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. T...