7 Days of Tokyo
In August last year, as part of a larger trip, I was lucky enough to spend a week in Tokyo... by myself.
To give some background to the significance that week had on my life, I should provide some of my life history prior to the trip. I am just 22 years old, but I had never been overseas before this trip. I was born and raised in the capital of Australia, Canberra. Whilst being the national capital, its entire population is similar in size to the special ward of Shinjuku, where I stayed whilst in Tokyo.
The equivilent of the whole, Australian population is approximately equal to the number of people who pass through Shinjuku Station in the course of a week.
I landed in Tokyo on the very first day of my trip, not knowing much more than 'please' and 'thank you'.
I probably had the best week of my life.
I would like to share some of the photos I took.
You can find more about my trip at my Website and on my Flickr.
Tokyo, looking west, from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Yodobashi Camera in Akihabara
A wind turbine installation in Akihabara
Shibuya at night
The Asakusa markets
The Sensoji temple in Asakusa
The Meiji Jingu Shrine gate near Harajuku
Prayer boards at the Harajuku shrine
Meiji Jingu shrine gardens
The infamous gundam on Odaiba Island
Totoro points the way to the Ghibli Museum
Laputa robot at the Ghibli Musum
Mitaka
Youth dance festival in Harajuku
Imperial Palace bridge
CEO Mirai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Looks like you had a great time!
Chief Everything Officer
http://www.ejovi.net
I like the shot of the Imperial Palace. The first visit is always the most special. I still have photos from my first trip. Thanks for sharing!
Security
Best damn store around!
Custom car builder
My arrival in the narita airport,I got lost following the green and yellow stripes on the ground!I dont speak any japanese and defnetly dont read any.I just followed the crowd of people getting off the plane,they ended up catching another flight to europe,which left me alone and lost for 3 hours!Till I got a signal on my global cell phone,where my friend that I was going to meet with rescued me!
Student/Servant
http://www.kincuri.com
It can be pretty intimidating going there for the first time, especially with the language barrier. I had the first night meticulously planned, getting from Narita to Shinjuku, because I knew I'd probably have had the same experience you had if I hadn't!
There's nothing quite like arriving at Shinjuku Station, with a mass of luggage, right in the evening peak.
Medical Student
http://www.protocolsnow.com
That's my worst nightmare. I always ride the Limousine Bus directly from Narita to my hotel so I don't have to struggle with luggage on Tokyo Metro/JR
IT specialist for application development, Business Process Manager
http://www.lukisblog.de
How I wish I could've seen it by myself T.T
Advertising Manager
Oh great! You've seen the Gundam! XDDD and Gibli Museum. I was told the tickets can only be bought in special days 3 months in advance...
Student/Servant
http://www.kincuri.com
Yeah, buying tickets to the Ghibli museum isn't the easiest of feats. I went through one of the local tourism companies (JTB Australia) to get tickets. Had to get them organised 3 months before hand, and you get given an exact day for when your ticket is valid.
I think you can buy them in some supermarkets in Japan (Lawson?), but that can be tricky for non-english speakers, especially if wanted to go on short-notice.
If you’re a fan of the films, it’s definitely worth visiting though!
The gundam was pretty cool too :p
Advertising Manager
I have a friend in Tokyo that knows using Loppi, maybe next time I go, I'll ask her to buy them for me :-)
Security
Your trip reminded me so much of my first trip to Tokyo 3 years ago. I went to the same places you took pics of so it looks like we both planned things out about the same way. I'm going back in May and can't wait. You plan on visiting again?
Student/Servant
http://www.kincuri.com
Absolutely! During the trip that I mentioned, I also spent time in London and Paris, but it's Tokyo that has stuck with me the most.
I am seriously considering taking Japanese lessons to break down the language barrier somewhat, in anticipation of one day going back, hopefully for longer than a week.
I think the visit to Akihabara and the Ghibli museum were the only things I really had planned. So much of my trip, like the Gundam and the Shrines and Temples were pleasent surpises discovered as I visited the major towncenters (Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa etc.)
Tokyo is such an amazing city!