[2019-10-02]
The evening on our third day was just getting started (read here what we did before this). To get out from the center of the city, where we spent almost all day, we had to get to one of the busiest stations; and where we could head to almost everywhere, Tokyo Station.
I was able to appreciate it while it was getting dark; its old European bricked façade is beautiful and contrasts with the modern, full of glass, high buildings that surround it.
The station is huge on the inside and has a lot of maze-like corridors that connect other stations around; there is even a big mall underground. You can easily get lost, but also you can enjoy exploring down there on a rainy day.
We went, then, to Minato ward, a bit to the south, to visit the iconic Tokyo Tower. Amazing. Maybe the Skytree is more impressive, almost doubling its high, but I got more emotions viewing this stunning structure with its intense reddish color (orange from afar due to the yellow lights).
On its base, there were some dessert stores; and we enjoyed a matcha soft cream; I’ve always wanted to try them, and they’re delicious. I’ve heard about a place behind Sensoji Temple, called Suzukien Asakusa, they supposedly have the best intense flavor. I didn’t get the chance to taste them, but here is the location.
Near the tower is the Sojouji Temple, but it was empty and in complete darkness. During the day could be a great spot having in view the Tokyo Tower behind the temple buildings; nevertheless, we kept wandering around, enjoying it for a bit and getting some pictures.
Our next and final destination for the day was Shibuya, one of the busiest places in Japan. I suppose most of the tourists would go there thinking on the busiest crossing; but when we exit Shibuya Station, I found enjoyment with the statue of Hachiko, some steps away from that intersection; it was a small calm space, before the overwhelmingness of, what I thought, would follow.
Although I didn’t feel the crossing that busy; I’m not sure if I got too distracted with the lights from the multiple screens surrounding us, but also, I think it was because of the hour (around 8:30 pm).
Shibuya itself wasn’t so overwhelming at all, as (last day) Akihabara. There were a lot of people, but it was somehow different, everyone calmly walking and enjoying the night, nobody luring you to noisy stores, and something interesting is that across all the streets there were speakers all playing the same music, so it didn’t feel much noise.
Nevertheless, this neighborhood wasn’t so iconic for me; it’s an identical image of multiple modern cities, full of stores and the same global consumerism. If you love that kind of experience, shopping and walking in areas like Times Square in New York, of course, you will like it; but I recommend spending your perhaps limited time in Tokyo on other unique places, that city is full of them.
Additionally, I noticed something that started to scratch the idea I had of Japan and its culture. I saw a lot of trash on those busy streets, on many corners and alleys; there always were some beer cans and cigarette butts.
We were making the most of our last night enjoying Tokyo together. So, we went to Torikizoku, some kind of chained izakaya (a restaurant/bar full of alcohol and snacks). These places are always full, and the Shibuya one was no exception; we had to wait some minutes before we got our table.
This place, being a popular chain in the country, has multilingual menu in touch screens on the tables. So, I recommend it as a first experience on an izakaya; also, it’s pretty affordable.
We had some beers with yakitori (skewered chicken), and also, I had edamame (boiled immature soybeans served in the pod). At first glance, those pods are something weird and unexpected, but after you taste it, you understand its popularity in Japan’s drinking culture.
We last there until 11:30 pm because we had to get the last train to the hostel, and a taxi was not an option; we were far, and it would have cost more than all of our 3 days at the hostel.
A taxi is an expensive premium service, so you should check ahead the times of the trains because it’s not a 24-hour service. Contrary to what you can expect of a big city like Tokyo.
If I remember correctly, we fell asleep on that train and missed our stop; we woke up at the following station and got lucky to get back on another train, or else we would have to walk some kilometers while falling asleep.
There is an option in Google Maps where you can receive a notification when you approach your stop. It’s pretty normal (and completely safe) to be asleep on the train there.
Don‘t hesitate to ask any questions in the comments below.
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