Tokyo First Impressions

I've heard and read about Tokyo, but these are the first impressions.  Arriving at Narita and picking up our backpacks, I'm struck by the fact that nobody steps beyond the red line that rings the luggage carrousel.  Everybody waits patiently behind the line that merely reads "No carts beyond."  The cityscape is a fantastic sea of concrete and glass frames of every imaginable shape, as far as your gaze can pan.  Not as crowded as I had anticipated, but we haven't been in rush hour yet.  Hardly anyone jaywalks and people are exceedingly polite and courteous.

The toilets are a wonder and can just about do everything... They will automatically lift or put down the cover and seat, flush various volumes of water, and even spray and dry if you wish. This certainly will not be the case in future destinations...

With Keith, Vicky, and the kids, we explored the city.  From Roppongi Hills we walked around the big intersection of Shibuya, along with the interesting throngs of people wandering the Harajuku.  As the day grew later, the crowds appeared.  Out came the Harajuku girls --babydolls, maids, rockers, and Marilyn Manson Goths, a brilliant statement of individuality on display for themselves, eachother, and the world.  It was the Western tourists now snapping pictures.  The humidity was oppressive, so we set down for lunch at Maisen, which may serve the best tonkatsu I've had.

We ventured to Shinjuku and the Kabukicho.  Shinjuku is glitzy and crowded with endless shops and amazing department stores.  Each has a tempting food court displaying pastries, chocolates, snacks, and an array of food that could pass for art.  The only problem is that they are strictly take-away only (take home).  There is no place to sit and eat and it is impolite to eat while walking.  An ice cream cone purchased at a convenience store had to be consumed in the small seating area in the premises.  It is normal to cram into the small premises to consume purchased food rather than go outside and eat.  As night falls, Kabukicho becomes alive.  Neon abounds, restaurants open, bars and clubs advertise their wares.