To describe ourselves in Tokyo as “kids in a candy store” would be cheap writing. It was equally overwhelming, certainly surreal, and we binged on all of our favorite things, yet the expression simply wouldn’t do the experience justice. So, you know what? We were like adults in Tokyo. We spent four days exploring massive arcades, tiny ramen shops, old shrines, and everything in between, and Daniel made a pretty gorgeous travel video about it!
Check out our Tokyo travel video!
It is one hell of a city. Fun things to do in Tokyo are nearly limitless, but you do yourself a disservice by not just getting out during rush hour and walking through the thick of it. A first encounter will raise more questions than it answers. How does old culture coexist with pop culture? Where do 13 million people sleep at night? What is kawaii and why is everything so damn cute?
The city of Tokyo as a whole really hints at what the world might become in 50 years if resources weren’t scarce and consumerism won. It is characterized by crowded intersections, neon signs, and advertisements looming from every available space. The metros are elbow to elbow, and the department stores sell everything you never knew you needed (in 12 colors). Capsule hotels and robot cafes are less novel and more normal. Just about anything can come from a vending machine, and grown men appear to play games more than children do.
I expect you’d have to go back 10 times over to get any real grasp on just what the hell is going on. In fact, you can spend a lifetime trying to find the answers! Rationalize why everything is taller, tinier, brighter, more convenient, more efficient, and so entirely different. Or? You can let yourself stay lost.
Headed to Tokyo? Get inspired with our travel video and check out our favorite posts highlighting fun things to do in Tokyo. At the very least, we can promise it’s not boring!
more fun things to do in Tokyo
a few Tokyo travel resources from blogs we like
5 Tips for Planning a Trip to Japan from City Cookie
Learning to Eat Drink and Ask Directions in Japanese from Tripping with Ben
17 Weirdest Things You Can Only Find in Japan from You Could Travel
like it? pin it!
So, what did you think of the Tokyo travel video? Share what you’d like to see more of! Any fun things to do in Tokyo you think we missed?
9 Comments
Colonel Buendia
June 22, 2016 at 1:14 pmSome much of the essence of Tokyo is captured in the video – beautiful work. When it ended I wanted to play Pachinko, eat Ramen,and wander through Cherry Blossoms. Thanks.
Emily Kydd
June 26, 2016 at 7:16 pmGreat video!!! Never been to Tokyo, I love how you chose to capture the everyday!
Taylor Record
June 28, 2016 at 8:22 pmThanks so much, Emily! It was supremely different, but we really loved it. Hope you get to pay Tokyo a visit before too long!
Rob Taylor
June 30, 2016 at 3:51 amWow, so not a place that I have ever thought about going, but so cool in its own way.
Taylor Record
July 1, 2016 at 9:32 pmIt was so wild, Rob! It’s fun for adults, so I’m sure your kids would be amazed.
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Cherryl
November 23, 2020 at 5:27 pmFascinating place – love the video, Tokyo is somewhere I’d like to visit one day
Taylor Record
November 25, 2020 at 4:50 pmThanks, Cherryl! I’m really hoping to go back once travel opens up. Won’t be the same until crowded spaces are comfortable again 🙂