Tokyo is a city that truly has it all. From bustling shopping districts to ancient temples, there’s something for everyone. Our week-long visit, the final leg of our global adventure, barely scratched the surface of this incredible metropolis. We explored the vibrant neighborhoods of Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, and Akihabara, and even ventured outside the city for some memorable day trips.
This city was a sensory overload! Though we enjoyed our time, July proved to be a challenging month for exploring. The heat and humidity were unrelenting, and the crowds were immense. Shopping areas felt like human ant farms, making Black Friday in the US seem positively deserted.
But despite the challenges, Tokyo charmed us with its unique culture and captivating sights. We fell in love with the city’s courtesy, beautiful temples, and the thrill of watching sumo wrestling. But the real highlight? The food! We couldn’t resist the delicious sushi, indulging in our favorite spot, Sushiro, and other delightful sushi restaurants scattered throughout the city. Our journey from Kyoto to Tokyo on the Shinkansen was a highlight in itself. We enjoyed sushi bento boxes while gazing at Mount Fuji passing by our window—a quintessential Japanese experience.
Exploring Kamakura: A Day Trip with a Twist
A short train ride south of Tokyo led us to Kamakura, a serene coastal town. Our day trip was filled with beautiful sights, including the awe-inspiring Great Buddha, also known as Daibutsu, and the picturesque Hase-dera temple. However, our exploration was cut short by a typhoon, which brought heavy rain and strong winds, reminding us of the power of nature.
Akihabara: Where Electronics and Anime Collide
Akihabara, affectionately known as “Electric Town,” was a true delight. This vibrant district is a paradise for electronics enthusiasts, anime fans, and arcade lovers. We spent hours browsing Yodibashi Camera, the world’s largest department store, marveling at the latest gadgets. From cameras and TVs to refrigerators and even electronic toilet seats, the selection was astounding. Our main purchase was a new mouse for Tyler, but we couldn’t resist ogling at the curved screen TVs and the latest camera models.
Navigating the Maze of Shinjuku Station: Tokyo’s Heartbeat
Our apartment was located north of Tokyo, requiring us to navigate the city’s extensive metro/train system daily. And what a system it is! Shinjuku Station, the world’s largest train station, witnessed over three million people passing through its 200 exits and 36 platforms each day. This incredible number almost rivals the entire population of New Zealand! The bustling area surrounding the station was a sensory overload of shopping malls, neon lights, restaurants, and even a Godzilla statue, a truly unforgettable experience.
Ginza: Where Luxury Meets Tradition
Ginza, a district known for its high-end shopping, was a unique blend of luxury and tradition. Many menus were in Japanese, but restaurants displayed plastic models of their dishes, making it easy for us to choose our meal. We enjoyed the udon noodles and rice – a taste of real Japanese comfort food.
Our Final Destination: A Bittersweet Farewell
Tokyo marked the end of our incredible journey around the world. Our week in this dynamic city was both exhilarating and bittersweet. We were eager to return home, but also a little sad to leave behind the magic of Tokyo. The added challenge of finding a new place to live upon our return made the journey a bit more complex. From Tokyo, we boarded a flight to Los Angeles, and the realization hit us—our grand adventure was coming to an end. It feels strange to be returning to the US, but that’s a story for another time! Stay tuned for more!
