The moment when you wake up, well rested, ready for the day...and it is one o'clock in the morning! I have to admit this was the worst jetlag I've had so far. My friend couldn't care less and was happily asleep. That is why I started my first day in Japan a little bit sleepy. I thought about heading to the famous Tsukiji Fish market early in the morning. Google told me that is was Foundation Day, a national holiday, though. So the market was closed.
Our first destination of the day was the Rainbow Bridge that we actually intended to cross on foot or wheels. But we couldn't resist the big Denny's sign on our way and stopped for breakfast. If you know the American restaurant chain, the Japanese version will look familiar at first, but on closer inspection you will find some differences. Like excellent Japanese service. There is even a call button at each table to order. When it comes to food, the Japanese Denny's is at least as good as the original one. My pancakes were fluffy and sweet.
Denny's breakfast
After this successful catch we kept on walking to the Rainbow Bridge along the Tokyo Monorail. Rushing through canyons of grey skyscrapers this means of transportation reminded me of a 50s Scifi movie set.
Tokyo Monorail
At one point we realized that the start of the Rainbow Bridge was still far away and we were already quite exhausted from walking, so we decided to take the Yurikamome automated guideway transit service to cross the bridge and finally arrive at Odaiba. From there you have a beautiful view of central Tokyo.
Central Tokyo seen from Odaiba
Odaiba is an artificial island in Tokyo Bay which offers lots of different acitivites and sights. For example a replica of the French Statue of Liberty that commemorates the 'Year of France in Japan' celebrated in 1998.
Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge
Even bigger is the Gundam Statue in front of the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza mall. The huge robot from an anime and manga series even moves now at certain times!
Gundam statue
Right next to the statue is Venus Fort, another shopping mall including outlet stores as well as an exhibition of oldtimer cars.
History Garage
Even though we couldn't find something in the more high-priced shops the mall was worth a visit. The whole interior has a perfect European Renaissance theming featuring a painted sky that changes its colour.
Venus Fort
Venus Fort evening sky
You can spend a whole day in Odaiba with ease. We took a short break at the hotel before heading to another bustling highlight in the evening – the Shibuya Crossing.
People waiting at Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya or Scramble Crossing is said to be bussiest intersection in the world. At peak times thousands of people cross at a time. All around the crossing giant neon signs and displays light the night. If Tokyo has a pumping heart you will find it here right next to Shibuya station, the second busiest station in the world. The down side of this must-see sight? Lots of tourists and full restaurants.
Green phase Shibuya Crossing
Luckily we didn't have to starve, though. For a not so fancy but delicious meal in Japan you can go to one of many Kombinis, small supermarkets that are open 24/7 and that offer anything your heart desires. From drinks over Sushi to full warm meals – you won't leave a Kombini hungry. Big chains are 7-Eleven, Lawson or FamilyMart.
Japanese Kombini food
As we headed back to the train, we realized that the wheelchair accessible entrance of the station via a department store was already closed. We went to another entrance of the station to ask the staff what to do. For the station attendants it was self-evident to escort us to the train. All around the building, up with two lifts and always so friendly, polite, so dignified! People in front of us were shooed away with big gestures. A spot on the platform indicated where the wheelchair space on the train would be. The train approached, an anime style station jingle sounded through the speakers, the station attendant put the mobile slope over the gap between train and platform, I rolled onto the train without a single small step, the doors closed, the station attendant bowed and the train left the station. Going through this procedure for the first time was surreal. But with every repetition it was such a relief to know that everything had been taken care of and that you didn't have to worry about being able to get off the train or leave the station building. On the train an old man swapped seats so that my friend and me could sit next to each other. Although our Japanese skills were less than basic, my friend and the old man started a conversation. It was a kind encounter and I was overwhelmed by the friendliness of this man. On this evening I fell in love with Japan and its people. Continue here.
Wheelchair spot on the automated guideway transit service platform
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