If there is anything anyone would know about Tokyo, it’s the fact that the city is anything but inexpensive. And of course, we mustn’t forget the fact that it is overcrowded to the point that you’d rather take the subway than drive a car yourself. With these two things aside, life in Tokyo is anything but boring. There’s something or the other happening every now and then – especially if you’re a tall guy in a city where the average height is 5 ft.
Tokyo & Sleep Aren’t Familiar with Each Other
There’s not even a slight hint of exaggeration in the abovementioned statement. Tokyo and sleep really are not familiar with each other. Although the subways and the trains stop at midnight, there is still so much going on within the city that it really makes you wonder when the city sleeps.
Being a tall guy in all that huddle and muddle really does make one the center of attention no matter what hour or what day of the week it is. You cannot hide. If anything, you’ll get used to it or learn to elbow your way through the massive traffic of people.
You’ll have a Hard Time Getting through the Doorways
Since the average height in Tokyo is 5ft, everything in the city is designed in a way that is suitable to the locals. The doorways, although perfect for the average height, are just high enough to reach your chest if you’re anything beyond 5’6. So, squatting and bending half way just to get through the doors is something you’ll have to get used to if you live in the city for anything over two weeks.
Good Luck Trying to Fit In the Chairs
Once you’re through the low doorway, you’ll find that almost all the local restaurants will have chairs that you won’t be able to fit into – at least not comfortably. This really poses a challenge to tall people in the city. Although some restaurants might have chairs and doorways that can accommodate a tall person, it’s worth mentioning that the rates won’t be anywhere near the low rates of local bistros.
Xenophobia is Common
As much as one would love to be in a city that truly knows how to party, a foreigner isn’t just magically going to blend in. China and Japan are known for the high rates of xenophobia and racism that is present within the environment and Tokyo is no exception – couple that with being considered one of the tallest people in the world, and well, you might miss home more than you thought you would.
The Sushi & Sashimi is to Die For
Despite the huddle and the muddle and the elbowing and the pollution, Tokyo is an amazing city regardless of whether you’re 5’6, 5’11 or even 6’4. The one thing that makes everything worthwhile, even if there are disrespectful stares and foreign name-calling, is the miraculous taste of fresh sushi. Food in Tokyo is no joke. It is one of the most important and most celebrated things in the culture. The sushi and sashimi there are so amazing that you’re really going to despise the taste of any sushi you have anywhere in the world after you’ve had it here.