If you go to the Godzilla store in Shinjuku, make sure you catch the monster on a good day!

If you go to the Godzilla store in Shinjuku, make sure you catch the monster on a good day!

Here is part two of the semi-detailed write-up of my trip to Japan. You can check out part one from the Jan. 21 edition of the Journal where I write about visiting Gokayama. Now we will talk about the big, sprawling metropolis of Tokyo.

Even if you aren’t too familiar with Japan you’ve heard of Tokyo (and I am not talking about nearby Tokio, ND). As of last year, the city’s population was an astronomical 14 million plus. Whether you are taking a train in the always crowded Shinjuku Station or crossing the famous crosswalk in Shibuya, it definitely feels like a city of millions.

I’ve been to Tokyo many times. And the great thing is I have both my favorite places to eat and drink and I always find new places just by walking around aimlessly. Yes, the good is as good as you’ve heard and incredibly cheap. Right now, the yen is at an all-time low. Your American dollar will take you very far.

I honestly have to say this, but there is no such thing as a “bad” place to eat in Tokyo. Some places are more geared toward tourists and have a more foreigner-friendly menu. If this is your first time going and you want an authentic sushi experience, I recommend going to Sushi Zanmai. They are a chain all over Tokyo and their sushi is just outstanding. No reservations are required and many are English speaking friendly.

I always get asked about Tokyo: “Is Tokyo as clean as I’ve heard?” And yes it is. If you have trash, be prepared to carry it with you until you get to your hotel or a convenience store. The subways, the streets, and the alleyways are all spotless. There is a potential jail sentence (but most likely a fine) for littering in Japan.

There are so many places to recommend to see in Tokyo but I’ll give a few. Make sure to the Hachi statue outside Shibuya Station. Hachi is the famous dog who waited for his master every day at the station. The oldest temple in all of Tokyo, Senso-ji is also a marvel to behold. The temple was founded in 645 A.D.! If you are going during the cherry blossom season, the best place to get some great photos of them would be Ueno Park. If you want some unique experiences, I highly recommend going to a cat or puppy cafe. These are cafes where you can have coffee or tea and interact with four-legged friends.

The thing about Tokyo is that you can make the city however you want to. If you want a strict itinerary, you are welcome to do that. If you want to improvise what you want to do that works, too. Tokyo is not so much a destination, as it is an amazing journey. It is an experience like no other and I hope one day you can experience the beauty of such an amazing city.