Tokyo: skyscraper views in Shimbashi

One of our first memories from our trip to Japan was the view from our hotel room in Tokyo’s Shimbashi district. 

When we opened the door to our room, the curtains were closed. Probably to take advantage of the element of surprise. The Japanese certainly have a sense of showmanship. As soon as we pulled back the curtains, the show began!

An enormous window. A large, comfortable cushion running the length of the windowsill, the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the 180° panoramic view. Jérôme spent hours on end in this ideal observation post. The plunging view of Tokyo from the 32nd floor was stunning. Remarkable. Dizzying, even. Our hotel genuinely had its head in the clouds.

The Tokyo megalopolis stretched out as far as the eye could see. Bustling, vibrant, teeming with people, day and night. Far below us, a miniature world appeared, made from tiny trains, minuscule cars, and ant-sized pedestrians.

The high-speed Shinkansen trains, with their long noses, were like metal snakes passing each other ceaselessly passing each other on their way to and from Shimbashi station. Every day, over 250 000 travelers pass through Shimbashi station, an important hub where several train and metro lines converge.

The iconic red and white silhouette of Tokyo Tower stood out among all the office buildings. What an odd feeling to have a direct view of an emoji🗼!

After nightfall, the windows of the skyscrapers – some lit, others not – looked like the grid on the board of a giant game of Go. All we had to do to become a part of the throng down there, was take to the elevator down all those floors and walk out onto the crowded streets.