5 Reasons Why We Love Tokyo

5 Reasons Why We Love Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is an amazing modern metropolis.

There are many things that make this city awesome, including hosting the most Fortune 500 companies at any one time, ranking 1st in Global Economic Power Index, the city with most Michelin stars awarded to restaurants and soon to be host in the upcoming 2020 Olympics!

But those aren't the only reasons that we love Tokyo, read on to find out what they are:

1. Convenience Stores (also known as Konbini)

japanese konbini

Convenience stores, shortened to konbini by the Japanese, are a ubiquitous part of everyday life in Japan.

The big three brands of konbini are 7-Eleven, Lawson and Family Mart.

They all have different unique selling points, but all offer amazing products and services using limited storage space.

Shelves are stocked full several times daily with fresh food, magazines, and popular products. The high competition between the brands means prices are cheap and competitive.

They only stock products that sell, so nothing stays on the shelves for long. Food products often found in konbini include bentos (Japanese lunch boxes), bread, fruit, onigiri (rice ball), sweets, ice cream, instant noodles and savory snacks.

7-11

Drinks in konbinis include water, juice, tea, coffee, soda, milk, sports drinks, and alcohol.

Depending on the drink, you can get them hot or cold! Konbinis also provide useful services for people.

You can pay your bills, purchase tickets, find ATMs that accept foreign cards, post or pick-up items and sometimes they also have a public bathroom.

Depending on the season, weather, or location, konbini products will change.

In spring you will find many sakura flavored products and in winter you will find many hot foods such as oden and nikuman that are more absent during summer.

When it rains, konbinis bring out their umbrella and raincoat stock in the stores. Depending on the konbini location, you may find unique products or services not offered elsewhere.

For example, in the business districts, you will find a photocopier available at the konbini for business people or prospective hires to use.

Convenience stores in Japan just make you long for one to be built outside your home!

2. Safest City in the World

japan safe

Exploring Tokyo feels very liberating because the city is very safe. In fact, Tokyo has been called the safest city in the world!

The reputation of being safe ironically can make Tokyo less safe if you let your guard down.

As a crowded city, there is a risk of petty crimes, but it is still quite low in comparison to many other cities.

Keep your belongings close to you and store anything important (wallet, phone, passport, etc) safely to eliminate the chance of possible pickpocketing.

For women, there is also always the concern of being groped in the trains during rush hour. However, trains often have a women-only carriage to counteract this issue.

women only train

In popular nightclub areas like Roppongi, it is advised to exercise caution at night.

Always make sure to check the menu to avoid a surprisingly expensive bill at the end and pay it with cash.

Of course, it would be remiss to not mention the potential for natural disasters in Tokyo.

Due to strict regulations, buildings and infrastructure are made to withstand earthquakes.

Japan National Tourist Organization has provided a website and a mobile application with safety tips and information alerts for tourists.

Safety in Tokyo is taken seriously, however, we recommend being cautious to avoid unpleasant situations!

3. Interesting Themed Cafe and Restaurants

tokyo nightlife

Like every other city in the world, Tokyo has its quirks. One of them is the abundance of themed cafes and restaurants you find around the city.

These themes can be generic, abstract or based off of popular characters in brands or media.

Themed cafes and restaurants are a fun experience, especially for die-hard fans who will enjoy all the attention to detail these locations provide.
Kawaii in Japanese means cute and has a culture surrounding it, unique to the country.

Kawaii Monster Cafe takes the concept to the extreme. This cafe will throw you headfirst into a colourful and bizarre, but unforgettable world.

Pompompurin Cafe

pompompurin cafe

If you love cute characters, a place like Pompompurin Cafe is ideal for you. This cafe is very popular, so be prepared to get there early or wait.

Character cafes often also have a merchandise store next door as well. And these places are just a few of many themed restaurants and cafe out there for you to explore!

4. Getting Around the City is a Breeze

japan transport

Tokyo is a very large city made smaller, thanks to its excellent transportation system.

Though sometimes crowded, the infrastructure does an excellent job of providing transport to the numerous inhabitants and travelers in the city.

There are many modes of transportation, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Taxis are very safe and reliable, but also expensive to use on a regular basis.

However, you don't need to take a taxi to get around as public transportation covers most of Tokyo.

Buses are a cheap way to get around as you will normally pay a flat fare in Tokyo, price dependant on the route.

When the announcement in Japanese says you are approaching your stop, you press the button to let the driver know you are getting off.

This system can make it difficult for newcomers and foreigners to use the bus.

The most popular mode of transport that is affordable and easiest to use is the train. Maps are very clear, have English writing and more accessible for foreigners compared to buses. They are also very punctual, Japanese trains usually arrive and depart exactly on time, so don’t be late!

japan train station

In the rare case of a delay, there is an announcement as well as an apology issued, even if it's as small as 1 minute.

The trains can get very crowded during peak hours, but the people riding with you are very considerate.

This is because Japan has etiquette on behavior while at the train station and riding the trains.

Japanese queue up to get on trains, and wait for people to get off before boarding.

Place your phones in silent or vibration mode to avoid disturbing other passengers.

Texting, browsing the web and playing games is acceptable, provided there is no sound.

It is also considered bad manners to talk on your cell phone or talk loudly while on the train.

Taking transportation in Tokyo is amazing, there's nowhere in the city (or out) you can't explore!

5. Plentiful Vending Machines

japan vending machine

Vending machines are a common sight around Tokyo and often grouped in a row.

They can be found on busy streets, small alleys, train stations, on the trains themselves, and other strange places.

Hostels and hotels may even have a vending machine inside them.

These machines primarily sell drinks, and you will never feel thirsty while walking around thanks to them. There is also usually a recycling bin nearby as well! Vending machines can distribute both hot and cold drinks, color coded red and blue respectively.

tokyo

These machines can also stock amulets, noodles, books, batteries, underwear, umbrellas.

Keep in mind that depending on the vending machine and its location, the price may be different by a 20-50 yen.

Vending machines are also used in businesses too, in lieu of a clerk or cashier.

Japan is continuously looking to automate their society, so don't be surprised if a food stall requires you to use a machine to process your purchase!

In a society where cash is used more than credit, vending machines are a great way to spend some of your loose change.

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