TRAVERSING TOKYO

I had no solid plans for New Year's recently. I thought I would go out for drinks and then head to bed. In Japan, New Year's is a family-oriented occasion and doesn't entail the massive parties seen in South Africa during the same period. Even if there were more festivities, I would probably avoid outdoor activities due to the blistering cold. So, as I do every year on New Year's Eve, I made my way to the coast to witness the last sunset of the year. However, this time, I had the delightful company of my friend Nori.

In a previous post, I introduced Nori, who had no plans for the evening either. I picked him up from his parent's house, just a short distance from mine. We decided to get yakitori for dinner, savouring the delicious skewers and relishing the lively atmosphere. As the night was still young, we continued our celebrations with drinks.

The following morning, I woke up with the worst hangover, a consequence of the merriment from the previous night. Regrettably, my condition caused me to miss the opportunity to witness the first sunrise of 2022. Nori, being the considerate guy he is, had already departed for his parent's house by the time I woke up. Nonetheless, I felt immensely grateful for the time we shared, creating memories that will forever be treasured.

A week later, my journey took me to the bustling city of Tokyo for a ten-day stay. Settling in the vibrant Asakusa district, I couldn't help but feel a mix of wander as I roamed the streets. The usually bustling neighbourhood was surprisingly empty, a consequence of the times we live in. This unexpected tranquillity allowed me to appreciate Asakusa in a new light, free from the usual crowds.

Tokyo's winter chill embraced the city, but it seemed milder than I anticipated. Perhaps the effects of global warming are subtly altering even this sprawling metropolis. As one of my favourite cities, I was determined to make the most of my time in Tokyo. Thankfully, I have a network of friends in this vibrant city. I seized every opportunity to reconnect with them. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people that helped make my time in Tokyo memorable.

After checking in, I boarded a train to the lively Minato district. Nori and his friend had arranged a delightful wine and oyster evening, bringing together a group of fascinating individuals. I finally met Chere, a young lad from Lesotho who had recently completed his studies in Kobe, in western Japan. We discovered a mutual acquaintance from South Africa, Mabaleng, which instantly sparked an engaging conversation. Chere's passion for art and fashion was evident, and his street-smart personality imparted valuable insights during our brief encounter. Seeing as Chere is also Sotho, like my mother, communication was effortless. As the evening unfolded, our adventures led us to Shinjuku, where I found myself enjoying the company of a charming lady I had met earlier that night.

The next day, I met up with Yui, she's from Yokohama. Visiting this vibrant city had always been on my bucket list. Yui happens to be Dr Akura's niece, and I had the pleasure of getting to know her since last August. I encountered a hiccup along the way. My SIM card caused me to lose my bearings. After persevering, I finally located Yui at the Minatomirai train station. Fortunately, our meeting point wasn't a station like Yokohama Station or Shinjuku Station.

Our day in Yokohama began with a delightful Chicago-style lunch at Aka-Renga Soko. Eager to make the most of our time, we played a leisurely game of rooftop mini-golf at Bahn Golf. Mini golf may not be widely popular in Japan, so it was a new experience for her. However, she quickly adapted and embraced the challenging course. Our surroundings offered breathtaking views of the mesmerizing Yokohama skyline.

As sunset approached, we made our way to the docks. The chilly air was unbearable for me, but it was worth it. While in the Minatomirai area, I highly recommend riding the Ferris wheel during sunset. The panoramic views are nothing short of spectacular.

With our energy waning from the day's adventures, we got a warm Chinese dinner, savouring each bite as we reflected on the joys of the day. The day was pleasant as we engaged in heartfelt conversations about many topics. Exploring Yokohama with Yui was an absolute pleasure, offering glimpses into the city's unique charm and leaving lasting memories. I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared this wonderful day with a bubbly friend, creating a bond that will endure in my heart for years to come.

The next day, I met up with Nori again, who wanted me to meet his friend Yuki. We had planned to visit teamLab, but due to some location mix-up and technical issues with our phones, we ended up at the wrong teamLab exhibition. Realizing it was getting late, we rescheduled our visit for another time. Instead, we enjoyed a leisurely afternoon wine and later headed to Roppongi, a vibrant district in Tokyo.

In Roppongi, we met Yuki's friend and had a fantastic night of drinks and engaging conversations. I want to give a big shoutout to Billie, the bar lady at Hobgoblin, Roppongi, who took great care of us during our time there. Roppongi, known as Tokyo's most cosmopolitan area, is a lively hub with a mix of foreign residents and tourists exploring its bars and streets. If you enjoy the nightlife, Roppongi offers endless entertainment and an exciting atmosphere that guarantees you won't get bored.

