Kanechiwa Japan!

Kanechiwa, a common greeting and (I think!) literally translated as “good day/good afternoon”.

Japan is amazing… and Tokyo is an absolutely incredible city! Today I had the great privilege of being introduced to Tokyo, Japan’s capital since 1868 and the Meiji Revolution. My American hosts graciously secured a local to act as my tour guide for the day who provided a perfect combination of social connection, historical context, and fun facts along the way. Our day was intense and invigorating… We took the subway so many times I think the trains are ending the day tired! Here is a summary of our adventures:

The Ginza Yon-chome Crossing described by Lonely Planet: "famous department stores by day, a neon canyon by night."

The Ginza District: Known for its shopping and highend retail shops… this area is the equivalent (although magnified!) of the Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Collins Avenue in Miami, or Rodeo Drive in L.A. The department stores are full of shiny (and VERY expensive) things. The glamorous district was fun to see. We didn’t see the imperial palace because it is not visible to visitors (although I hear the surrounding gardens are lovely).

The other ”thing to see” in Central Tokyo is the Tsukiji Central Fish Market - the largest in the world. Why we missed the fish throwing, bargaining, auction and early morning action (from 6-8 a.m.) – we did get to see the remnants of the morning ritual. The sushi restaurant where we ate lunch (and all of the restaurants in that area) are renowned for their “fresh” fish. Caught in the a.m. and served almost straight out of the water. I think I may have seen my sushi wiggle!

The view from the observatory at the Metropolitan Government Building.

From Ginza we traveled to Shinjuku and the famous Shinjuku Station – the busiest station in the world! (Are you starting to see a trend here?!?). Shinjuku hosts many of Tokyo’s skyscrapers. The Metropolitan Government Building has a free observation floor which provides an amazing view of the city.

From Shinjuku we went to Harajuku… a neighborhood that hosts the famous Meji Shrine and the center of “pop culture” on Takeshita Avenue.

Meiji-Jingu (Meiji Shrine) built in 1920 is considered by many to be Japan's "grandest"... the original was destroyed in WWII and rebuilt in 1958. There are 100,000 trees that surround this sacred place in the heart of Tokyo.

Takeshita Dori described by the Lonely Planet as representing "both Toykyo's propensity for booth teenage kitsch and subcultural fetish"... A crazy and fun place to take a stroll!

This little device (or a version thereof) is found in almost every bathroom in Tokyo. The buttons have pictures in case one can't read the traditional Chinese script. The options even include music to cover over any undesirable sounds that might emanate... Most of the bathrooms also have disinfectant spray that is used to clean the toilet seats before they are used.

In between each of these neighborhood visits there were all kinds of little cultural observations along the way. Many women carry wash cloths to wipe their faces as the weather is so incredibly humid, it is helpful to have a cloth at hand to wipe the sweat away. The bathrooms are unbelievable… I have been impressed by the cleanliness of a city which hosts millions and millions and millions of people.

The day ended with a stop at Shibuya Crossway… which captured attention in “Lost in Translation.” Again quoting the Lonely Planet (they sat it so well!): “Adjacent to Hachiko Plaza is arguably one of the coolest intersections you will ever see in your life.” Having been (both at dusk and in the dark) – I was certainly not disappointed! Huge neon lights, enormous video screens (think Times Square on steroids)… When we arrived, I felt like I was in the heart of Tokyo! While in Shibuya, I also had a cross-cultural experience while spending a little time at a Japanese Izakaya (think the Japanese equivalent of an Irish pub) – a great atmosphere and wonderful place to rest my feet at the end of an intense and wonderfully fulling day in Tokyo.

My guide (and now friend!) Daichi at the Izakaya "Doma-Doma" in Shibuya. Before eating the Japanese say "eetadakeemas" which means "we humbly receive."