Step into the Super Future: A Weekend in Tokyo!

Arriving in Tokyo is like what I imagine arriving on the moon would be like. Like part of a real life Jetson’s episode, Narita airport is a conglomerate of unmanned and ultra efficient trams zipping weary travelers to and fro; LCD screens displaying arrivals, departures, and helpful hints; and bright, high ceilings. The time traveler’s experience is made all the more pleasant by the soundtrack of spacey, yet calming music — the kind of music you usually hear only upon entering a planetarium — sneaking its way through hidden speakers into your calmed consciousness.  A one hour train ride from the lower level of this ‘moonport’ took us to Tokyo Station in the heart of urban utopia.  If New York city is the city that never sleeps, then surely Tokyo is the city that never ends. Up high from any vantage point, the view is nothing but city in every direction until it falls off into the horizon.

Our first night started off with a bang when we hooked up with an old friend. We dined at a restaurant in Tokyo’s Ginza district noted for its history of distinguished diners, including former US president George W. and Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino (the restaurant was actually his inspiration for the Kill Bill set). As we made our way through Kobe Beef skewers, Fois Gras and avocado sushi with beers, we also managed, over the course of the evening, to drink our way through $1,600.00 of Dom Perignon vintage 2000 Champagne.

The next day we decided to leave our hangovers in our hotel room and commit to a full-day of exploring. We met our friend again to tour of some of the trendier areas of Tokyo, hitting up super-futuristic Roppongi, a maze of awesome architecture and statues, then onward to the fashion district of Harijuku. The theme in Harijuku seems to be “anything goes” as long as it’s worn with purpose and confidence. It would not be uncommon to see a three-foot high hairdo paired with goth make-up, pink hot pants and gold colored cowboy boots on a male or female!  But for some odd reason the crazy fashion just seemed to work in this setting – nothing was shocking, and best of all, everyone seemed to revel in the madness of it all! We tended to stare more with admiration of the boldness rather than scoff. The sidewalks are veritable fashion runways, something we haven’t seen anywhere else to quite this extent.

Harajuku fashion. Tokyo, Japan.

Roppongi Hills shopping complex was so futuristic, it was super-futuristic. Tokyo, Japan.

Beware: Spiders from the super future are larger than life. Tokyo, Japan.

The De Beers building in Ginza is all about the curves. Tokyo, Japan.

Up close of the De Beers building. Tokyo, Japan.

After lunch it was time to say good-bye to our friend and continue onto Tokyo’s extensive subway system to explore on our own. As far as we could tell, Tokyo’s subway system is made up of three private companies working directional lines of every color, operating on at least six different levels below the city streets.  Fast, easy, and cheap, the network will take you anywhere in the city. Just don’t think about earthquakes when you’re that far below one of the world’s largest cities!

We happened to be in Japan at the tail end of the famed cherry blossom season, so went to one of the famous parks, Shinjuku Gyoen, to catch a glimpse. We were a bit too late: the park was beautiful and there were some branches still holding on, but for the most part, whatever blossoming there was to be done, had been done.

A few cherry blossoms hanging on at the tail end of the season. Tokyo, Japan.

Next stop was the Imperial Gardens. On weekends, the streets around the palace are closed to cars and set up only for cyclists.  I think other cities should take note of this splendid idea if they haven’t already. This was an eight lane road so there was plenty of room for both children and hard core cyclists to enjoy. The Imperial Palace is the home of Japan’s royal family, so most of it is off limits to the public with the exception of some holiday special functions and Imperial family parades. With an area of almost 7.5 kms in the centre of Tokyo, its likely the most expensive piece of property in the world. The East Garden is open to the public year round and even has some remnants of the historic Edo Castle. Many Japanese people dress in traditional Yukata cotton dresses as a show of respect when visiting the area.

Road by weekday, bike path by weekend. Near the Imperial Palace, Tokyo, Japan.

Bonsai! Imperial Palace Gardens, Tokyo, Japan.

We then went up the Roppongi Hills City View Tower to look down upon the “little” fishing village and harbor “town” formerly known as Edo. Unfortunately, I had to admire the endless city solo as my co-pilot (wife) wouldn’t get close enough to the windows to admire the panoramic view. On a clear day even the famed Mt. Fuji is visible in the distance. This was not one of those days, but no less impressive is the Tokyo Tower. This looks very similar to the Eiffel Tower of Paris, but is actually a communication tower hosting numerous satellites and receivers. These are actually found in most Japanese cities, and this one is over 300 meters tall and is brightly colored for air traffic safety.  Most impressive when lit up at night.

The city that never ends. Tokyo, Japan.

Hanging for dear life? Geoff climbs the Tokyo tower. Tokyo, Japan.

Katie climbs the tower, too. And poses for a photo. Tokyo, Japan.

If you have the good fortune of having a stopover in Tokyo, take it. The exceptional subway will allow you to see more than you bargained for or even thought was possible in the short time you have. There is no telling how many “only in Asia” moments you will have. Overpowering and impressive, yet bursting with culture and life and pushing new trends, a city like this just has to be visited by everyone. A simple experience like crossing the street in front of the train station at Shibuya is a jaw dropper. Take the bullet train to Osaka, or if you come at the right time of year, take in the cherry blossoms or a Sumo match. Whatever your fix, you’ll find it here.  So, if you want to get a glimpse of not just the future, but the super future, make sure your itinerary says Tokyo on it somewhere.

People wait to cross the street at Shibuya Crossing on a Sunday morning. Tokyo, Japan.

Geoff in the middle of it all. Tokyo, Japan.

Shibuya crossing on a Sunday. Just imagine what it would look like during weekday rush hour! Tokyo, Japan.

This car is smiling because its so earth-friendly. Nissan's zero-emission concpet car. Tokyo, Japan.

Sweet potato ice cream, anyone? Tokyo, Japan.

You can't smoke inside OR outside in Tokyo. Smokers must stop at designated areas to lightup, making walking on the sidewalk plesantly smoke-free! Tokyo, Japan.

Tokyo is so clean, that this is the only litter we saw in our three day stopover. We were so excited, we had to take a picture. Tokyo, Japan.