I am back in Tokyo after almost four years. In a way, not much has changed. The city is as busy as ever and it is suprisingly easy to spend obscene amounts of money in a very short time. But when one takes a little care it is all good. You can buy pretty much anything in Tokyo and the food in Japan is always of good quality. Even very cheap convenience store food will taste at least decent. Of course, the occasional chewy chicken skewer can not be avoided anywhere.

The Japanese winter is mild and pleasant. At least for people from central Europe. Even Korea was freezing when I left it. Of course, this winter comes at the cost of very hot and humid summers. But I do not recall a day around New Year's Eve in my life, on which I wished I had worn a lighter jacket. So far, so good.

The Japanese traditionally celebrate New Year's Eve (the western one) at home with their families. One of the two weeks of annual holidays also fall into this time period. During that time many people in Tokyo return to their hometowns and the majority of shops is closed. This is actually a rare opportunity to see this metropolis in a suprisingly quiet state.

As you may have noticed: The sunlight here is great. Very clear. Maybe that has to do with the city's proximity to the ocean? I am not sure.