By telling us your country of residence we are able to provide you with the most relevant travel insurance information.
Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. Contact us for full details.
Shares
The lights are off, except for the last arriving terminals and the exists. The cleaners are out polishing the floors and there are very few staff, or even people, around. With no hurry to our steps, we make our way to the tourist desk to book a bus. The last bus for the night was packing up everyone’s luggage and getting ready to leave. We snapped up the last two tickets and rushed out, confused because it was only 10pm. How could the airport be closing in a city we thought never slept. The bus slowly emptied as people departed throughout the trip, finally arriving and calling last stop at a bus terminal. We had no idea where we were. Thankfully, there was one lone taxi sitting in the rank. We were the last two passengers on the bus so didn’t have to fight over it. In fact, the lady at the airport had called ahead for us, knowing we weren’t going to get to where we needed to be, on the bus alone. Passing through the streets, it felt like the city was talking at a whisper. The hotel was empty. Check-in was done at a polite, quiet volume, and restaurants were closed. By day, it was a different story. The rushes of people, while still respectful and courteous, were just that; rushes of people. There are new sounds at every door way, shop or intersection you pass by. Flashing lights of signs, billboards and attractions all compete for your attention, and that is just a ground level. Pick a spot and look up. The sounds and sights continue upwards for floors and floors. Hidden stores, offices and eateries a staircase or two away. We had never been to a place like this before. The business men in their impeccable and admirable suits mixed in with the Kawaii culture show the diversity of this city. Everyone seems to have a distinctive dress sense which by far surpasses the boardies and thong [flip-flop] combo we are used to. You could almost feel the unique personalities of the people and the city by standing still and allowing it all to pass by us. People watching is at its peak here. It’s late morning and we’ve eaten, so where are these people filling the streets going to, or coming from? The stores are all open and welcoming customers in to explore their seven-floors of everything and anything. The Starbucks on the corner of the famous Shibuya crossing is filled with people fighting over a bird’s eye view of the busy streets below; although you won’t find quiet in here. Maybe it’s our inner child wanting to explore and experience more of these sights and sounds, lapping in the fun and carefree nature of the city. Maybe it’s the sense of order they have in everything they build or do. Or, a combination of the two. Regardless, it’s a sensory overload, but one we surprisingly found nostalgia in. A nostalgia that has drawn us back many times more, yet we still can’t explain this city and its people. There is never enough time to explore, experience or do. There is never enough time to find out why this city has such a strong hold over us. There is only enough time to surrender to its wonder. Welcome to Tokyo; Japan.