Fortunately, we had a local Tokyo friend to show us around. If not for him, I’m not sure we would have ever made it out of the Shinjuku station, which is the 2nd biggest in the world, according to the Lonely Planet Tokyo and the busiest in the world, according to Wikipedia.

A ridiculously busy day, traveling between the Tsukiji fish market, Asakusa Shrine, Sky Tower, Roppongi, Shibuya crossing and Harajuku. Deep breath, sigh…

Though we didn’t make it to the Tsukiji market as early as suggested, we were still fortunate to see it in all it’s glory. Thousands of people packed together, pushing through tiny alleyways, bargaining the lowest price for octopus. Because it is nearly the new year, many were still at the market later than usual, preparing for one of the biggest holidays of the year.

Arriving at the Shibuya crossing after dark was reminiscent of scenes of one of my favorite movies of all time, by the brilliant Sofia Coppola, Lost in Translation. This is the moment and the place that makes you realize, yes, I am really in Tokyo.