I started the next day early with a clear mission: head over to Hachioji for a pottery lesson with Mrs Nishimura and then meet up with Rika for dinner. While Hachioji is technically a part of Tokyo, it's located on the far west side and takes around 45 to 50 minutes to reach. It feels like a different world compared to Tokyo's bustling 23 main wards.

I safely arrived in Hachioji via the rapid train system and was warmly greeted by Mrs Nishimura at the station. This kind elderly lady graciously invited me into her home, even though we had never met. She treated me to a delicious warm lunch, and then I rolled up my sleeves and got my hands messy with clay, fully immersing myself in the pottery lesson. Mrs Nishimura's husband, a charming and youthful man, added to the delightful experience. I discovered that he has a deep appreciation for South Africa, which made our conversations even more enjoyable. I'm truly grateful to the Nishimuras for their kindness, and I'm already looking forward to visiting them again to finish my pottery project.

As the evening approached, I made my way back to Tokyo. Ginza was our designated meeting point, where Rika and I enjoyed a Mexican dinner filled with laughter and amusing conversations. However, later that night, I found myself wandering into the depths of Shinjuku. Ending the night in Kabukicho, the entertainment district, turned out to be not the best idea, but it certainly added a twist to the adventure.

The next day, I seized the opportunity to hang out with Yui once again. This time, we rendezvoused in Odaiba for a day at teamLab Borderless. Let me tell you, this place is mind-blowing! It blurs the lines between art and augmented reality, creating a captivating experience. The storytelling, visuals, and playful atmosphere throughout the entire space are guaranteed to keep both children and energetic adults buzzing with excitement. I can't recommend teamLab enough. If you find yourself in Tokyo, do yourself a favour and check it out!

As the day neared its end, we made our way to Tokyo Tower to admire the breathtaking views of the city. Afterwards, we headed to Ginza for a delightful Turkish dinner, followed by a jaunt through the back alleys of Shinjuku for a few drinks and exploration. I was thrilled to see Yui proudly sporting the bracelet I had gifted her for Christmas. In the late hours of the night, while stumbling upon a random shrine, I took a moment to reflect on the day's adventures and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

The next day began with an exploration of Shibuya. Later in the day, I had plans to meet up with Chabedi, a fellow South African, for dinner at La Coquina Cervecería, a Spanish restaurant located on the 13th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square. The service was excellent, the atmosphere cosy, the views sublime, and although the prices were on the higher side, it was well worth it. Tokyo offers an abundance of dining options, and the majority of them do not disappoint.

It was truly wonderful to catch up with Chabedi and enjoy a few beers together, engaging in genuine brotherly conversation. The camaraderie and connection were undeniable, making the evening all the more memorable. Chabedi, being a street-smart guy is also someone I learn from a lot. And since he is a bit older than me, his experiences make for wonderful storytelling.

I spent the following day exploring with Precious, a fellow South African. She showed me around the beautiful neighbourhoods of Meguro, Daikanyama, Roppongi, and Shibuya. We met up for lunch at Tokyo's new Miyashita Park in Shibuya, followed by a visit to Ikeuchi Hiroto's cyberpunk exhibition at SAI Gallery. It was awe-inspiring to get a glimpse into the future through the artwork on display.

Precious is a remarkable young lady, intelligent and kind-hearted, from whom one can learn a great deal. It was rejuvenating to spend the day in her company. For dinner, we had plans to dine at Hacienda del Cielo in Daikanyama. As I love indulging in foreign cuisine whenever I'm outside Wakayama, it was an opportunity not to be missed. Unfortunately, without a reservation, our time at Hacienda was limited. However, with Tokyo offering a plethora of dining options, it was not a challenge to find another place to enjoy a delicious meal.

The day involved a lot of walking, which certainly gave my legs a workout. Nevertheless, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Eventually, Precious and I had to bid farewell, and I met up with Chere in Shinjuku to go clubbing and support his friends performing that night. It had been quite some time since I last visited a club, so being in that environment was a bit overwhelming. Nonetheless, I had an incredible amount of fun and made the most of the night.

The next day, I had the chance to visit the iconic Tokyo Skytree after enjoying lunch at Asahi's headquarters. Both Skytree and Asahi's headquarters are located in the neighbourhood of Asakusa, just a short ten-minute walk from my hotel. Going up the Skytree was an incredible experience. The towering skyscrapers below appeared so tiny, giving me a profound sense of perspective about my place in the world. I was even fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji from the observation deck.

The remainder of the day was spent exploring the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya and attending a travelling Banksy exhibition in Harajuku.

Tokyo is an immense and sprawling city, offering countless attractions, culinary delights, and experiences. It would be impossible to list them all. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Tokyo, I highly recommend it. The city is known for its cleanliness, safety, efficiency, and stunning beauty. Once again, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who made this trip unforgettable. Tokyo, I can't wait to return and explore even more.

Where does the next adventure lead to? Stay tuned!