One of the greatest tools for tourists in Japan is the JR Rail Pass. JR or 'Japanese Rail' is a private company operating a train system throughout Japan. Most famously of their lines is the Shinkansen or 'bullet train'. Travelling at speeds over 200MPH it is the fastest in the world and can get you from Osaka to Tokyo in less than four hours. The pass itself is £380 pounds, however, if you are planning on travelling between cities like me, you make the money back after just two journeys.
Arriving in Tokyo I felt a distinct lack of difference from Osaka. The two cities are both modern and reflect each other, particularly outside the tourist areas. The layout of roads and the aesthetic appearance of the two is where the majority of similarities lie. The roads that layout the streets are both very wide, the architecture and the dispersion of shops demonstrates Japan's love of continuity. Travelling to the capital of this wonderful nation it was not long before I could feel that this is the most densely populated city of the world. Public transport at any time of the day is a fight for a seat. The wide streets make walking and cycling tolerable in most areas but the tourist hotspots and infamous Harajuku and Shibuya districts feel like sheep herding.
As for the atmosphere there are seldom similarities to Osaka. The quiet natured Japanese people I had come to admire are not as prominent here and the bustle of working and tourist life is all consuming. Shopping is a must in this forward thinking city and should certainly be taken advantage of. Whether its quirky, small shops full of bizarre Japanese cultural trinkets or high end fashion living; Tokyo has it and all in close proximity to enjoy. In my quiet hostel set far away from any atmosphere I met two people who with Jade's infectious laugh and Michael's laid back approach to life I knew instantly these British honeymooners would make a fun impact on my Japanese journey. Therefore; on a torrentially wet day we braved the elements to explore some three shopping districts of Tokyo.
We headed first to an area all three of us were excited to explore; Harajuku. The famous or infamous unusual district of Tokyo is famed for its patrons loving extreme senses of style. If you are into gothic, dark, pierced and tattooed studded fashion you will find your tastes met here. Or if you are into all things cute, kitsch and Hello Kitty covered in fluffy pinks and whites with hints of JPop culture you can find it in Harajuku. Perhaps it was due to the time of day and the weather but we were not fortunate enough to experience the potential the area could be. There were not many people donning their extreme fashions and it was admittedly disappointing. With our moods lowering we decided to walk towards the Shibuya area passing very different brands of shops, brands I can certainly
This area is likely one of the most famous spots in Tokyo where all the traffic lights stop at once and that is when pedestrians are allowed to cross; translating to hoards of people descending in all directions to cross the six-direction intersection. Hoards of people rushing and bombarding other people is not an environment I particularly enjoy. However, this area of Tokyo is forgivable because this is somehow bizarrely organised and people are respectful of one another and therefore becomes a fantastic experience.
Attempting to experience some of the more historically cultural experiences of Tokyo we ventured to the north of the city to the Sensō-ji Temple. Grand, imposing and visually stunning I was taken aback by the history being presented in this busy square. Notably, the walk towards the structure is part of the experience. Red, traditional gates welcome you to the market stall-lined approach. From the moment you enter the gates the figure of the temple is visible and approaching. At night, the spectacle becomes even more breathtaking. Lit up and majestic the shimmering image and symbolic form of peace somehow resonated through the busy crowds.
Tokyo is full of lights and story-high digital adverts and encompasses everything modern Japanese culture has to offer. I think, for me, my journey through Tokyo was special and enticing. There is so much history to be learned through the myriad of shops and temples. I feel very lucky to have visited such an amazing part of Japan.
