Shinto shrines and temples, skyscrapers lit in neon anarchy, enormous commuter trains and a maze of subways, robots and high-tech electronic gadgets, lurid manga, anime and samurai swords, sushi, ramen and bento boxes—wakarimashita, I’m in Tokyo.

If Tokyo is a person and someone would ask me what my first impression of this city is, I would say he is brilliantly crazy. A person with a bipolar attitude, shifting to the extremes with its successful conglomeration of the old and new, past and future, juxtaposed in every corner of the metropolis.

The climate was hot and humid when I arrived here in June. Though the weather was a bit uncomfortable, I found myself mesmerized by its noisy atmosphere. Never mind if there were no cherry blossoms to be seen and if my basic Nihongo could barely help me survive an ordeal. The bright lights and cosmopolitan landscape were a pleasant assault on my senses. Even the initial confusion I felt when I stepped out of the Narita International Airport was something I was ready to embrace.

From the airport to the Hotel Asia Center in Akasaka, my journey began. The taxi driver who transported me to the hotel was speaking in rapid Nihongo. When I gave him a copy of the map of the hotel where I would be staying, he finally understood that I am a foreigner.

What better way to get myself immersed in Japanese culture than to dive deep into the heart of Japan’s social and financial hub. That means going to places such as Roppongi, the geeky streets of Akihabara, its shopping mecca called Ginza, and the fashion and pop districts of Shinjuku and Shibuya.

Going around Tokyo could be a terrifying prospect at first, especially when you are alone. But I soon found out that if one wants to get a real one-of-a-kind-experience than a collection of tourist attractions of Tokyo, then it would have to be by foot. Walking around the neighborhood would definitely help give you delightful options. Armed with comfortable shoes, a trusty digicam, and a Suica card (loadable MTR cards available at vending machines or Japan Railways stations), I was ready to explore.

Despite many people saying that Japan’s financial capital has lost its luster, truly, for locals and foreigners alike, Tokyo still maintains the power to mesmerize even from a distance. While other cities have sprouted claiming to be the perfect and newest destination, Tokyo need not compete. Just its name evokes a tantalizing effect that would make tourists salivate to have a taste of its wares.

Life in Tokyo never stops. Just walk down the train stations and see the frantic pace of people boarding the train to reach their offices on time; the swath of people crossing busy streets, and vending machines that are open 24 hours a day testify to its bustling environment.

As a first time Tokyo-goer, I was impressed by the raw power emanating from the corporate façade. Shinjuku is the best place to start experiencing this pure energy and the excellent location to spot the latest in Tokyo pop and fashion. It houses the busiest train station in the world. Its mix of commercial and residential establishments, hotels, department stores, electronic and camera shops, restaurants can be dizzying prospects but eventually, you’ll get a hang of it and even enjoy the clutter.

Shibuya, as well, competes for the attention of 20 + to 30+ adults. It’s where the hippies converge and where music shops and outrageous apparels can be found. Even if you’re not up to it, you would feel ready to pose ala J-pop. Harajuku offers more bizarre fashion that I found mind-blowing. But for more high fashion flagship stores and a chance to rub elbows with Japan’s famous designers, hie off to Aoyama.

Ginza, meanwhile, is Tokyo’s upscale shopping district. While there are clusters of department stores in other districts in Tokyo, Ginza has the leaders. If you want to empty your wallet, then this is the place to be. Japanese tourists consider this as a shopping mecca comparable to Beverly Hills and 5th Avenue.  

I am not a geek but definitely I want to score some cheap electronic finds that is why Akihabara was on top of my list when I went to Tokyo. Akihabara, originally known as the Field of Autumn Leaves, is home to robotics, big appliances, microscopic gadgets, the latest handheld PDA, laptops as well as anime (cartoon manga). Despite increased competition from crowded hubs like Shinjuku, Akihabara still remains the center of activity for all geeks and tech-savvy enthusiasts.

And if you get hungry, don’t worry. For those who love to eat, Tokyo has always been known to excessively provide a wide array of gastronomic delights. But I won’t forget the sushi I had at one of the restaurants in Tsukiji, as I had every intention of eating fresh sushi or sashimi when I got there. Tsukiji, considered the world’s largest fish market, is probably the best place to start your adventure for a culinary primer.

Tokyo is the stronghold of the best and finest restaurants. And though volumes have been written about Japanese cuisine, the pleasure of eating authentic specialties can be experienced practically in every corner in Tokyo. I tried eating ramen at a “hole-in-the-wall” joint in Shinjuku (similar to Pinoy’s cafeteria but found in alleyways), and found it marvelous as well as the cold noodles or zaru soba, tempura, tonkatsu. Many times, I have to drag one waiter out of the resto to point out my order from the glass display outside. Luckily, Japanese folks are very hospitable and understanding to foreigners especially those who don’t speak the language and don’t understand complicated Kanji.

Of course, before digging in, it’s proper to say grace by politely saying “itadakimasu” which literally means “I will receive.” Practically, it means you are receiving grace from above. There’s also no need to fret if you don’t know how to use the chopsticks. Once they’re in your hands, you’ll find yourself comfortably eating the Japanese way.

My Tokyo experience would not be complete without seeing Tokyo Tower in Roponggi. This 1,091 ft, Eiffel-Tower inspired lattice building currently serves as the city’s principal radio and TV broadcasting tower. It has two observation decks, the Main Observatory and the Special Observatory. On both decks, one can find a breathtaking view of the whole city. I myself was awed to find a stunning view of Tokyo from here. It was also in Tokyo Tower where I was able to buy some souvenirs.

But as I mentioned, Tokyo is not all modern. Against the backdrop of formidable architectures are Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, as well as parks that provide space for moments of peace and idyllic escapades.  The Imperial Palace, the permanent residence of Japan’s emperor and imperial family, is a favorite tourist spot not to mention the Imperial Palace East Garden and the Kitanomaru Park adjacent to it. Just taking a stroll around these parks is enough to clear your mind. The shrines also provide a significant peek into Japan’s religious beliefs and culture.

Going home was difficult. I had mixed feelings because much as I would like to go back home, I knew I still haven’t had enough of this city. True, the global financial meltdown did not leave Tokyo unscathed. However, it still stands to be one of the best developed cities in this part of the world that is worth traveling to. The friendship I was able to build with the people of Japan, as well as with other Asian people, made me resolve to go back to this wonderful country rightfully branded the “Land of the Rising Sun.” Tokyo will really tantalize your senses and magnetize you to go back and lose yourself in its chameleon world.