Tokyo Skytree

We went into Tokyo last Saturday to drop off my co-worker, Andy, at the airport. In the process, we went to our favorite restaurant, Ichiran Ramen! You just can’t go there too many times. Actually at the end of our day in Tokyo, we seriously considered going back for dinner.

After that, Andy split for the airport and we continued on our day in Tokyo. We went to the Tokyo Skytree. Its the tallest structure in Japan and actually the 2nd tallest structure in the world. 634m (2,080ft).

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On the way we found some ColdStone IceCream and when you pass by a ColdStone, you have to stop. Its a rule. In America, the ColdStone workers will sing you a song if you give them a tip, but in Japan there’s no tipping so they just sing every customer a song. Its kinda funny.

Finally we got in line and went to the top of the Skytree. It wasn’t a bad wait either. Maybe 15 minutes. Right when you get off the elevator, there is a Christmas advertisement the kids wanted their pictures in front of. Christmas is in full force in Japan. It feels like America honestly.

So we went to the top at the perfect time and in the perfect weather. It was sunset time and the sun sets behind Mount Fuji. It was a really amazing experience to watch the sun disappear behind Fuji. Right as it was happening, everyone got silent and just watched. It happened pretty quickly. Once the sun disappeared everyone clapped and cheered. You couldn’t help it. It was just amazing. And a really rare experience. Pictures don’t do it justice, but I’m going to post them anyways.

We made our way back down to the ground and ate some hotdogs and drank some beer in a Christmas village/square at the base of the Skytree. There was a Christmas tree too. Complete with George Michael’s “Last Christmas” playing on the speakers. Very cozy. But it was warm enough for T-shirts, so that was the only thing that made it feel not like Christmas.

Then we finally started to make our way back to the train station. On the way we passed a Starbucks so we had to stop. Then we passed a Burger King and we had to stop. Because ‘Merica.

We rode the Shinkansen home and we almost had the whole train to ourselves. It was really relaxing and fun for the kids.

Another successful outing in Japan!