Memories of Ueno Station 👹🍣🎎 Wonderful Japan

It's been a while since I had the time and the muse to take a leisurely stroll through my favorite city, Tokyo. Unfortunately, on my last visit, it was just an in and out, as our destination was somewhere completely different and the Japanese capital therefore only served as a fleeting transfer station. We didn't get to see much, but even these brief moments managed to awaken my longing and bring back all the memories I have of this city. In fact, we hardly saw anything apart from our transfer stations. All that we could do was look longingly out of the train window as my favorite city rushed past me.

But train stations also have their charm, especially when you're not in a hurry and can look around in peace. As usual, we were in a hurry and did the same as the many other people for whom Ueno station was only a means to an end and certainly not the destination of their journey. But even though we didn't have time, the station still managed to show off its charm. For many, it is probably just a juggernaut that draws in the crowds and spits them out again, but for me it is also associated with a lot of fond memories.

I've changed trains here countless times, even if it's been a while now. This is exactly where I walked, right up to the entrance barrier, which you can only pass if you have a ticket with you. Sometimes I walked here with heavy luggage, but other times I walked very lightly and liberated, full of anticipation of where the next train would take me.

Ueno station is situated on Tokyo's Yamanoto ring line, and if you feel like it, you can take a whole round trip around the city center from here, taking in the city and arriving back here in Ueno at the end. Or you can get off at one of the many stations, for example in Shinjuku or Shibuya, and drift through the Japanese capital while you're there. Everywhere is interesting and I still have so many places in Tokyo that I would like to take a closer look at.

Here too, I have stood several times and wondered where my ultimate station is located and how much a ticket there would cost me. Of course, you can always pay the difference to the correct fare at the final destination, but I like deciphering and understanding the timetables. In the end, it's usually not that difficult to find your way around large Japanese cities, as nowadays a lot of information can also be read in Latin characters and almost everyone has a smartphone at hand. Especially with the latter, the adventure has become much more manageable.

As befits a proper Japanese train station, Ueno Station also has countless stores selling almost everything you need. Everywhere you look, you will notice the many souvenir stores selling local and national snacks and specialties. Cookies and small cakes, chocolate or rice crackers, Japan doesn't hold back when it comes to snacks. Every place seems to create its own very special treats, even if they can often be quite similar.

The Japanese capital, for example, tries to sell Tokyo Banana. This is a small cake with a sweet cream inside. Light and tasty, it is a popular souvenir that we have already bought ourselves. The relatives were pleased and everyone was happy.

But as I said, our imagination seems to know no bounds when it comes to baked goods and sweets. Every time I meander past one of these inviting souvenir stores, I am amazed at what delicious novelties are on offer. Usually I just look longingly, thankfully managing to avoid the temptations. My wallet is happy, as its contents are needed for more important things.

Oh yes, Ueno station. I'd love to walk around here again, without any luggage or time pressure. Japanese train stations are noisy and full of people too, especially in the big cities, but it's much cleaner and safer here than I know it from other parts of the world.

It's fun to stop and linger and calmly watch the hustle and bustle. Especially if you're not in a hurry. From here, the capital of Japan is literally at your feet, with the many trains and subways taking you to every corner of the city in a relatively short time.

Let's see if I get this chance again. The next time we stop here, it will probably just be a case of in and out again, a quick change of trains. The station and the city will hardly manage to show off their charms and appeal. But I know what they have to offer and what there is to discover behind the bustling facade. One day, I too will let myself drift through my favorite city again. Without any goal or time pressure, but full of desire and enthusiasm....