of Tokyo's busiest areas and a major draw for tourists. It is home to the world's most famous intersection: Shibuya Crossing. At any given time, hundreds of people will stand together waiting for the lights to change. As soon as they do strangers pass each other in what seems like a million different directions. Some are locals walking confidently, and others are visitors, laughing and taking video evidence of this special moment. Miraculously, everyone seems to walk with ease and not run into the other! You honestly can't help but smile and even get a few butterflies while crossing this brilliant scramble. It is so iconic and perfectly represents Tokyo's beautiful, electric energy. After enjoying the crowds I recommend a walk to Yoyogi Park, a sprawling green space in the city. Arriving on the tail end of Sakura season, I could still make out some cherry blossoms in the trees. This was a great place to walk off my jet lag and enjoy some tranquility. I seemed to be here on a quiet day but apparently there is lots of entertainment on the weekends. Yoyogi is also home to Meiji Shrine, one of the country's most popular shrines. The close neighbourhood of Harajuku is a must when in Tokyo. Harajuku is guaranteed to be a colorful, quirky time. Takeshita Street is a notorious hangout for Tokyo teens but also offers a little something for everyone as it is filled with sweet shops, cafes and boutiques galore. Here you will find lots of Japanese pop culture, fashion and anime.
SENSO-JI, ASAKUSA, ODAIBA
During this trip I stayed in Minato City, one of Tokyo's 23 special wards or municipalities. My hotel was located in the middle of the super modernized Shiodome district. When I arrived, slightly disoriented after a flight halfway across the world, I was absolutely blown away by the view from my room. Waking up at 5:00 in the morning, unable to sleep from jet lag and watching the sunrise pour over the towering skyline is one of my favorite travel memories to date. I truly believe the Tokyo horizon is pure magic! After a relaxing morning exploring my surroundings I headed to Shimbashi station for my first stop-Shibuya!
SHIBUYA, YOYOGI, HARAJUKU
SHIBUYA, YOYOGI, HARAJUKU
Shibuya is one of Tokyo's busiest areas and a major draw for tourists. It is home to the world's most famous intersection: Shibuya Crossing. At any given time, hundreds of people will stand together waiting for the lights to change. As soon as they do strangers pass each other in what seems like a million different directions. Some are locals walking confidently, and others are visitors, laughing and taking video evidence of this special moment. Miraculously, everyone seems to walk with ease and not run into the other! You honestly can't help but smile and even get a few butterflies while crossing this brilliant scramble. It is so iconic and perfectly represents Tokyo's beautiful, electric energy. After enjoying the crowds I recommend a walk to Yoyogi Park, a sprawling green space in the city. Arriving on the tail end of Sakura season, I could still make out some cherry blossoms in the trees. This was a great place to walk off my jet lag and enjoy some tranquility. I seemed to be here on a quiet day but apparently there is lots of entertainment on the weekends. Yoyogi is also home to Meiji Shrine, one of the country's most popular shrines. The close neighbourhood of Harajuku is a must when in Tokyo. Harajuku is guaranteed to be a colorful, quirky time. Takeshita Street is a notorious hangout for Tokyo teens but also offers a little something for everyone as it is filled with sweet shops, cafes and boutiques galore. Here you will find lots of Japanese pop culture, fashion and anime.
Exploring Senso-ji is special as it gives a taste of ancient, traditional Tokyo. Located in adorable Asakusa this stunning Buddhist temple is one of the city's oldest and most popular attractions. There are many photo opportunities to be found in this area filled with people, many donning kimonos. Nakamise shopping street leads up to the temple gates and brims with lovely souvenir shops. This neighbourhood was very endearing with older locals out shopping or having afternoon tea. I loved seeing the bicycles and little side streets. I also couldn't help notice the visible Tokyo Sky Tree watching over us. On the opposite end of the spectrum was Odaiba, the area I explored later on. This place could be described as a futuristic island with lots of shopping and waterfront views. The atmosphere is similar to a seaside pier and offers gorgeous looks of the bay on a warm day. Attractions such as Daikanrasha, Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Liberty replica can all be found here. It is also worth mentioning that the Yurikamome train I took to get here was a comfortable ride with fantastic sights along the way. The metro in general was something I used often and got very familiar with.
GINZA, SHINJUKU
Ginza to me is the Fifth Avenue of Tokyo. Luxurious brand names and restaurants make it a great place to go for a stroll. This attractive boulevard was bustling with crowds from all walks of life and like many places in this city, lit up beautifully as the evening fell. It is also perfect for people watching and admiring the exclusive Tokyo style. Tokyoites really know how to dress and also make masks look so very cool. Perhaps the most famous lights in all of Tokyo are those in Shinjuku, home to the world's busiest railway station. This area is known to come alive at night with blazing neon signs and hidden alleyways of bars and hotels. Japan has an amazing music scene and I was surprised that buying CDs is still a very common practice in this country. This was evident by all of the music and record shops I came across. Shinjuku is quintessentially Tokyo with its larger than life atmosphere. It is an idealistic place to get lost in. Speaking of that, this was also the main setting for a very famous movie. Do you know what it is?
Ginza to me is the Fifth Avenue of Tokyo. Luxurious brand names and restaurants make it a great place to go for a stroll. This attractive boulevard was bustling with crowds from all walks of life and like many places in this city, lit up beautifully as the evening fell. It is also perfect for people watching and admiring the exclusive Tokyo style. Tokyoites really know how to dress and also make masks look so very cool. Perhaps the most famous lights in all of Tokyo are those in Shinjuku, home to the world's busiest railway station. This area is known to come alive at night with blazing neon signs and hidden alleyways of bars and hotels. Japan has an amazing music scene and I was surprised that buying CDs is still a very common practice in this country. This was evident by all of the music and record shops I came across. Shinjuku is quintessentially Tokyo with its larger than life atmosphere. It is an idealistic place to get lost in. Speaking of that, this was also the main setting for a very famous movie. Do you know what it is?
Tokyo is one of those cities that is at times indescribable. As soon as I arrived I felt an intensity that only cities like this can bring. At the same time, I often felt incredibly relaxed and welcomed into a place that was so foreign to me. My trip was short-a whirlwind of changing time zones and strange sleep patterns. But I came back feeling so replenished and thankful to have this city in my heart.
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