Tokyo: The City of Constant Evolution

This week we introduce you to Kei Shibata, Travel Massive Chapter leader in Tokyo and Singapore. Kei is running one of Japan’s largest online travel metasearch businesses – Travel.jp and Hotel.jp (11 million monthly sessions combined) under Venture Republic Inc. Today, we share with you Kei’s answers when it comes to featuring Tokyo as a city!

How long have you lived in this city?

I was born and raised in Tokyo, and have lived most of my life here except for my graduate school education in the United States. Now, I am based in Singapore and Tokyo.

What makes your city so awesome or unique?

Tokyo is a city in constant evolution, with so many different facets that everyday offers you new surprises and discoveries. The food is also particularly rich and diverse here.

What surprises people most about your city?

The fact that our streets do not have names and that we still manage to find our way!

Are there any myths or misconceptions about your city, people, custom, or culture?

A lot of people have the misconception that Japanese people do not have any humor. I can assure you that it is totally false: Japanese people love to laugh and kindly make fun of each other. A one-time visit to any Izakaya (traditional Japanese bar) is sufficient for anyone to change their minds about the Japanese!

Is there a social, political or environmental issue at the heart of your city which people want to drive change to?

Japanese people have started to realize the importance of energy, and how each and every one of us has to limit our energy waste as much as possible. It is quite a challenge for a big, buzzing and never-sleeping city like Tokyo!

Best sustainable travel tips for visiting your city?

There are many bicycle rental services in Japan, especially targeted for foreigners. I recommend you visit the city by bike, as you will definitely go through cityscapes that are not available to people who travel with the subway. Your wallet and the planet will thank you for it!

Best local food or restaurant?

There are too many to actually pick one. “Japanese-style pizza”, called “Okonomiyaki”, is a specialty for which foreign travellers often fall in love at first bite!

Best local drink or bar?

Again, Tokyo has so many places to offer that it would be unfair to only name a few. That said, I recommend the Shinjuku Golden Gai bar area if you want to enjoy a lively, local atmosphere!

Photo Credit: Bernard Oh

Best local neighbourhood to explore and why?

Tokyo is so vast that it is hard to say which neighborhood is best, but personally I really enjoy the Harajuku area because it is so vibrant and diverse.  It gives you a true sense of the unique side of Japan.

Best local festivals or events people should experience?

Japan’s festivals are deeply linked to the change of the seasons, so each season offers something for the traveller to enjoy. For first-timers, I’d definitely recommend the Spring “Hanami” (flower observing) season, where you can surround yourself with gorgeous cherry-blossom trees and many other flowers, in the middle of the city as well as in Tokyo’s magnificent parks!

Best cultural tradition?

The fact that Japanese people of all generations keep wearing the kimono during traditional events is amazing.

Best spot to get off the beaten track?

Try Shimokitazawa, a creative area of Tokyo with a buzzing underground culture. It is the Japanese equivalent to the “quartier latin” in Paris!

Are their any helpful words or lingo in the local language we should know?

“Arigatou”, which means “thank you”. People are very friendly here, so you’ll find yourself use this word a lot!

What is your favourite go-to travel website or blog about your city? 

Trip101 for articles in English and Tabiness for Japanese.

Any favourite travel apps for travelling your city?

I use our “Travel.jp” app whenever I travel in Japan (and outside Japan too). It allows me to search from more than 11,000 destination/hotel guide articles written and recommended by more than 400 travel bloggers. This app is adding more than 20 articles everyday. I can pull out lots of up to date, interesting ideas on destinations and accommodations.

Any strange or weird by-law(s) in your city?

On escalators, it is an unofficial but very common rule to stay on the left side if you want to stand. The right side is traditionally reserved for people who want to walk. The funny thing is that this is the exact opposite in Osaka and Kansai region: you walk on the left and stand on the right!

In the City is a weekly series that profiles a unique Travel Massive city around the world. Connect with Kei Shibata on Facebook, Twitter or Travel Massive and be sure to join the Tokyo Chapter for updates on their upcoming event.