Towers, Earthquakes, and Our Last Night in Tokyo

Yesterday was all about towers—and an unexpected twist to end our day. We started off by visiting the iconic Tokyo Tower. Built in 1958, this towering structure has seen Tokyo transform over the decades, and standing at the top, you can almost feel the weight of the city’s history. There’s something charmingly nostalgic about Tokyo Tower, with its classic red and white design and panoramic views of a city that has grown up around it.

From there, we headed to the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan and a symbol of modern Tokyo. The contrast between the two towers couldn’t be more striking. While Tokyo Tower feels like a glimpse into the past, Tokyo Skytree is all about the future. It’s sleek, it’s high-tech, and the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking—Tokyo Skytree definitely stole the show for us.

After taking in the city from above, we decided to explore what lies beneath—so we made our way to the Sumida Aquarium, located at the base of the Skytree. The aquarium was a relaxing change of pace, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city above. We were mesmerized by the colorful marine life, particularly the jellyfish displays, which were like living art. The kids loved the penguins, and we all found ourselves lingering a bit longer than planned, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

We split into smaller groups and slowly made our way back to the hotel, savoring our last evening in Tokyo. But just when we thought the day was winding down, Tokyo had one more surprise in store for us. Around 7 PM, while we were on the bus, our phones suddenly erupted with an earthquake alert. The sound was somewhere between a slot machine and a siren—a bizarre, jarring noise that made us all pause. I quickly texted Wendy, who was already back at the hotel with the kids. She didn’t get the alert on her phone, but they felt the whole hotel sway.

As Floridians, we’re used to hurricanes, but this was a completely new experience for us. The ground beneath us literally moved, and it was a strange reminder of how different—and unpredictable—life can be here. It’s one thing to read about earthquakes, but it’s another to feel one, even if it’s just a minor tremor. It certainly added an unexpected twist to our last night in Tokyo.

As we headed back to the hotel, the city buzzed on as usual, seemingly unfazed by the little shake. For us, though, it was a moment we won’t forget—a final, surreal chapter to our Tokyo adventure.