🌆 Tokio - streets of the MEGACITY

Tokyo is the largest city in the world in terms of population and urban area. With over 37 million people living in the metropolitan area, it has almost the same number of residents as the whole of Poland. It also holds records in the number of train stations, Michelin-starred restaurants, and convenience stores. The scale is hard to imagine - until being inside it.

Exploring began in Shibuya, home of the famous Hachiko statue, a tribute to the loyal dog who waited years for his owner at the station. Just next to it is the Shibuya Crossing - often called the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. Although during our visit it was mainly full of tourists taking photos, the place still had energy. The surrounding area immediately pulled us in—trying on kimonos was a must, and the shops nearby offered everything from vintage toys to ten kinds of face masks.

Eventually, it was time to escape the chaos. A short walk brought us to Yoyogi Park, where students jumped rope and couples lay on the grass. A surprisingly peaceful break in the heart of the megacity. Not for long though - we soon ended up on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, a narrow street packed with strange fashion, sweets shaped like animals, and a crowd that never stops moving. A mix of real Tokyo youth and visiting TikTokers.

As the temperature dropped, we took a bus to Shinjuku, landing in Kabukicho, Tokyo’s red-light and entertainment district. Neon everywhere, people everywhere - this was exactly how I imagined Tokyo. After dinner (amazing curry), we made one last stop at Omoide Yokocho - an alley full of tiny izakayas, traditional Japanese bars that serve small dishes with drinks. Locals come after work for beer, yakitori, and gossip. Most places were closing already, but the narrow lanes still had a special mood. Could have stayed there much longer 🌆.Read more