Booming and Brilliant Tokyo

The world’s largest city is an intriguing and complex metropolis.  Its architecture has been heavily influenced by two major events – the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake and the extensive bombings during WWII - both which ravaged the majority of the city.  As such, the urban landscape is relatively new and has a very practical, albeit slightly less grand, feel.  

What the city lacks in architectural “wow factor”, however, it makes up for in efficiency and cleanliness.  In a city of 30 million people, we have yet to see a piece of garbage littering the street or graffiti on the side of even one building.  The streets actually look like they are washed everyday.

This pride of ownership and respect for community can be felt far beyond the architecture:  For example:

• Lines to get on and off the subway are orderly with the first arriver getting the front place in line and the others forming neatly behind as they arrive.  
• Payments at stores or restaurants are made by placing the cash or credit card neatly in a dish for collection and then returned accordingly after the purchase is completed.  
• Hordes of people show up for cherry blossom celebrations and sit on massive tarps under the blooming trees and every single person takes their shoes off before stepping onto the sheet to ensure things are kept neat and clean.
• People wear masks not only to minimize allergies from the pollen but also to prevent the spread of illness when they are feeling unwell.

Being surrounded by people who are so aware and conscientious of those around them inspired the better in us too.  We naturally found ourselves refraining from talking on the subway and checking our shoes before getting in a taxi to make sure we didn’t accidentally bring in any dirt.  The sense of community is intense even in such a big place.

There are so many fascinating areas in Tokyo...  

• Shibuya - A prime shopping area where thousands of people hurry across a 4-way crosswalk - The Shibuya Crossing - on weekends.  
• Harajuku - The home to Tokyo’s fashion district and a surprisingly popular place to buy popcorn.  Lines for Garrett’s popcorn shop start half an hour before opening and curl around the block by the time the store opens its doors.  
• The Imperial Palace - This district offers beautiful places to walk, with a serene river lined by stunning cherry blossom trees. 
• Akasaka - One of Tokyo's central business districts and full of corporate headquarters and gorgeous hotel
• Ginza - The prime shopping and entertainment district which houses some of the most expensive real estate in the city.

Tokyo has so many interesting areas and hidden gems, you could spend a month here sightseeing and barely scratch the surface of all it has to offer....