Tokyo Drift (and Damp Socks): A Skateboarder's Messy Take

okay, so. tokyo. right? everyone’s got this picture in their head, all neon and robots and perfectly polite bowing. and yeah, there’s some of that. but honestly? it’s mostly just… a lot. a beautiful, chaotic, slightly damp lot. i just checked and it’s drizzling a persistent, clinging drizzle right now, hope you like that kind of thing. it’s the kind of rain that soaks through your shoes and makes your socks feel like little sponges. not ideal when you’re trying to land a kickflip.

I’m here, ostensibly, to scope out spots. you know, concrete waves, handrails that look like they’re begging to be graced by a board. but mostly i’m just wandering, getting lost, and eating way too much ramen. seriously, the ramen situation here is next level. i found this tiny place in Shinbashi - you’d miss it if you blinked - and the broth… oh man. it was like a hug from your grandma, but with pork belly.

Speaking of which, someone told me that the ramen at Ichiran is overrated. apparently, it’s all hype. i haven’t tried it yet, but i’m already skeptical. i trust the tiny, hole-in-the-wall places. they usually have the best stuff. check out some reviews on Yelp if you're feeling brave.

My neighbors, if you can call them that, are Yokohama and Kawasaki. if you get bored of the Tokyo hustle, they’re just a short train ride away. Yokohama’s got a pretty harbor, and Kawasaki… well, Kawasaki’s got Kawasaki. It’s a thing.

I’ve been trying to find some decent skate spots, but it’s tougher than i thought. there’s a surprising lack of public spaces designed for skating. most of the parks are pristine and full of families. i did find this one spot under a highway overpass - pretty standard, but the concrete was smooth.

“Don’t skate near the Imperial Palace,” a very serious-looking salaryman warned me, clutching his briefcase. “Very bad karma.”

Bad karma? i mean, i’m not trying to disrespect anything, but… bad karma? i’m just trying to land a trick. i guess it’s a cultural thing. i’m trying to be respectful, but also, you know, skate. it’s a delicate balance.

I overheard some drunk guys at a bar talking about how the best skate shop in Tokyo is in Shibuya. apparently, they have a huge selection of boards and wheels. i’m gonna check it out tomorrow. maybe i’ll finally find some decent grip tape.

Here’s a quick gear list, because apparently i’m supposed to do that:

Board: My trusty old Powell Peralta. it’s seen better days, but it still gets the job done.
*Shoes: Vans. always Vans.
*Helmet: Safety first, people! even if it clashes with my aesthetic.
*Grip Tape: desperately needed.
*Rain Gear:* essential. seriously, this drizzle is relentless.

I’m also trying to figure out the public transport system. it’s… intense. so many lines, so many stations. i’ve gotten lost more times than i care to admit. TripAdvisor has some decent guides, but honestly, just embrace the chaos.

“The trains are like sardines in a can during rush hour,” a local told me, eyes wide with a mixture of horror and resignation. “Hold on tight.”

I’m thinking about checking out some of the local art scene. there’s a bunch of street art around, but it’s mostly pretty subtle. i found this one mural in a back alley that was pretty cool. i’m also looking for some vintage shops. i heard that Shimokitazawa is the place to go for that kind of thing. check out this local board for more info: https://www.tokyofashion.com/

Honestly, tokyo is just… a lot. but in a good way. it’s overwhelming, it’s confusing, it’s damp, and it’s amazing. i’m gonna keep exploring, keep skating, and keep eating ramen. and maybe, just maybe, i’ll land that kickflip.