Japan Itinerary: Early Morning in Tokyo

A trip to Japan is a trip to an architectural/engineering and cultural haven. The country preserves its cultural heritage as much as it builds its modern environment. And it does both ambitiously- from rebuilding damaged heritage sites based on the original appearance and materials to constructing tall and aesthetically superior skyscrapers in an earthquake-prone region. What else could be a perfect place for the old and new aside from Tokyo? It's an architect's/engineer's paradise, where the juxtaposition of traditional and modern is at its finest. 

This got me even more excited for our trip to Tokyo.

We arrived in Tokyo at 5:30 AM (after almost 6 hours of travel time). I immediately opened the window shades and gaped in awe at the beauty of Tokyo in early morning light.

Luckily for us, the overnight bus station is located near the business districts of Ginza and Marunouchi, places which were not included in our itinerary, but we serendipitously had to stop over.

The bus station is located right behind the Tokyo International Forum.

We had to walk from the bus stop to the nearest train station. Our hotel's check-in time was still at 2:00 PM, so while we were still in the Philippines, Luvley already contacted her former officemates and asked if we could leave our things and take a bath at their apartment before going around Tokyo. 

We were in a bit of a hurry to meet them but we couldn't help but take tons of photos along the way. It was an opportunity that we just couldn't miss, especially since our vacation was limited. In that moment, everything in our path seemed to be picture-worthy. Even the stark cleanliness was worth documenting. 

Upon research, I discovered that the buildings and areas we passed by are actually some of Japan's most loved landmarks.

This is the Tokyo Station. It is a red brick building which originally opened in 1914 but was extensively damaged  during the World War II. The structure was renovated in 2012 based on the original design and specifications of Japanese Architect Kingo Tatsuno.

This is not just a major transportation hub but also a historical site and prominent landmark in Tokyo.

This park in front of the Tokyo Station leads to the Imperial Palace. If only we had more time, we could have visited the palace and perhaps spotted the emperor and empress of Japan.

The imposing steel and glass structure in the background is known as the Glass Hall of the Tokyo International Forum.

Its appearance, which resembles a hull, was designed by New York Architect Rafael Viñoly. With just two columns supporting the massive steel truss system and glass roof, the building is an architectural and engineering feat.

It was indeed one hell of a photo walk. The Marunouchi District itself is a sight to behold.

After the fun photowalking, we arrived at Otemachi Station, the station and train line identified by Google Maps as the shortest route going to Monzen-Nakacho, where we will meet Luvley's former officemates. Since we planned to go around the city, we bought Pasmo cards. Pasmo is a stored-value card which is accepted by almost all train lines in Tokyo. It's very convenient, especially for tourists since you won't have to keep buying single journey tickets. Plus, it also greatly reduces your use of the train ticket vending machines which can be confusing at times, particularly when you have to transfer from one train line to another.

Finally we arrived at our destination. We were greeted by Luvley's former officemates, Sir Eric and GV, at the exit of Monzen-Nakacho station. 

We had to walk from the station to their apartment and it was a different neighborhood all together. In contrast to Marunouchi and Ginza, it was a residential area sprawled with mid-rise buildings with narrow frontage (which is quite typical for residential buildings in Japan due to high cost of real estate).

Incidentally, we saw a temple nestled in the quiet neighborhood. And yes, it was another photo opportunity. 

Maybe it's true that you'll always find a temple within your neighborhood in Japan.

Upon arrival at their apartment building, I immediately noticed the needle-like tip of Tokyo Skytree. I got chills seeing it from a distance yet knowing that somehow it was within my reach. Visiting Tokyo Skytree was included in our itinerary and it's a place I've really been wanting to see.

Thank you Sir Eric and Sir GV for the accommodation and even preparing breakfast for us, despite the inconvenience we might have caused by waking you up early in the morning and disrupting your silent sanctuary.

It was a perfect start to a perfect day!

Later in the day, we visited Asakusa, Ueno, Tokyo Skytree, and Shibuya

More photos of our arrival at Tokyo here.