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"Tokyo -- A City that Grows on You" a Tokyo Travel Page by AKtravelers

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"Tokyo -- A City that Grows on You" a Tokyo Travel Page by AKtravelers

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AKtravelers   
My plan:1. See the world 2. Have a beer


Real Name: Kevin
Lives In: Tokyo, JP
Member Since: Oct 10, 2000
VT Rank: 229

 

Page Views: 1,891            Last Visit to Tokyo: October, 2009      I Live Here

Tokyo -- A City that Grows on You

by AKtravelers - last update: Oct 23, 2009

A view of Tokyo harbor from the Maritime Museum
I like Tokyo. I couldn't always say that, but the city grows on you after you visit it several times and find its small pleasures. With its sheer size, dense crowds and indecipherable (for me) signs, Tokyo can be intimidating if you let it. But instead of looking at Tokyo as one big mass of urbanity, I suggest thinking of it as several towns and cities (some small, some not) that have gradually merged into a glob of humanity, concrete, high-tech and neon. Then you can divide the city in chunks and enjoy it leisurely.
The favorite chunks for most tourists are also my favorite as well. I love Asakusa for its old Edo feeling (something you can't find anywhere in a city that was flattened by bombs 60 years ago), Shinjuku and Ginza for lights, Shibuya for its energy and Ueno for its museums. But everytime I return to Tokyo I'm reminded how much I like it no matter where I am.
A family strolls in the Nezu Shrine

Tokyo has Quiet Spots

Though the city is loud, bright and bustling, its residents are still Japanese. And the Japanese do appreciate quiet places, so every corner of Tokyo has a park or place of repose where one can escape the madness. Often, these places are small religious shrines, which are definitely worth a visit. But Tokyo has some great parks and gardens that deserve your attention, like the Imperial Palace gardens or Ueno Park. My favorite is Yoyogi Park, which not only has space for relaxation, but also -- every Sunday -- plays hosts to numerous local rock bands and performers who busk for your entertainment you should throw them a coin or two if you appreciate their effort).
When you wander around Tokyo's neighborhoods, you often forget you are in one of the world's great cities -- but you never forget you're in Japan. Everything is on a smaller scale -- actually, a smaller scale than most westerners are used to. Here the pace is slower.
A traditionally-dressed subway rider with ipod

Utterly Modern With A Taste of Tradition

Tokyo is quite likely the most modern city in the world, with high-tech gadgets everywhere. This makes the city a fascinating place to wander around in. Even if you do nothing touristy, you'll be regaled by high-definition video advertisements, notice that almost every vehicle has a dashboard computer, be informed by traffic-monitoring screens on the highways and watch people pay for purchases by waving their cellphones at the cash register. And you may be totally confused by the toilets. All of this activity will be accompanied by the same ubiquitous high-pitched sing-songy female voice responding "arigato gozaimisu" or some other equally-polite phrase. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with it all and you may feel like -- even as an American -- like you come from a Third World country. Happily, when your energy sags, there's always a Starbuck's around every corner to pep you up and keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
At t he same time, Tokyo tries desperately to hang onto some of its past despite the relentlessly modernizing crush. You see this by the scores of traditionally-dressed women attending events around town and feel it at the timeless temples and shrines. Yet don't expect much of old Japan in Tokyo -- fire-bombing in World War II reduced much of the city to charred rubble, so anything older than 1945 is rare.

> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]

Pros:"Energetic, hypermodern and polite"
Cons:"continuously assaulting your senses"
In A Nutshell:"Watch out for the toilets!"
AKtravelers' Tokyo Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 13 - Photos: 44
 
Restaurants
Tips: 1 - Photos: 4
Hotels & Accommodations
 
Nightlife
Tips: 2 - Photos: 8
Off The Beaten Path
Tips: 3 - Photos: 4
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2
 
TransportationLocal Customs
Tips: 6 - Photos: 12
 
Packing Lists
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
Shopping
Tips: 2 - Photos: 4
 
Sports Travel
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
General Tips
Tips: 2 - Photos: 4

AKtravelers' Tokyo Travelogues
Title [Click to view]Travel YearPictures
Sights of Asakusa & Sensoji Temple- 8
Sunday in Yoyogi Park October, 2009 8

Comments for AKtravelers about Tokyo
jadedmuse Fri Nov 6, 2009 02:32 UTC
 Know of this story and very cool to see the statue...very touching tribute. I'm sure Baci would do the same....naaaht!
eviltooth Wed Nov 7, 2007 12:37 UTC
 My late grandfather and great grandfather fought against the Japanese during WWII.It'll be interesting to read abt stories from "the other side" at the museum.Will definitely visit in Dec when I get there.Thanks for the tips.
cheesecake17 Fri Aug 19, 2005 02:27 UTC
 yeap..the gas station should be on everyone to do list..LOL......ursula

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