Cityscape: Tokyo

Contrary to popular belief, Tokyo isn’t as noisy as you’d expect. While certain areas certainly have their fair share of activity, much of the city exudes a surprising tranquility. The traffic flows smoothly; no chaos, no horns, no roaring engines. Perhaps this is partly due to the efficiency of the city’s public transportation system.Either way, one of the joys of exploring Tokyo is the ability to discover different neighborhoods without being overwhelmed by noise. As you wander through charming streets, camera in hand, the gentle rustle of the wind provides an amazing feeling, allowing for moments of peaceful contemplation.

Taste and smell are intimately connected, and Tokyo’s culinary scene is a testament to this. The smell and the taste of food there is truly unique. Eating sushi, ramen, and other Japanese specialities in Tokyo does not feel the same as going to your favorite Japanese restaurant here in Europe. I stumbled upon new tastes and new smells while I was eating something I thought I already knew. Rediscovering these dishes was something that I enjoyed all day long, everyday.

Well, Tokyo is immense and features areas dominated by towering buildings, yet the surrounding environs aren’t as vertically dense. The streets are notably wide, allowing ample natural light to filter through the cityscape, creating stunning interplays of light and shadow. Moreover, the city doesn’t feel overwhelming; there’s a sense of spaciousness that prevails. Tokyo’s cleanliness isalsoremarkable; smoking in the streets is prohibited, and litter is a rare sight. Should one have any trash, it’s customary to hold onto it until reaching a hotel, cafe, or restaurant. While initially this practice might seem unusual, the widespread adherence to these rules fosters a sense of pride and contributes to the overall pleasantness of the city.

Personally, I found the juxtaposition of traditional and modern architecture particularly striking, especially in the narrower streets. This fusion creates a captivatingand unusualvisual harmony thatonlyadds to Tokyo’s allure.