When in Tokyo

When I was at uni, I was given a wonderful opportunity to do an exchange in Tokyo. This experience definitely made an impact in my life as it was really the first time I was living on my own.

Side note: if you can manage to set up a life, no matter for how short in the city they call Tokyo- you can definitely make it anywhere.

This past August, I went back to Japan as a tourist and luckily, my view of this country didn’t change a bit.

Tokyo- extravagant, unique, bustling, energizing, confusing, scary- this city is all of the above and more. From its neon-lit skyscrapers to its majestic temples, I’ve never been to a city with such an eclectic mix of new and old. You don’t really visit Tokyo, you live it.

I usually end up overwhelmed when people ask me to name a few things and places to visit when in Tokyo. So I usually just end up naming a few places that I personally loved during my time there. No point in competing with the Lonely Planet, right? So let me present below, some of my favourites

•  TrumpRoom Shibuya

Dubbed as ‘so cool, the club doesn’t need a website’- this is my all-time favourite club. The club is made up of several small rooms on different floors, all full of tiny ornaments, mirrors, chandeliers and disco balls. I think the Black Eye Peas shot their video Just Can’t Get Enough here…

• Tokyo DisneySea

The only DisneySea in the world! It’s pretty much Disneyland with a nautical theme. So instead of Sleeping Beauty’s palace, you have Ariel’s palace. Amazing at any age.

• New York Bar- Park Hyatt Shinjuku

That bar from the Lost in Translation movie, not to mention its incredible views

• Tokyo City View at Roppongi Hills (Sky Deck)

See the endless Tokyo skyline surrounding you from 360 degrees on top of the Sky Deck. Try to go in the evening when the whole city is lit up, creating a breathtaking light show you will never forget!

• Going to Odaiba on the Yuirkamome Line

Though there’s not much to do in Odaiba, expect the giant Gundam statue, if you do go there, make sure you take the Yurikamome line, an elevated train giving you the best few of the futuristic city.

• Don Quijote Discount Stores

Best place to find those WTF souvenirs you were looking for for your friends and family. They’re located all over Tokyo and open at the most impossible hours. I think the one in Roppongi even had a rollercoaster in it.