Tokyo: What Happens When Sci-Fi Becomes Reality

Home to a mind-boggling 13 million people, the metropolitan area of Tokyo is a sensory overload every step of the way. Everything in this mega-city looks, smells, sounds, and feels extraordinary.. like one is in a blockbuster movie, or 15 years in the future.

And my first piece of advice for any first-time traveler to Tokyo, is to just let the city swallow you! Don't even try to make sense of anything, open yourself up to everything.. and don't forget to look up!

* Shibuya is known as Japan's fashion center and is where all the cool kids go to drink and party.

* And apart from Scramble, the giant pedestrian crossing in the middle of Shibuya, the area's most popular attraction is this statue of Hachiko the loyal dog. Beloved because of his intense loyalty, Hachiko waited patiently every day for his owner to arrive in this train station, continuing nine years after the owner's death!

* They sure take boy bands here to a whole other level!

* And biker gangs as well! With this one having a Santa-themed aesthetic.

* Tokyo is also the home of Japan's Emperor, who has his Imperial Palace (known as Edo Castle) in the Chiyoda ward of the mega-city. 

* The Imperial House of Japan is unique in that it is the oldest and longest continuing monarchy in the world. The House is also believed to be semi-divine direct descendants of the Shinto goddess, Amaterasu.

* Talk about a moat! I wouldn't be surprised if ninjas and samurai were actually hidden everywhere!

* Napping in style in the middle of sprawling imperial parks.. perfectly normal in Tokyo!

* Shinjuku is Tokyo's major commercial and administrative centre, containing the headquarters of most of Japan's largest companies.

* The Japanese are a very proud and well-dressed people!

* Shinjuku also contains the world's busiest railway station, serving an average of 3.6 million people per day!

* Despite its massive size, Japan is a breeze to travel around in thanks to its convenient and affordable railway and bus services. Pro Tip: Don't use taxis. They are EXPENSIVE!

* MMA and Pro-wrestling fans will love it here as those two sports are HUGE in the country; as well as baseball, sumo, and more traditional forms of martial arts.

*The Japanese are also a very tidy people. Expect to see almost zero garbage in the streets, as well as no garbage cans. Pro Tip: You'll find them in washrooms / restrooms / bathrooms / lavatories.

* A general rule of thumb when deciding where to eat.. is to just point to a place and go for it! It was almost impossible for us to find food here that wasn't good.. even those in convenient stores. 

Pro Tip: When running low on funds, try the sushi in Mini-Stop! You're welcome!

* We picked this random place as there was a statue of a gentleman and his dog outside! And it was damn good!

* Japan is also famous for having out-of-the-box, almost weird, advertising! Here's one window display that I THINK is supposed to resemble characters from Star Wars.

* Whether day or night, the city feels magical.. like all it needs are flying cars!

* If you're feeling rather sassy, head to Ginza, the upscale, pricey, part of town!

* Full of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, Ginza is perfect for fashionably-branded people (and sports-car) watching.

* If you're an action figure enthusiast (as I am), the aptly named Kiddy Land in Harajuku has everything you'll ever need.

* And if you're into gadgets and electronics (as I also am), Bic Camera contains LITERALLY ANYTHING you can think of, even those items you haven't thought of yet.. hello toilet seat cover that is also a massager and LED display!

* When in Japan, one must enjoy the wonders of Ramen!

* Made up of noodles served in meat / fish broth and flavored with soy sauce and miso, Ramen is perfect after a looooooong day of exploring and walking.

* It's not uncommon to see locals enjoying this delicacy alone!

* Itadakimasu!!!