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As a life-long admirer of Japan’s history and culture I’ve actually been consistently putting off visiting for somewhat related reasons (cueing Italo Calvino’s “Le città invisibili” [1]).

There are probably fewer differences between Tokyo and where I’m from than between it and its modern self in the 70s, 80s or 90s even.

I’d be delighted to learn that that’s really not the case.

Though even so, I would probably keep on being hesitant as in my head it’s still peak 80s in Japan [2] and I’d really like to keep it that way.

[1] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invisible_Cities

[2] https://youtu.be/4dR_KHXcu9w

2 comments

Not knowing your expectations, I can only give my own subjective opinions about Paris and Tokyo.

Paris - The cultural capital of the EU. - Despite the amazing metro, the traffic is horrendous. If you drive a car you cannot go anywhere. - Cost of living is driving many Parisians to leave. That and all the petty theft. - If you can afford it, Paris is a great city.

Tokyo - Amazing livable megalopolis. Besides it’s ubiquitous shrines and temples, Japan doesn’t keep many old buildings around and usually rebuilds on top. Their museums while notable cannot compare with Paris - Amazing metro but the main train station Tokyo Station is a hopeless confusing maze albeit fun clean but god help you if you’re coming from the Narita Express and trying to find the exit for the metro. Not to mention that many old maps/diagrams are oriented not by NESW compass directions but wherever the imperial castle is relative to you. - Despite being a top tier city, it is affordable. If you don’t mind the concrete jungle , you can raise a family there. - If you want to fully embrace the Japanese culture and language, Tokyo is a great city.

Life's short; burst that bubble. I wish I had your background when I visited because there was so much beneath the surface I probably didn't grasp.