I'd like to start with some basic information and a little advice about the Tokyo Metro system. While it is an amazingly efficient and cheap way to get around, it does in fact have a closing time. Something I didn't even remotely think about checking out. The majority of stations close around midnight with a couple staying open to 1am. They then open again around 5 or 6am. So, if you spontaneously set out on a late night adventure with the camera, don't travel too far. Or at least aim to go back before midnight.
I set out from my accommodation located in Ryogoku, Sumida-ku and headed for the nearest metro station. It's easy to fall in love with the Metro due to aforementioned qualities. I've also gained affection to the sound produced from the tracks and whizzing air, echoing down the underground tunnels. It almost sounds like something out of Star Trek. Once in Shibuya I must have spent a good 2 hours at the intersection. Darting all over the place to view different angles of the area. Once every now and then I had a break to watch everyone moving around me. Taking photos at the famous Shibuya intersection stays virtually the same all night long, with people flowing in every direction possible. The vast amount of local bars and clubs in the area fueli the constant buzz and energy throughout the night. When the little man turns green and people begin to cross, I swear it turns into some sort of Olympic race.
When I called it a night, I decided to walk the start of the return journey, so I could see what photo opportunities there were in the less busy areas. At first, it delivered! Pretty much every road, street and alley having at least some form of life. There were countless spots for bistros, noodle shops and drinking bars; all different from each other and still serving. At the point of reaching a station I jumped on a train no problem. It was at the next stop that everyone got ushered off the train and out of the station that I realized they were closing for the night. Meanwhile, I was still over 6 miles from my accommodation! What did I decide to do? Walk. Why? I was a cheapskate who didn't want to pay for a taxi. I loaded Google Maps on my phone and planned out the next 2 hours of my life.
I'll admit, the walk back was a mixture of emotions. I started out being angry with myself for not even thinking to check the time. Then for a while I laughed ironically to myself at the thought, before swiftly moving to annoyance. About two thirds of the way I was passing the Imperial Palace which was still beautiful and impressive in size despite the dark. I then spent the rest of the way back enjoying the Tokyo skyline and tall vaguely lit buildings. Thinking that at least I've just spent the last two hours walking through Tokyo with the chance to see a large variation in sights. At one point I even made a drunken friend, Yuki! His English wasn’t great, but it was much better than my Japanese, so we just about managed a small conversation. Beer in hand, Yuki was off dancing! It made me think of how since being here I've encountered a lot of nice local people. All I've had so far in Japan is hospitality and attempts of friendly conversation.
Tokyo truly is the city that never sleeps.
