Shinjuku

Shinjuku.
A name I have heard so many times but which has no real meaning.
Until today. I experienced Shinjuku and now I understand what it’s all about.
Just Incredible !

Shinjuku Station is the busiest in the whole world ! Its a gigantic complex with malls and restaurants. It has more than 200 exits and see roughtly 3.4 millions passengers a DAY.
And you can really feel that inside.  A city in the city.

I’m discovering the busiest part of Tokyo while walking toward a park.
Time to go to a green space to relax and reconnect with nature for a few hours. Tokyo can feel overwhelming if you are not prepared or simply tired.

Shinjuku Gyoen park , a big park where you can recharge your batteries.

And meet japanese people too. Parks are always a good place to talk to strangers. The relaxed atmosphere of nature helps to remove thoses boundaries that we tend to create. This contrast is quite strong in Tokyo. Tokyoite can be quite reserved. But in a park it makes a difference 😉 (when they speak english as well)

You can also enjoy Matcha tea with Wagashi (traditional sweet with bean paste). Perfect to recharge.

Ah Japan … you are exactly how I imaginated you. Peaceful and elegante.

Well , a concret forest is not very elegant. Take a look at Shinjuku from above. View point from the metropolitan building. And it’s free.  Make you realize how big is Tokyo. Beyond the visible.

After a chilled out morning I headed toward the busy center of Shinjuku.
Where I discovered something wonderful.

A Japanese arcade building with 5 floors. The more I went up and the loudest the music was. Each floor had a specific type of game. But the last floor was dedicated to ryhtms games (like guitar hero). This floor absorb all my attention. You see these japanese playing thoses games and you realise that this is an institution here. Like breads for French or waffles for Belgium.  It’s quite intense but a good place to spend some time if the weather is not good. They have some crazy games out there that dont even exist in Europe. Great Mario Kart too.

Okay now its time for urban safari ! Tokyo is an amazing place to get lost in . I have spend hours in this district just wandering around.

Kabikicho is the “red light district” of Tokyo. It has a more underground feel to it. I got asked if I wanted to have “massage” a few times …. mmmmh not very catholic. Definetly a place to explore where the sun is gone. All thoses neons makes a great futuristic dystopian feel. I loved it.

If you come to Tokyo you’ll hear about the insane and popular show called “robot restaurant”. I thought why not give it a try. But before I need some inspiration.

You can drink (sake here) in tiny bars in Kabukicho. Intimate feel.
Getting ready for the next show which turned to be … yeah , insane^^

I wont spoil you more but basically it’s a 60min show with robot , ninja, dragons , some crazy fights and dancing … all with upbeat music. Very Japanese indeed. I have to say it was super touristy and really commercial orientated which I didnt liked. Also it’s expensive at the door so make sure to book on internet before hand (voyagin website is your best option).
Overwall it was a good experience but it wont be for everyone. It’s fun to watch yes but everything around it felt a bit wrong to me. A bit over rated in my opinion even if the show was out of this world (yon wont see that anywhere else).

It was a long day . Not easy to find a good balance when you are an impatient tourist. Sometime you gotta learn to slow down. The less is more 🙂

I’m exausted and finish my evening in a vegan Izakaya (japanese pub) not far away . Located on the last floor “Kibocho” was an oasis of peace in the middle of Shinjuku.

Cosy atmosphere and the owner was so sweet.

I have drinked a “butterfly pea flower” tea. Which is from the Edamame flower. It has many health benefit and can be use as natural colorant.  Look.

Nice turquoise color isn’t it ?
And if you add lemon in it ….

Suprise !

Tokyo is a place where your senses are constantly stimulated. A massive playground that is only waiting for your inner child to wake up.  I cann’t wait to explore Tokyo further.
See you next time for more discoveries 🙂

Water , mizu 水