Tokyo's Chill Vibe: Gear, Gossip & That Weird Weather
so i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 2.53 to 5.99 degrees? feels like 1.34? pressure's 1016, humidity 53%. kinda damp, kinda crisp. if you get bored, osaka's just a short drive away. someone told me that the ramen here is life-changing, but i heard the same about tokyo's ramen last week. maybe it's just a rumor. *pack layers, seriously. it's not just for fashion. check the forecast before you head out, or you'll end up looking like a drowned rat. don't trust the weather app completely, though. bring a light jacket and a scarf you don't mind getting slightly damp. trust your gut more than the forecast. here's the gear list i'm basically living out of right now:
- camera gear: my trusty sony a7iii, 2 lenses (35mm f1.8, 50mm f1.4), extra batteries, memory cards, lens cloths. don't forget the tripod for those moody shots of the neon signs. someone told me the best street photography happens when it's drizzling. maybe they're onto something.
- clothing: layers, layers, layers. a good beanie (it's chilly!), waterproof shoes (those puddles are sneaky), one fancy outfit for when you accidentally stumble into a fancy izakaya. don't wear white unless you want to look like a walking snow globe. someone warned me about the humidity messing with my hair. they were right.
- tech: portable charger, power bank, a physical map (gps fails in the subway tunnels). don't rely solely on google maps. someone said the best hidden gems are found when you get lost. maybe they're a liar, but it's worth a try.
pro-tips from the drunk advice corner:
- find the best ramen: ask the locals where they go. don't just follow the tourist traps. someone told me the best tonkotsu is in a tiny place near shinjuku station. i haven't verified this, but i'm going to find out.
- use the subway: it's efficient, but don't stare at people. someone told me it's considered rude. i'm still figuring this out.
- visit a shrine at dawn: it's peaceful, less crowded, and the light is magical. someone whispered this to me while i was waiting for the train. i believe them.
here's a map to get you started:
photos from my wanderings:
related links:
- Tokyo Travel Guide
- Best Ramen Spots in Tokyo
- Hidden Tokyo Walking Tours
- Tokyo Weather Forecast
tags*: travel, tokyo, freelance photographer, gear, weather, gossip, messy
You might also be interested in:
- https://topiclo.com/post/uyo-uncensored-the-real-deal-on-living-here
- https://topiclo.com/post/how-to-find-an-apartment-in-birmingham-without-getting-scammed-4
- https://topiclo.com/post/nairobi-through-a-leaky-lens-when-23c-lies
- https://topiclo.com/post/beirut-budget-breakdown-a-digital-nomads-messy-reality-check
- https://topiclo.com/post/halifax-nova-scotia-where-the-fog-tastes-like-salt-and-my-drumsticks-got-a-little-rusty