Touch down Tokyo
We landed in Tokyo around 8pm.
To tell you we had an easy time navigating the city subways, heavy bags on our backs, no Yen in our pockets and beyond weary after 24 hours of travel, would be a lie. We were ill prepared and exuasuted, but what I can tell you is this- when you come to Tokyo, bring Yen-like cash money. ATM's are hard to find and especially late at night- we learned this one the hard way. Be prepared for NO ONE to speak english. I won't bore you with the details but we finally found our train, found our Airbnb and eventually, got some sleep.
When we woke up Friday morning, and tackled our immediate neighborhood. The area of Shinjuku. There is SO much to see here. Our house being tucked into a relatively quiet fold on the residential outskirts- we chose to stroll south through the residential area until we reached the charming neighborhood of Kitazawa. Low and behold a vintage shopping mecca! adorable small windy streets with vintage stores and cafes tucked into each twist and turn. Anyone who knows me would understand my absolute delight! but then the saddest realization ever- remembering this is the 1st day of a 4 month trip, and my bag is already so heavy I can still feel my shoulders aching each time I touch a single vintage dress.
Needless to say I left empty handed, but full of absolute love for this tiny area. We moseyed our way west... Towards the Meiji Jingu or Meiji Shrine. This beautiful shrine is snuggled in a large forest of beautiful trees and lawns. We walked the vast grounds- all alone for about 20 mins- with only the loud (very loud) cawing of giant crows above us. We found our way to the temple itself with a swarm of tourists to welcome us.
One of the most interesting observations about Tokyo so far, is the harmony of city and nature. They have found a way to really leave behind the city in places such as this, making the visitor feel as thought they have travel far from the city. Even with tourists and cameras everywhere it was still a quiet respite; this age old sanctuary built and protected by the people of Japan.
After getting chocked full of nature, we left the park prepared for the Harajuku district. Everything they say is true. It's packed, it's loud, it's touristy, it's insane. imagine sequins on top of glitter on top of a cupcake with a kitten holding a rainbow. It's sensory overload at its best. We didn't last long though -fighting through the crowded streets, our feet and tummies could only handle it for so long, so we found a ramen shop and headed home. And that was it! Pretty great first day.
Japan is already shaping up to be an insane planet of tiny things- food portions, buildings and people alike. And winning us over with its grace and charm every moment.
More to come- but for now O-didn't nasai
