Tokyo is like no other city!!!

A fascinating culture with the most generous, respectful and patient people by miles!

I am not exaggerating…

It literally is that accurate!

I had no idea we had it in us to be this nice!

Don’t get me wrong. For people living in it, it’s not an easy feast. They work hard…in fact they may just work too hard. At times they appear solemn. Japan’s suicide rate exceeds world average. It is the second leading cause of death among younger generation. Japanese are an accomplished society and they pay a heavy tag for it. You’d think a nation this maxed out would scorn at the sight of a tourist who gets in their way towards the end of the night. Yet their gentleness is evident only then. One evening we stood lost in the middle of the metro station figuring out which train to embark on. A lady came by, instructed us to follow her, she led us straight to our train, we marched inside hoping she’d follow our footsteps, instead she waved us goodbye and took off to catch her train. People are willing to go above and beyond to make your life easy. This is just one of several examples of Japanese hospitality we encountered. It shows me how devoted they are to their country and the extent of pride they hold in their culture.

I look forward to sharing my pictures to show you how marvelous this place is. And hopefully convince you to visit Japan in your lifetime to be able to experience its hospitality first-hand.

With that said, let’s start with our itinerary!

Late night arrival from Kyoto to our luxury apartment in Shinjuku. We got lucky! This is spacious for Tokyo standards. Thanks to Airbnb!

Started our day with a stroll down Shinjuku, Tokyo’s largest skyscraper district.

Made our way into Shinjuku station for lunch, one of Tokyo’s busiest stations. Tokyo Metro stations are blackholes on Earth – once you make your way into them, you can’t get out, just letting you know! There are fully equipped cities buried in there. For instance, check out this extensive cafeteria where we stopped to grab midday meals

$140 melons!!??!!#$#%#

Grabbed our goodies and headed to rooftop of the metro station – 8th floor – for a relaxing meal and view!

Then made our way to Omotesando, Japan’s trendy district.

Here’s Prada store, a popular landmark:

Condomania, a popular chain, not kidding!

We started breathing once we saw Zara, Forever 21…more fitting for our wallets. GU and Uniqlo are other stores you definitely want to pay a visit to, both low-cost brilliant fashion chains, guaranteed to take half a day! GU’s Ginza location is their flagship store.

Much later in the evening I discovered a heaven called Laforet Harajuku. I realized then I was standing at the corner of Omotesando and Harajuku, the epicenter of Tokyo fashion! I wish I could have photographed all of Laforet – talk about fashion on steroids – unfortunately no photography was allowed inside 😦

Wasn’t long until I had at least 15 lbs to carry in each hand so it only made sense to end the night quick.

Next day, visited Tokyo Metropolitan Government building, a few blocks from our apt. The observatory on the 45th floor provides free views of the city.

That’s Yoyogi Park below, Tokyo’s version of Central Park. On Sundays, Tokyo’s harajukus crowd the park – said to be Photography heaven!

Be sure to stop by Crank Trunk on the 45th floor, close to the exit. Unique souvenir finds!

Olympics 2020 banners everywhere – they…are…ready!

Headed to Ginza, Tokyo’s premier district. Think Rodeo Drive!

If hungry for a quick snack, drop by a corner cafe called Le Cafe Doutor – $12 for a sandwich, coffee, salad and soup with complimentary dessert, all pretty good.

Mitsukoshi, a huge department store, is only a block away from this cafe. We had to go there to try the famous macarons of Laduree. Worth…every…step…we…took…on…the…way…there!

Flavors: Rose Lychee, Cherry Blossom, Pistachio

Ended the night in Roppongi, known for its night life and definitely very famous with foreigners. It reminded me so much of Wilshire Blvd. and Santa Monica at night.

A view of the Tokyo Tower

Roppongi Hills

Crystal fireworks…you can instantly create your own fireworks on their website

Wish we’d spent more time in Roppongi. It definitely looks like the hideout for the romantics, actually might not be a bad place to stay!

Goodnight Tokyo…