Golden Week 3: Tokyo

We traveled to Tokyo on the Shinkansen, or high-speed bullet train, which everyone should ride at least once if they visit Japan. We stayed at a ryokan, or traditional inn, that had a great location in central Tokyo. We spent our first afternoon exploring the modern side of Tokyo, checking out cool boutiques and browsing Omotesando Hills, a high-end mall built by famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando. We spent a little time taking in the famous Shibuya crossing that evening, which is supposed to be one of the busiest walkways in the world.

We started day two at the beautiful Rikuigen Garden. Afterwards, we met a friend at a wondrous place called Namja Town. It is owned by the arcade maker Namco, and in American terms, can be likened to a cat-themed Chuck E. Cheese's on steroids. We had fun exploring and getting treats as adults, so I can't imagine how fun it is for kids! For dinner we had tomato ramen, which merges the deliciousness of ramen with Italian flavors: fantastic.

Day three was meant to start in Asakusa, one of the historical areas of Tokyo, but we stumbled upon a Bandai building while walking from the train station. We couldn't resist snapping a few shots with the cartoon characters. Asakusa itself was very touristy but still lots of fun. The soon-to-be-opened Tokyo Skytree, Japan's new tallest building, snuck its way into several of my shots.

After Asakusa, we took a relaxing walk through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Finally, we met some new friends, who we learned were in Tokyo at the same time as us. We got Chicago-style deep dish pizza at a new place called Devil Craft Pizza. The pizza and craft beers were fantastic, and I highly recommend it for anyone in Tokyo who is craving something American.

Tanjoubi (Birthday) in Tokyo

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (view from Becky's hotel)

Our brief time in Tokyo was a bit of a whirlwind. The jet lag that results from traveling halfway around the world can be quite severe. I tend to take about five days to recover completely, and during those five days I am basically a zombie.

As a new JET Program ALT (Assistant Language Teacher), Becky was required to spend the first few jet-lagged days at an orientation comprised of a dizzying amount of  seminars, some of which are more interesting than others. No matter how interesting, the JET-lag stupor kind of makes everything run together.

I arrived in Tokyo a day after Becky, and spent two nights sleeping on the floor at a friend’s apartment. Becky and I didn’t get to see each other until the evening of my birthday. Still both exhausted, we kept it low-key. We did a little birthday shopping in Daikanyama, ate dinner at the A to Z Cafe in Aoyama, and got some blended drinks at Godiva in Harajuku. This particular Godiva was designed by Wonderwall, one of the best interior design firms in Japan. Whenever I visit Tokyo, I try to check out a new Wonderwall designed shop/cafe/restaurant.

Birthday Ben with birthday bag and birthday blended drink