Getting off the plane is easy but getting to and from Tokyo is a bigger challenge then most realize. Narita Airport is a good two hours away from main Tokyo so unless you're willing to spend the money to take the faster trains there you're stuck in a two hour ride . I'm not complaining though as the ride there goes through the country side of Japan and offers a different view than the electronic jungle that Tokyo is. Quiet towns and large green fields dominate the country side and you get to see a slightly simpler life. People in small pick up trucks and bicycles drive around the towns. No bustling business men and no people scrambling to make their train. Nice and peaceful and for some people, probably a blissful break from the hectic city life.
I finally made it to my stop about two hours later and had to switch to a local city train. easier said then done while dragging a suitcase and carry on behind you in a massive crowd of people coming from all directions. The bustling Tokyo life came back to me in full force and like riding a bike after years of in activity it was a jarring welcome back, but like the bike, peddle a few feet and it's like you never left. The feeling of familiarity and fondness I had for Tokyo hadn't diminished one iota. I found my old bike again and it's still as shiny and awesome as before.
Walking around Tokyo again was a treat. The place where I was staying at was a dormitory in Ikebukero and just walking around filled me with joy. I love the way smaller parts of Tokyo are set up. Almost like a mix of big city lights and skyscrapers but just less of them. All of the buildings are close together in order to save space and even the stores and restaurants may be underground or in some 8 story building on the 6th floor. Tokyo rewards exploration, especially for the new comer who may one minute be looking for a phone and the next find a comfy isakaya to eat at.
Thats another thing I love about Tokyo, the isakayas. An isakaya is a cross between a restaurant that only serves appetizers and a bar. It might not sound very filling but that's why you go with a group. The larger the audience the more food you can get and share, and in the end split the bill and save money. Even the atmosphere is wonderful. You sit on the floor in a traditional manner and sit around a rectangle table so the food is easily passed round. I went with two friends from Ball State and met some new people as well, most of them native to Japan or have been there for an extended period of time. We had a few laughs and got to know everyone better.
Afterwards I returned to my temporary living space and collapsed. 14 hour flight combined with constant walking around and drinking left me with little will to stay awake.
The sleep felt good and the the thought of being back in my favorite city in the world made me feel even better.
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