TOKYO, Japan -- Between Tokyo's ever-growing population of over 28,025,000 and its endless tourist attractions, it's not hard to believe that there is a little something for everyone who visits Japan's capital city.
Marine Corps Community Services Outdoor Recreation took a group of Station residents July 18 to Mount Fuji and then on to Tokyo where they were set free to explore the city and all it had to offer.
The group stayed in the New Sanno, a hotel that only offers lodging for Status of Forces Agreement identification card holders. Being situated in downtown Tokyo, the group had easy access to Roppongi, a world-renowned shopping and party district.
Many of the travelers were surprised to see the high number of foreigners in the depths of Japan's largest city.
"I couldn't believe how many people from different countries I met," said Cpl. Shane Bailey, Marine Aircraft Group 12 fiscal noncommissioned officer-in-charge. "I'm from Canada, so when I ran into a bunch of Canadians it was like a taste of home."
Not surprisingly, the mixing pot of cultures in Tokyo brings about an endless variety of restaurants and coffee shops. With a choice of anything from Indian gourmet to the Hard Rock Cafe, most everyone ran across something they liked.
"I found my favorite Italian coffee shop," said Daphne Repass, Station resident. "Which was really great because it's even a rarity in the states."?
Repass was also quite impressed with the cleanliness of Tokyo. "I was surprised to see how clean and well kept the streets and subways were," said Repass. "It wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be. The whole city was very accommodating."
One place that was crowded, but still accommodating, was Tokyo's club and bar scene.
"The bars and the dance clubs were off the hook," said Cpl. Nicolas Americanos, Combat Service Support Detachment 36 information systems specialist. "When you're partying in Roppongi you better bring a change of clothes, because you're not going home for a few days."
As the group's time in Tokyo came to an end they loaded back on the bus and traded stories of their adventures and mishaps.
"I'll definitely be back," said Repass. "If you can't make it back to the states for a taste of home, Tokyo is the place to go."