Tokyo

The infamous Tokyo. Anthony Bourdain says it best,"it is a place where you can just wander. If you're prepared to be the big goofy stranger, the foreigner, unable to communicate, it is the most deeply rewarding city to just wander around. You will not blend, you will not immerse. But you will have a true, true adventure."

Tokyo is an endless in your face, overwhelming, impressive and adventurous place. Intimidating at times, your head will hurt from all the new sights, smells, sounds, just everything. It has historical shrines nestled right in between skyscrapers and it still preserves it's old world Japan feel if you look for it. You will eat and drink yourself into a state of concern, because there are crepe stands and the best teppanyaki your will ever have. The food is endless, the people are endless, the wonderment is endless.

One of my favorite locations was the Asakusa district. Call me old fashioned but sometimes the city lights just don't do it for me. I love the feel of the times past. Asakusa is an area where there are many older buildings that were preserved, a rare site in Tokyo that is filled with new highrises.

The nightlife in Tokyo is also unrivaled. Every street corner is just as big as the next one, with just as many people, lights, sounds and smells. However, among the high rises and modern buildings, I of course sought out the more unique small area, just like in the Asakusa district. The Golden Gai is comprised of 6 narrow alleyways that have close to 200 bars and restaurants in tiny two story buildings. Some of the buildings are so small, only 5 - 10 people can fit inside.

The high tech side of Shinjuku is where you can spend hours in arcades, see the infamous Robot show and in general be overwhelmed by lights, making the night feel like broad daylight. Speaking of arcades, the photobooths are a must in Japan with friends. Being made into some kind of alien like character is an experience!

Tokyo cannot be captured in a few days, probably not even a few years. With it only being a short flight from Iwakuni, Tokyo, I will be back for your endless newness, we just scratched the surface.