日本 Japan // 東京タワ Tokyo Tower

'Noppon' the Tokyo Tower mascots. The blue one is 'Older brother' and the red one is 'Younger brother'

This was the first tourist attraction I visited in Japan and what an excellent way to kick off my time here. The trip was organised by an international society here at Waseda University so as well as getting an awesome first glance at Tokyo I got to meet other students in the same boat as me, and it made the 660 step climb to the top a little more bearable. That and the cute little 'Noppon authorised Recognition Certificate' I was given for taking the stairs rather than the elevator. The impressive structure is also home to an aquarium, a spa/salon, cafes, several souvenir floors and a 'One Piece' theme park based on the popular manga.