Why you should go anyway to Tokyo, Japan

Hate crowds? Scared of tuna? Don’t know Japanese? Insert your random excuse not to go to Japan here. Now forget all of this because your brain is full of shit. I know mine was.

Whatever is holding you back from visiting Japan, I assure you it’s a lame excuse. My excuses were both lame and wrong. For example, I hated the idea of getting stuck in large crowds of people. Cut to me getting led out of the train station by a smirking train assistant who rolled my suitcase in front of me, said, “Welcome to Japan!” and then went back to his post. Here’s where I was:

This is Shibuya Crossing, arguably one of the busiest intersections IN THE WORLD. There I was, just me with my suitcase and no idea which direction my hotel was.

I was a bit too ready to wet my pants so I forgot to take my own picture, but trust me when I tell you that the crowd really was like that. Although I sit much lower so my perspective was mostly upwards from people’s waists. I did see the comforting Starbucks logo across the street, which oddly made things feel familiar.

Even in that moment of craziness, however, I FELT AWESOME! People were moving all about then all stopping to let traffic pass. Tourists were taking pics and parents were dragging their kids though the lights and people like rag dolls. But nobody was bumping into anyone else as there seemed to be a mutual respect for each other and an understanding that if I get out of your way, you’ll get out of mine. The best way to describe the sound is that it was like a muffled NYC rush hour — more of a constant rumbling of people noises than of cars or horns.

I was able to find a place to pause for a moment and take it all in. Then I got out my phone, looked up the direction of my hotel, and headed on my way.

Within a few blocks of Shibuya station, it was quiet, calm, and very few people were on the street. It was amazing how the density and noise level changed so quickly. I hadn’t been really stressed at all during this, but it was nice to have an open sidewalk to cruise along.

And that’s my takeaway for anyone who ever asks me about Tokyo — busy in places, yes. But you’re never more than a few blocks from peace and quiet. Also, the people are so nice! The food is so fresh! And there are a ton of green spaces and shrines spread throughout the city that you are never more than a few blocks from a place to sit and relax.

Here are some more posts with my notes from this amazing trip. Of course they’re geared towards wheelchair users but will work for anyone!

• How to get from Tokyo Narita Airport to the city in a wheelchair
• How to get around Tokyo in a wheelchair
• Accessible places to go in Tokyo (i.e. Tokyo Has Ramps)
• Where you should stay in Tokyo if you use a wheelchair

Now get off your butt and go already! No excuses!

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