TOKYO, JAPAN

Unbelievable that I'd arrive in a gargantuan city that I'd never thought I'd see for myself.

This was a stop-over from Aus on my way back home after my 3-month 'Eurasiaus' journey, and I don't think I've ever felt so tired, rundown, and financially stretched as when I arrived here. By the will of some Shinto travel gods, my hometown buddy Ritch & his wife Hiromi were passing through Tokyo on their way to see her family in Osaka.

After plenty of emails we agreed that meeting in one of Tokyo's busiest areas seemed only fitting. Shinjuku metro terminal was a zoo of humanity, but with their hoisted koi fish as the beacon I'd home in on, we met with big hugs & smiles among throngs of commuters.

Already Tokyo alumni, Ritch & Hiromi acted almost as my quasi-hosts; treating me to dinner and guided me around the big city. We drank beer and wandered and laughed. I'll always be grateful to Ritch for shouting beers & eats when my pockets were down to their final yen.

Senso-Ji & Asakusa

Ritch, Hiromi & I took in Tokyo's oldest temple; Sensō-ji in the Asakusa district. Hanami is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of the cherry (sakura) trees that bloom all over Japan from the end of March to early May. Making my mid-April visit right in the sweet spot.

Ritch & Hiromi then treated me to an authentic Japanese meal. Talk about great friends being there for a weary traveler. Domo arigatou, guys.

Street Vibes

Ground level, pedestrian views around one of the world’s biggest megalopolises…

Shibuya

I'm not sure if there's an urban nexus on earth that rivals Shibuya Crossing. The amount of light, glass, steel and people was staggering. Not being much of a city person, the opportunity to jolt the senses with something that overawes on this scale just couldn't be passed up. With our eyes wide and belly's full of food, Sapporo beer & saké, Ritch Hiromi and I tried to take-in just how alive part of a city can become.

Yoyogi Park & Meiji Shrine

Tokyo's version of Central Park was an oasis of green within the sprawl of pavement, neon & steel. Yoyogi Park was a fantastic wander while getting my nature fix. The beautiful Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits of the Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shōken.

Senso-Ji at Night

My last glimpses of Tokyo before I flew out. The evening rain gave Sensō-ji a mystical, glowing visage. Remarkably beautiful.