I'll be honest: getting lost in Tokyo was not part of my carefully crafted plan.
My mission? To conquer this massive metropolis in record time, with a few quick stops at art supply stores along the way (more on that later). But life had other ideas.
Tokyo Station, in particular, threw me for a loop. It’s not a bad place—far from it! But it was busier than any transit hub I’d ever seen. With the sheer volume of people (thanks, Obon holiday!), the low ceilings (I’m tall and felt like a giraffe in a hamster cage), and the maze-like layout, my anxiety shot through the roof. At one point, I half-expected a “Mission Impossible” soundtrack to kick in as I darted through the station, trying not to miss my train.
Despite the chaos, I did stumble upon a silver lining—Tokyo Banana! This gooey, banana-flavored delight wrapped in a soft sponge cake was a sweet distraction from the madness.
When it comes to navigating Tokyo’s transport system, it’s efficient but can leave you scratching your head. Multiple train companies, different lines—it’s a lot! Accidentally hopping on an express train that skips your stop? Been there, done that. But here’s the thing: getting lost in Tokyo isn’t the nightmare you might expect. It’s actually pretty fun. The city is safe, and wandering aimlessly—whether it’s day or night—is a legitimate way to experience its charm.
My trip also coincided with a national holiday and a looming typhoon warning. Talk about timing! But I learned two valuable lessons: if you need to be somewhere specific (like, say, an art store or the airport), plan your route meticulously. Know which train line and train type you need, because Tokyo’s transport options are varied and sometimes overwhelming.
If your goal is to explore, let Tokyo guide you—sometimes the journey itself is the adventure. And if you get lost, don’t stress. Tokyo is a city that’s easy to navigate, with convenience stores on almost every corner offering cheap and tasty snacks like onigiri and sandwiches. Just keep in mind: eating while walking or on the train is frowned upon, so you might get a few side-eyes if you unwrap your egg sandwich on the go. Instead, find a quiet spot to enjoy your food the Tokyo way. And remember to hold onto your trash—Westerners often get blamed for littering, so don’t give anyone a reason to point fingers!
From a photography perspective, Tokyo is a goldmine. With some of the world’s top camera brands produced in Japan, it’s no surprise that you’ll find excellent camera shops around the city.
While I originally set out to capture those iconic Instagram-worthy shots, I found myself more immersed in the atmosphere than behind the lens. The hustle and bustle of Tokyo, combined with the added drama of an impending typhoon, created a dynamic and ever-changing backdrop that was hard to capture in a single frame. One of the highlights was wandering through the food stalls in Ginza at night. The vibrant reds and yellows of the stalls popped against the dark night sky, creating a visually striking scene. Even with just a handheld camera, I managed to capture some images that really conveyed the energy and mood of the moment.
Given that there were a few potential issues when I was in Japan (a megaquake warning and two typhoons) there are some very useful sites available to the tourist - the offical Japan tourism page, and NHK the official broadcaster; NHK post frequent updates through their app (in a number of languages) making you feel just a little bit more comfortable. It is important to add, Japan is one of the most-safety conscious countries you could visit, there are many warning signs and guides on what to do in a disaster in metro stations, malls, etc.
Lost or not, Tokyo never disappoints. The city is an adventure in every sense of the word!
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