Japan, Day 1: Tokyo

I initially wasn’t going to post any of my Japan photos in a blog. I wanted to just dump them into a single gallery and call it day. As I started to sort through them all, I realized that these pictures would be a good way to give everyone a break, and give me an outlet to tell some stories. It was an incredible trip and I feel pretty lucky to have experienced what I did. It was a rare opportunity that didn’t go unappreciated.

The truth is, this was a whirlwind trip that I booked only 2 months before departing. It was a trip I didn’t plan in advance, but felt prepared for because Japan has always been at the top of my bucket list.

I was embarking on trip where I wasn’t familiar with the language in the slightest and about to wander the complex city of Tokyo. It’s safe to say my anxiety was in overdrive, but the lovely Japanese people soon eased those anxieties.

Crossing Over

On my first morning I decided to get an early start. I was out of bed and ready to go at 7:50 am. Turns out nothing opens until 10:00 am. I did mange to hang out in the Shibuya Crossing Starbucks and watched people go about their lives.

Parco Rooftop

I was here for two reasons, to get a sweet cityscape and spend a ton of money at the Pokemon Centre in Shibuya. Success on both fronts.

Tokyu Plaza

The entrance to this shopping mall was covered in mirrors. It was incredibly trippy.

Where's Kyle?

It’s not hard to find me, but I like to think of this as a selfie, but from a distance!

Yoyogi Park

At this point, I was exhausted and starting to feel the effects of traveling the day before. It was only the early afternoon at this point, so I decided to relax in a park and enjoy the spectacular view while eating ice cream.

Birds are Friends

This little fellow surprised me, because he was zipping all around my head looking for a perch on a nearby tree. He was quick!

Kakuuntei

I hadn’t planned to go into this garden, but it looked pleasant and a good place to take stock of how much money I just spent on Pokemon stuffed animals.

Fishies

Almost every garden I went to had koi. Or at least I assume they’re koi. Either way they fully surrounded the small dock by the pond and expected food. I disappointed them in this aspect.

Flowers

Since it was still winter, the grass wasn’t green and many of the trees had yet to reveal their leaves. I did sneak a peak at some of the incredible flowers that Spring would bring.

Meiji Jingu

This was my first real shrine (of many) in Japan. It was a sobering experience that was surrounded by a peaceful forest. It was easy to forget I was still in Shibuya.

Yodobashi Camera

At this point I was exhausted, but still needed to make my way back up to Shinjuku where my first hotel was. While I was transferring hotels that night, I took the chance on my walk back to check out one of the biggest multi-building stores I had ever been to.

Magic Hour

While walking around Yodobashi Camera and checking out the claw machines and trying out camera gear, I happened across this innocent scene. This is one of those moments where I have maybe 10 or 15 seconds to recognize, and then capture what I want in a photograph. In this case I feel it all came together nicely.