Anyone who has watched the movie ‘Lost in Translation’ will have a tiny insight as to what life is like in the fast lane that is Tokyo. With a population of around 12 million people, when you first arrive it may feel as though you’re one in an army of ants, but you soon become hooked by the flow of energy that encompasses the city that never sleeps. 

Actually it is only the main streets and tourist hubs that maintain this chaotic pace. What is exciting about Tokyo is that it is a place where extremes are played out in every sense – extreme fashion, extreme technology, extreme consumerism – you only have to watch a Japanese game show to understand that this is a nation that will endure a lot to achieve the best of everything. Being at the top of your game is a matter of national pride. That makes for a lot of hard work but fun along the way and much to explore in a city that will have you sometimes raising an eyebrow in amazement, but often having a giggle at the sheer extravagance of the place. Take for example the toilets (yes, really). At first you will be bamboozled by all the buttons that go alongside many of the conveniences in bars and restaurants. It becomes a hilarious game of discovery as you press one button after another – one for warming the seat, one for placing a cover on it, one for dooshing it down, the list is endless!!! 

Tokyo attractions extend far beyond the day to day fashion parade of adolescents and young adults expressing themselves in ways that haven’t quite reached the general fashion houses abroad. Girls and guys alike in huge platform soled shoes, piercings galore, stripy tights and cutesy doll-like attire (the latter normally reserved for the girls!). Tokyo also has parks and temples and puppet theatres and museums to delight and amaze. Not to mention a fantastic fish market! Visit early and pick the day’s supper. You will be astounded by the array of fish knives on sale too, some so huge they are verging on being a sword rather than a knife, which gives you an indication of the giant sea life they pull in here! 

To escape the crowds, head to one of the many parks or temples. Many of the parks are lined with cherry blossom trees and at certain times of year Tokyo becomes alive with the gentle pastel hues of cherry blossoms in full bloom, a staggering sight that of itself is a magnet for tourists the world over. Head out of town to Tokyo’s foothills for a bracing walk through the cedar tree forests or just to sit down somewhere peaceful and read a book, it’s entirely your call! 

At night, Tokyo comes alive with neon lights – a year round techni-coloured dream show. Whoever switched on the lights for Christmas forgot to switch them off again! It is cringe-worthy in terms of the global energy being expended, but yes it adds to the overall energy of the city, alongside the glittering skyscrapers. Head to the popular district of Roppongi in the evening, for one delicious restaurant after another and a warming saki or three. 

For a country known for its top end advancement in photographic equipment, you won’t be disappointed at the never ending photo opps provided by a city that is always on the pulse. The sheer size of some of the buildings (some with over 50 floors), many complete with observation platforms, make the perfect place for capturing a bird’s eye view of Tokyo life in action.
There is so much to capture your attention in Tokyo, it’s hard not to like the place.