I returned from a short trip to Tokyo a few days back. This was a real eye-opener – my first trip to Japan.
They say first impressions last; they do. My first encounter was of course with the JAL crew in Singapore Changi Airport. It was a refreshing change from the numerous flights I have made previously.
Even checking in and waiting for your flight is a refreshing experience ! The counter staff actually smile; at 1 am in the morning!. My flight to Tokyo was at 1-50 am. We reached Haneda Airport before the scheduled time of 9-50 am.
We took a train to our first destination – Roppongi. This would be a good starting point for anyone travelling for the first time to Tokyo – the Mori Art Museum is here, The Observatory is on the 52nd floor ( great city views) and there were some exhibitions (this time I was on Japanese Anime (frankly I don’t follow this and I was totally lost ). Before I forget, the trains in Japan arrive on time. They even show the arrival times of the next 3 trains on the platform.
Another must see item is the Tokyo Tower – looks exactly like the Eiffel Tower. Only that it is in red and also higher . There are 2 lifts for the 2 observatories – one at 150 m and another at 250m. The views are spectacular.
I slept in a capsule – this is a double deck space – all of 2m x 2m – with TV, WiFi and a power socket and of course a mattress, pillow and blanket. Costs just 2800 Yen a night – about SGD35. Quite difficult to find a hotel room for that amount in Central Tokyo.
I don’t have to tell you about the food – only the best. I also saw something familiar – long queues outside some restaurants. Well, Singaporeans know exactly what this means. I had dinner at a small restaurant outside Tokyo Central train station. In 2012, they won an award for the best Ramen noodles in Tokyo (out of 7000+ in the contest).
Everywhere I went, I met people who were willing to help ( often we had to use sign languages, point to something in our guide book ! ), they smile and they always bow after we thank them; they wore neat uniforms, they took pride in whatever they did – everybody – the porter, the policeman, the waiter, the bus driver, the hotel reception staff, I did not find a single person who looked unhappy with their jobs . Of course, being tourists we see a certain part of the country.
Finally, one point about public places. It was difficult to find bins for throwing rubbish. They must all be well hidden ! The place is clean or should I say people kept it clean. The toilets in the Airport – they are a marvel – high tech with lots of features. I took a picture – won’t post here.
It is true – travel opens the mind. So do make Japan one destination not to be missed.
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