Tokyo Diary - day-1

Tokyo leaves a profound impression with its immaculate cleanliness and remarkable organization. However, my first day here has been full of unexpected surprises.

One notable aspect is the absence of public bins. Instead, residents diligently take their waste home to segregate it into compostable, recyclable, and non-recyclable categories, later handing it over to the municipal authorities on designated days of the week.

Another intriguing concept I came across is the "Ladies Bar," where men visit to engage in conversation with women. Given their demanding work lives, finding time for a girlfriend or partner becomes challenging. It's important not to misconstrue this establishment as anything else; it serves as a valuable outlet for those in need of such interactions, preventing them from feeling overwhelmed.

The sheer magnitude of the crowds and queues everywhere is quite astonishing. Perhaps Tokyo never anticipated such a rapid population surge. It seems that the city is reaching its limits and may struggle to accommodate any further influx. I am yet to explore the Japanese countryside, but Tokyo is undoubtedly bursting at the seams.

One iconic landmark is the Tokyo Tower, a towering structure inspired by the Eiffel Tower, surpassing it in size. Built approximately 60 years ago, it stands as a testament to Tokyo's architectural prowess.

Tokyo's metro system is renowned for its cleanliness, and it likely ranks among the fastest in the world. However, what struck me is the noticeable lack of conversation among passengers. Around 60% of them are engrossed in their phones, while the remainder either listen to something or read, but seldom engage in dialogue with fellow commuters.