Japan Day 1 (pt. 2) – Tokyo

Welcome back, fellow adventurers! In our previous escapade, Alex and I indulged in a delectable feast of mouth-watering pork cutlet and savory ramen. But hold on to your seats, because our journey through Tokyo has only just begun. Our next destination on day one was none other than the awe-inspiring Tokyo Sky Tree—an immense observation tower perched on the north side of this bustling metropolis. As we made our way there, we caught glimpses of the tower peeking through the clouds during our visit to Sensoji, igniting our curiosity even more.

With newfound confidence in navigating Tokyo’s train system, we hopped back into the station. Little did we know that what awaited us would surpass our wildest expectations. Picture this: as we arrived at our platform, we were met with colossal lines of people eagerly awaiting the train. Patiently, we joined the queue, and as the train pulled up, we stepped on board—only to be greeted by a sea of humanity. We were packed inside like sardines in a can, with not even a handle to hold on to. However, the remarkable part was the silence. Despite the thousands of passengers crammed into that train car, an otherworldly hush enveloped us. It was an introvert’s dream come true! This surreal experience lasted for a few stops until we reached our destination. Picture this: we had entered the train on the left-hand side, but due to the crowd, we barely managed to make our way into the car. When our stop came, we had to exit on the right. Exiting the train in a matter of seconds seemed like an impossible task. Yet, as I politely uttered “sumimasen” (excuse me) to the woman in front of me, the crowd miraculously parted, and we successfully stepped off the train. If I thought the rush hour train was intense, this was an entirely different level of chaos. Nevertheless, we persevered, taking one more, thankfully less crowded, train that eventually brought us to the Tokyo Sky Tree. But before we delve into that, there was something else that caught our attention—the glowing eyes of the beloved cat bus!

Into the enchanting Studio Ghibli store we went, and let me tell you, dear readers, this was a paradise for fans like us. This store had it all, including a life-sized Totoro! We happily perused the aisles, losing ourselves in the magic of the Ghibli universe. After about 30 minutes (and a few thousand yen later), a lovely European couple approached us, requesting a photo with Totoro. In the spirit of good neighborliness, we gladly obliged and they returned the favor. After bidding farewell to our fluffy friend, it was time to acquire our tickets for the Tokyo Sky Tree. Making our way through the building, we reached the ticket counter where we were swiftly ushered to the elevator. Our excitement soared as we waited alongside a group of enthusiastic school children. Brace yourselves for this: the elevator journey was mind-bogglingly rapid, hurtling us up a staggering 350 stories in a mere 50 seconds! Our ears popped multiple times, serving as a testament to the astonishing speed. As the doors opened, an awe-inspiring vista of Tokyo unfolded before our eyes. I had known Tokyo was vast, but I was wholly unprepared for the sheer magnitude of its sprawl. Skyscrapers stretched as far as the eye could see, forming a city within a city. It was a sight that defied comprehension. The observation deck provided us with a 360-degree panorama, allowing us to spot the very same Sensoji temple where our Sky Tree adventure had begun.

After relishing the breathtaking view for about an hour, we reluctantly descended, but our expedition was far from over. There were a couple of other must-visit locations beckoning us—namely, the Pokemon Center Sky Tree Town and the renowned Kirby Cafe. Roaming through the vast mall, we stumbled upon a plethora of delightful stores. From a Hello Kitty wonderland to a Shonen Jump haven, the options seemed endless. And then, dear readers, we spotted it—the iconic Pikachu riding a Rayquaza, marking the entrance to the Pokemon Center. Soft melodies filled the air as we excitedly explored the store. Here’s a funny anecdote for you: we had been fruitlessly searching for an eyeglass case all day since Alex had left his on the plane. We scoured drugstores, convenience stores, and even the sprawling 5-story Don Quijote “everything” store, yet we found nothing. But guess where we stumbled upon a case? You guessed it—the Pokemon Center! Once again, we lost track of time (and more yen) before finally heading to the Kirby Cafe. Despite our unsuccessful attempts to secure a reservation for a meal, we were still able to revel in the ambiance and browse through the charming merchandise on display.

By this point, the day was waning, and hunger began to gnaw at us. Luckily, we recalled a themed cafe near our hotel that we had yet to explore—the Square Enix Cafe. As we entered, we were informed that they would be closing in 30 minutes. However, if we placed our orders promptly, they would accommodate us. Given our penchant for indecisiveness, this proved to be a serendipitous choice. Now, dear readers, brace yourselves for a quirky surprise. The cafe was currently themed around a mobile gacha game I enjoy called Sin o Alice, and guess what? The restaurant itself was like a gacha machine. We were handed an iPad with a “menu” that concealed the specific food and drink options. The subsequent pages revealed various blurred selections, and you could only choose from the randomized categories of food or drink. Why not embrace the whimsy? It sounded like a fun game! Thus, we eagerly ordered two dishes and two drinks. The beverages arrived first, and mine was an exquisite concoction that I can only describe as chocolate milk with a twist. It boasted a hint of mint, a sprinkle of gold leaf, and a cooling sensation that delighted my taste buds. Alex’s drink, on the other hand, was a refreshing fruity sprite creation. Both were superb. Then came the moment of truth—our meals emerged from beneath domed serving trays, accompanied by a captivating performance that revealed our “gacha” winnings. To my surprise, I received a delectable red bean paste mochi shaped like a bear’s paw, accompanied by a mysterious black sesame ice cream. I couldn’t quite put my finger on the exact flavor of the ice cream, but it definitely had a nutty essence. As for Alex, he savored a tantalizing pesto casserole dish. Each bite was a revelation, and the portions were just enough to satiate our hunger for the rest of the night. All in all, our bill for two dishes and two drinks amounted to approximately $30—quite reasonable considering the experience!

And so, with satisfied palates and an insurmountable sense of adventure, we returned to our hotel, ready to collapse into a well-deserved slumber. Day one was now complete, capturing the exhilarating unpredictability of our first day in this magnificent city. But hold on tight, dear readers, because today brings new escapades and untold wonders. While yesterday’s exploits were largely unplanned, the thrill of the unknown, the labyrinthine train rides through the world’s largest city, and the challenge of deciphering unfamiliar conversations made for an exhilarating and slightly terrifying experience. As for today, let me share a glimpse of our planned itinerary: first up, the highly coveted Pokemon Cafe (yes, we snagged those reservations, even though they sold out in a mere two minutes!). Next, we’ll explore Tokyo Character Street, followed by a visit to the Imperial Palace. Who knows what other marvels await us on this journey? But one thing is certain—it will be nothing short of amazing!

Stay tuned for the next chapter of our Tokyo escapade, dear readers. Adventure awaits!

-T