Tokyo: First impressions

The Long Ride from Narita

The journey from Narita Airport to Tokyo was longer than I expected, but the Keisei Skyliner made it comfortable. Thanks to the incredibly helpful staff, I snagged a window seat and watched the landscape transform—from the stubborn farmlands near the airport (a quiet protest against modernization) to the gradual density of suburban homes with their charming tiled roofs.  

What struck me most was Japan’s commitment to sustainability: solar panels lined the rail tracks, and the efficiency of the train system felt like a cleaner, calmer version of Mumbai’s chaos.  

Lost, Then Found

Skipping the SIM card at the airport was a mistake. By the time I reached Ueno, I was adrift in a sea of unfamiliar signs and rapid-fire Japanese. But Tokyo’s shopkeepers came to the rescue—patient, kind, and determined to help despite the language barrier. An hour later, armed with data and Google Translate, I finally felt ready to explore.  

Tokyo’s Pulse: Fast, Sharp, and Relentless

The city moves like a well-oiled machine. Everyone walks with purpose—no loiterers, no idle chatter on street corners. Fitness seems ingrained in the culture; the only overweight people I saw were tourists like me. And the fashion? Impeccable. A sea of blacks and neutrals, tailored to perfection. No loud graphics, no sloppy outfits. I’ve never felt more out of place in my life.  

Even the air smelled curated—was every woman here wearing the same expensive perfume?  

Unexpected Discoveries

By 7:30 PM, the shops in my area had already closed. I met a friend near the Sumida River, which was serene but underwhelming compared to Singapore’s skyline. Disappointed, I wandered aimlessly—until I turned down a random street and stumbled into a scene straight out of an anime.  

Lanterns glowed above narrow alleys lined with traditional shops. And there it was: Sensoji Temple, glowing under the night sky. I hadn’t planned to see it yet, but Tokyo had other ideas. I made a mental note to return in daylight when the stalls were bustling.  

A Safe (But Unadventurous) Start

I played it safe with food today—Burger King for lunch, 7-Eleven for dinner. But even convenience store meals here are a cut above: the BLT sandwich was fresh, and the milk pudding was *divine*.  

One final observation: Like all global cities, Tokyo runs on immigrant labor. I met a few Indian students working part-time, a small reminder of home in this sprawling metropolis.  

Final Thought:

Tokyo doesn’t wait for you to catch up. It’s a city that demands your attention—and rewards curiosity. Tomorrow, I dive deeper.  

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