World Wide Wilkie - Tokyo - Day 1

We got to Tokyo at 12:00 local time, having slept on the plane, I wasn't too tired. First impressions of Japan were amazing, all the ground staff at the airport were wearing these reflective band things which made them look like extras in a Beastie Boys video. The Limousine Bus Service which runs from Narita airport into Tokyo is pretty easy to find and went directly to our hotel. While waiting on the bus, we amused ourselves watching another Beastie Boys extra with a red stick directing traffic.

After an hour or so on the bus, we were at the hotel. As we walked through the door an entire reception full of superflous staff all greeted us with the customary "Irrashaimase" which was to become something which we would never escape for the next two weeks. Andrea had come through for us and our Melt-Banana tickets were waiting for us at reception. Once checked in, we were shown to our room by two Bell Girls who then proceeded to engage us in the most uncomfortable situation of extreme politeness I've ever been subjected to. Once they bowed and walked backwards out of the room, we surveyed the room. On the 24th floor of the hotel, the view looked out toward the Metropolitan Government buildings and out over a large expanse of buildings.

The Metropolitan Government Office Buildings The Metropolitan Government Office Buildings The Metropolitan Government Office Buildings The Metropolitan Government Office Buildings
Our view of the Metropolitan
Government buildings from the hotel

The Government buildings consist of building No 1, the main tower which is 243 metres tall and 48 stories. The assembly building is in front of this with a plaza in the centre, building No 2 is off to the left (shown in last picture) and is 163 metres tall. The whole complex is amazing, there are observation platforms at the top of each of the towers of building No 1 allowing for amazing views out over Tokyo.

This area of Shinjuku (Nishi-Shinjuku) is home to quite a few big skyscrapers, and is well worth a visit.

Hyatt hotel from the Keio Plaza Building in Shinjuku Building in Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Office Building No. 3 Shinjuku NS Building
Some more Skyscrapers in Nishi-Shinjuku seen from our room

After settling in, we went for a look around Shinjuku, first impressions were amazing, highlights of the first day were a man selling Super Famicom games and porn from a stall on the street; the arcades and the best police chase I've ever seen, two youths on a scooter being chased by a tiny little Police car with a Policeman shouting at them through a loud speaker. It was pure comedy. At night, Shinjuku is a sea of neon lights and flourescence, giant TVs blare at you. Even the Beastie Boys style traffic direction assistants have lights on their jackets.