My Take on Tokyo

Posted on March 19, 2007 by Erica Belling

Where else in the world would you see Rockabillies, bagpipe-players, girls dressed as ‘Little Bo Beep’ and J-Pop bands all in an afternoon?

This is my take on Tokyo – eclectic at the least, crazy at best. And I’ve only been in Tokyo for 8 days! So far I have explored the streets of Harajuku, the bright lights of ShinjukuOne of Tokyo's 23 wards and home to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and the world's busiest train station. , the shopping of ShibuyaOne of Tokyo's 23 wards and a center of business, fashion, and nightlife. and the 6 floors of Don Quijote (you really can find ANYTHING you need there!)

I’ve had hot coffee from a can, tea from a can, soup from a can, traveled the subway in rush hour, bought a bicycle (a must in Tokyo), strolled OmotesandoRefers to both the busy avenue that has been called "Tokyo's Champs-Élysées" and the surrounding upscale shopping area. and been cleansed at the Meiji JinguA Shinto Shrine dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken located short walk from Harajuku Station in Tokyo. shrine. I’ve tackled the underground maze of endless stairs and escalators at RoppongiAn area of Tokyo very famous for its high concentration of nightlife and popularity among the foreign population. subway station, I’ve basked in the beauty of Yoyogi ParkOne of Tokyo's largest parks, located a short distance from Harajuku Station. and stared in amazement at the architecture of Roppongi Hills – and the price of mangoes - $300 Australian dollars a box!

From the perfectly presented Tokyo women to the punks to the straight-faced business men, I have found they all have something in common – a respect for one-another. This is how Tokyo works. Despite the bustling pace, I find this city of over 12 million people refreshingly calming and orderly. There is always somewhere to escape – whether through your thoughts and dreams or the little Japanese garden around the corner.

The Tokyo-ites I have met are very polite and friendly. My first journey on the subway was from the airport with three suitcases at 8am – the middle of Tokyo rush hour! If it weren’t for the assistance of a helpful Japanese businessman, I may have never have made it to Yoyogi station. You can see why my first impression of this city and its people is so positive!

I see Tokyo as a city of endless opportunity and daily challenges. My mind is already overloaded with plans for my life here. Challenge number one: learn Japanese!