Japan Travel Reports: Central Tokyo

As you can see, there is nobody in Tokyo. Everyone has fled.

I'm sorry, I just lied to you

This picture was taken this morning around 5:30 am a few blocks from Hamamatsucho Station. Since my flight was delayed I had to sleep in Haneda airport until I caught the first monorail. After spending a majority of the day riding around Central Tokyo on the Yamanote line I am happy to report that I have not felt any aftershocks or felt any danger whatsoever. In fact things here seem pretty happy and exciting.

Shortly after 11:00 AM

There are plenty of people going about their daily business as well as many japanese visitors from outside Tokyo taking photos of areas that have begun to blossom. Granted that the central Tokyo area is unaffected by the disaster, some places have conserved energy and have posted notes. JR rail does not seem to be slower in frequency, rail service is relatively quick. I haven't had to wait more than 5 minutes.

Love is in the air here, couples are walking around and families are enjoying the weather. Everyone seems generally happy. I have yet to see any other foreigners, I get the occasional stare but it is usually accompanied by a slight bow of the head (not sure why but I bow right back). My language is a bit of a problem though, I tend to mix my horrible japanese with english, but thankfully I am assisted by others here in Japan. The people out here are probably the nicest I have ever encountered.

If you are still debating on coming out here, you should not think, just come out! The media has blown a lot of this out of proportion, its sad really. I'm not saying that the disaster didn't happen, it did and many lives were lost. My prayers go out to those who are missing family, but the threats are minimal outside of that area.

Tokyo tower is still standing, its open and was packed full of people today. Shiba park was full of laughter from children running and playing and the shrines around the tower area were also packed full of people. Having never visited Japan before I can't compare it but it does seem relatively busy. I haven't gone to Ueno park, but the amount of people on the train I was on that got off at Ueno was massive (cleared my whole car). It's safe to say that the park is full of visitors for the blossoms.

I hope my report was good enough for you to see that even with multiple disasters, life continues and people come together to support one another. I head down to Kyoto in two days so I will attempt to report from there as well. I love Japan, the people and the culture and you should definitely come out here for the trip of a lifetime.

The only problem I have faced is with my Airline. They have stopped departing from Haneda due to the surge in cancellations so now I have to fly out of Narita... not a big deal, just a minor inconvenience.

-Serkits