Japan Part 1: Discovering Tokyo's Perfect Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Ever since I was little, I've been fascinated by Japanese culture. It all started with my love for anime - I would rush home from school to catch the latest episodes of Digimon, Pokémon, Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura and Wedding Peach. The colorful characters, imaginative storylines and peek into a culture so different from my own ignited a spark that grew into a burning desire to one day visit the Land of the Rising Sun myself.
After years of dreaming and saving, I finally embarked on my bucket list trip to Japan. My adventure began in the pulsing heart of the country - Tokyo. I had heard that Japan's capital was a city of contrasts, where cutting-edge technology and modern skyscrapers coexist with ancient temples and timeless traditions. But I wasn't prepared for just how captivating this juxtaposition would be.
Stepping out of the airport, I was immediately struck by the ordered chaos of it all. Crowds of people rushed by, but there was no jostling or impatient elbowing. In fact, I quickly learned that the Japanese are some of the most polite, respectful people I've ever encountered. Shop clerks and servers greeted me with a bow and a friendly "irasshaimase!".
However, I did notice that this courtesy didn't always extend to the packed city sidewalks. A few times, people bumped into me without so much as an "excuse me" or "gomen nasai" as they continued speedwalking to their destination. It surprised me at first, but I realized that in a metropolis as dense as Tokyo, you'd spend your whole day apologizing if you stopped for every accidental jostle. It's just an accepted part of the big city bustle.
One of my first stops was the Tokyo Imperial Palace, home to Japan's imperial family. The palace itself is closed to the public, but I took a lovely stroll through the surrounding gardens. Perfectly manicured trees, sprawling lawns, stone bridges and moats provided a tranquil escape in the middle of the city. I learned that Japan still has an emperor, although nowadays his role is ceremonial rather than political. The imperial line is said to stretch back 2600 years!
The gardens were my first glimpse of Tokyo's traditional side, and I was eager to dive deeper. Sensoji Temple in Asakusa was next on my list. Approaching the temple, I passed through the Kaminarimon, a huge gate with an enormous red lantern hanging underneath. A lively street market lined the way, hawking everything from kimono to rice crackers.
When I finally arrived at the main hall, I was awestruck. The ancient Buddhist temple is Tokyo's oldest, and it shows - in the best possible way. Intricate carvings, golden details, and wafting incense engaged all the senses. I even got to try an o-mikuji - a fortune telling paper strip. I was absolutely ecstatic to have pulled number 84, the best fortune, and I will cherish it dearly.
For a taste of more recent history, I headed to the Meiji Shrine in Shibuya. This Shinto shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji, who reigned in the late 19th-early 20th century. The shrine was serene and austere compared to the ornate Sensoji Temple, with its simple wooden architecture and forested grounds. As I walked under the towering torii gate, I felt like I was being transported back in time and far away from the trendy Harajuku neighborhood just outside.
Of course, no trip to Tokyo would be complete without witnessing the famous Shibuya Crossing. Even though from a tourist bus, I watched in amazement as hundreds, maybe thousands, of people streamed across the intersection in every direction, moving like a single organism once the light turned green. Somehow, there was harmony in the chaos, with everyone seamlessly weaving around each other. It struck me as a metaphor for Tokyo itself - a city that moves to its own unique rhythm.
Speaking of transportation, I have to gush about Tokyo's metro system. It's hands down the most efficient, clean and easy to use public transit I've ever experienced. The trains run like clockwork and even though they get incredibly crowded during rush hour, everyone queues up in orderly lines on the platform. A lot of pushing, but no cutting. Each train even has markings on the platform showing you exactly where the doors will open! Coming from a country where public transportation is a bit more "every man for himself," I was impressed.
I worked up quite an appetite with all my criss-crossing of the city. Tokyo is a foodie paradise, and I couldn't wait to indulge. The city has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, but even the cheap eats are lovely. I sampled everything from sushi to ramen, just not wagyu beef. While delicious, I have to admit the flavors were a bit more subtle and simple than the bolder, fusion-style Japanese food I usually eat back home. I guess I have developed that Irish palate!
For a bird's eye view of the city, I headed to Tokyo Tower. The bright orange and white structure is like a Japanese version of the Eiffel Tower. I rode the elevator up 150 meters to the main deck and marveled at the 360 degree city views. It really hit me in that moment - I was finally here, standing in a place I had dreamed about for so long. What a rush!
I capped off my Tokyo adventure with a scenic cruise down the Sumida River. As the boat glided under bridges and past skyscrapers, I reflected on everything I had experienced. In just a few short days, the city had stolen my heart with its seamless blend of old and new, hi-tech and traditional, reserved and welcoming. I felt like I had only scratched the surface of all Tokyo has to offer. Will I be back, I don’t know, theres much I don’t like, but there’s still so much to explore.
But I couldn't linger too long - Mount Fuji was calling my name. I hopped on a bus and left the urban sprawl behind, watching as the buildings gradually gave way to lush green forests. After a few hours, the iconic snow-capped peak came into view, standing tall and serene above the surrounding landscape. The active volcano has been a pilgrimage site for centuries and a muse for countless artists. Its almost perfectly symmetrical cone is instantly recognizable around the world.
After that we went to see where the black eggs were made, ascending in a cable car over sulphuric volcanic clouds, while the views were breathtaking, the smell left me constantly heaving, but it was worth it in the end, just by witnessing the earth creating marvelous smoke balloons.
I know my time in Japan has only just begun, but already the country has captured my imagination even more than the anime of my childhood. Next up, Osaka.
