Sumida, Japan

When we returned from Singapore, we stayed in Tokyo for a few days before moving locations again. It can be difficult, expensive, and time consuming to hop around too much. The Shinkansen is wonderful and very convenient, but still fits into those previously mentioned categories.

We stayed in a different neighborhood of Tokyo, trying this time to experience the eastern side of the city, and now I know why Shinjuku and Shibuya (the western side) are so popular. Nothing is particularly wrong with Sumida City, but David and I definitely enjoyed the arcades, cutesy clothing shops, and dives before. The trains were a bit more direct as well. That being said, we were the closest we’ve ever been to a konbini (convenience store) at that location and I’m sure David enjoyed the overabundance of rice balls.

Having just come from Singapore and visiting Marina Bay Sands, I wasn’t sure I would enjoy ascending to the top of Tokyo Skytree, but I was wrong. Marina Bay Sands towers over the Singapore bay and city below. It’s isolated perch on the opposing shores of the city make it seem like a giant sitting in a garden of supertrees and flowers. But in reality, it isn’t that tall.

Tokyo Skytree: 634 meters (2,080 feet) Marina Bay Sands (SkyPark): 200 meters (656 feet)

It was a dramatic difference. Also, Tokyo itself is a megalopolis, with skyscrapers spanning for miles. Skytree dominates the landscape and makes these buildings look tiny from directly above. Tokyo Skytree is approximately 3 times taller and maybe 3 times as neat as well. The Singaporean building offered an outdoor observation deck with no shade and a small food counter. The Japanese building offered three indoor air-conditioned floors of observation windows in 360 degrees, a café, a small glass port you could walk over, professional photo station, store, and mailbox. Of course, I used the mailbox, but since I was in a panic to write quickly and get out of the way, I think I only send a postcard to my mom.

9/10 – Would recommend, especially for anyone wondering how my view typically is

While we were in Tokyo, we also stopped by the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. We didn't have much time to visit since we stopped by between things and it was also over 100° F, so I absolutely want to make it back there someday. The "open air museum" is a collection of moved or reconstructed buildings from throughout Tokyo's history. You can walk around and get a sense of the architecture throughout the Meiji period (1860s to 1910s) and beyond. It was very interesting to see the different styles of homes and buildings, the photo studio was especially neat. There's a cafe on premises. Next time I go, I will go when it is cooler so I can really slowly walk through the different areas, read all the signs, and enjoy a hot cup of coffee. Architecture is a love of mine, and some of the foreign designs are definitely something I wish I could bring back to the west with me.

We left Tokyo from Shinagawa Station, which is a major hub for Shinkansen trains. Everyone says taking the bullet train is super easy, and it probably is when it’s not a Japanese holiday week (oops). After some getting lost, we finally found the JR Ticket Counter, which in Shinagawa has a desk specifically for foreign tourists. They were very helpful and kind. Getting the ticket in person is also much cheaper than using and online intermediary. I would recommend using Shinagawa Station for the Shinkansen.

Yes, there's really a mailbox up there.