One of our grandsons recently graduated from high school. Since when he was very young he has wanted to visit Japan. Because "grandpa" knew all about Tokyo (I had visited a few times during the Korean War), I was asked to be the one to accompany him. To make a long story short, I did, for seven days in late June.
It wasn't quite like what I had remembered. When I was there as a young lad the rubble from WW2 was still present; the occupation wasn't to end until 1952. However, this I will tell you if you haven't been there lately. Tokyo is a world class city of several million people. Five million/day ride on some 20 odd subway companies that make up the system. The charm of mixing old and new world Japan within the city was wonderful.
There appeared to be virtually no crime (we watched the TV shows and news each night). People dressed very well, especially the working women. The musuems were wonderful and while touring many children asked to be photographed with us. People were extremely helpful and a surprisingly large number spoke English (unless you were way out in one of the many districts off the beaten path).
Tokyo (formerly known as Edo) rose from the ashes of the 1923 earthquake and fire, then again when they prepared the city for hosting the 1964 Olympics. The number of tall buildings, overpasses and modes of transportation was astounding.
Especially surprising was the cost of our visit. It was the equivalent of what one would pay in most major U.S. cities. We ate mostly american food in our hotel (except for MacDonald lunches while shopping). Our hotel featured both American and Japanese resturaunts so we had choices.
We wandered throughtout the Ginza district, however the gifts we eventually bought were from on-the-street shops. They were 
tasteful but not overly expensive. The hotel room, albeit small was very clean and efficient.
I left the U.S. in charge of my grandson but by the time we returned he was a worldwide traveler and needed very little guidance.
Comments(4)