Tokyo, The Centre Of The World // Photo Essay

Japan’s Tokyo is a mega city, it’s the most populated city on earth with Delhi, India coming in second and China’s Shanghai in third place! It’s a vibrant, crazy, exciting urban playground that feels more than just alive, in fact it can feel overwhelming at times!

After living in the city for around 9 months I found myself feeling that I knew my way around Tokyo like the back of my hand but at the same time making new discoveries every day. Nevertheless for this article I’d like to introduce Makoto (真琴), a local who has lived in Tokyo for several years but has also lived in the quieter countryside of Japan, to give her thoughts and feelings on this iconic city.

Coming from Shizouka, a small town at the base of Mt. Fuji I am a bit of a countryside girl, so I was a little bit scared to start my new life in the big city of Tokyo. People look exhausted because from long work hours and don’t make eye contact with strangers, “typical” city people.. however, my perspective was changed after living there for several years.

Tokyo is a place where everything happens, Odaiba is one of the most popular places to visit not only for foreigners but also for Locals. If you want to find a place to go on a date with someone then this is the place! You can go shopping in future robot malls, play some old-school Japanese games in retro arcades and lots of events are held every month, you can basically do everything in Odaiba.

One of my most favourite places is the TeamLab Borderless digital art museum pictured above! I was absolutely immersed in the magical lights!

Every morning and evening I had to ride a train for one hour to go to and from work, I’ve never experienced such crowds in my life and I was regularly already tired before starting work. I felt like I had to be ready for a battle of winning a seat against strangers but normally I ended up standing for the whole journey. One time Taran joined me in rush hour, he was holding onto a handle but a surge of humans rushed in and all of a sudden his feet were lifted off the ground and he spent the next 10 minutes holding on for dear life or face falling onto the people sat below! I now understand why Tokyoite’s always look tired.

I’ve come to realise that Japanese people love travelling inside Japan almost as much as going abroad, they dress up in kimono’s to go to the famous Sensoji temple in Asakusa, wear yukata’s for firework festivals or go to kawaii (cute) little animal cafes. One of the things I like about Tokyo is it feels like you’re sightseeing all the time in your own country!

Another thing I like about Japan is how many people enjoy dressing up in their favourite costumes to meet up with other passionate cosplayers, me and Taran were amazed to see everyone was super friendly and confidently welcomed the photo shoots.

Even if you are in a busy urban jungle like Tokyo, you can still enjoy the beauty of nature, you can admire seasonal events, for instance when it’s the rainy season you can go to Kamakura to see Ajisai flowers (Hydrangea) and in the spring season you can see the lovely views of Sakuras (cherry blossoms). Just outside of Tokyo resides my hometown of Shizuoka featuring Mt. Fuji, Fuji San is normally a little bit shy, hiding behind clouds, but if you are lucky you can see the whole figure of the highest mountain in Japan.

Overall, I would say I liked living in Tokyo, of course there were times I was sick of so many people surrounding me all the time on trains and everywhere you go but at the same time I enjoyed seeing and experiencing lots of different aspects of the city. 

“Tokyo is a traveller’s playground, every corner you find something interesting and cool to see.”

Thanks Makoto for giving us a insiders view on this iconic city and what it’s like to live there.

Now check out my ‘Japan’ photo-book on Amazon including some of the photos above and many more:

Thanks for reading!

Taran here, owner of Nomad'er How Far. I'm fond of psychedelic rock, photography & videography, anything to do with space and I'm also partial to the odd gaming session. Oh and I love to travel :P Get to know me here!

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