When people think of the United States, Los Angeles, popular thanks to Shohei Ohtani, and ever-popular New York often come to mind, but within the U.S., Chicago is especially popular.
Chicago has been named Cond e9 Nast Traveler 27s “Best Big City” for eight consecutive years and enjoys overwhelming acclaim. We explored Chicago 2d 2da city less familiar to many Japanese 2d 2dwhile attending IPW.
Chicago is known as a “city of architecture,” with many distinctive buildings. There are numerous skyscrapers, urban monuments, and an overall vibe that feels both cosmopolitan and artistic. Large parks add abundant greenery, which is also striking.
The lawns and trees are meticulously maintained, there 27s no litter, and simply walking around puts you in a good mood.
Architecture river cruises that let you enjoy the city from a broader perspective are popular. As you travel along the Chicago River lined with skyscrapers, guides explain each building 27s features and construction background, and you begin to sense the individual character of each one. When you pull back and view the city from the Lake Michigan side near the river mouth, it 27s curious how a sense of unity emerges even as you recognize the differences among the buildings.
Our cruise departed in the early evening (in Chicago, the 7 p.m. hour still feels like early evening), and it 27s recommended because you can enjoy both daytime and nighttime views.
Although American cities often feel vast, Chicago is compact. In downtown, people used to living in central Tokyo can cover a lot on foot if they try, and there are plenty of bike-share stations where you can rent bikes via a dedicated app.
Around downtown, you can see Chicago 27s icon, “The Bean,” at Millennium Park; visit museums; head up to the observation deck “Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower”; and of course enjoy shopping.
Public trains are well developed, so you can cover moderate distances with ease. A 1 2dday pass is US$5, so there 27s no need for Uber or a rental car 2d 2dit 27s both reassuring and economical. Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, where Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga play, is just steps from the nearest station.
Step a little away from downtown and the skyscrapers disappear, revealing streets with a different charm. The newest hot area is the “West Loop” to the west of downtown. Former warehouse districts have been redeveloped, and many stylish shops now occupy brick buildings. There are plenty of excellent restaurants; even on weeknights they fill up, so reservations are recommended.
Finally, about safety: it feels safe enough to stroll at night (of course, the usual caution about walking alone applies anywhere). You can enjoy nighttime views of skyscrapers and illuminations. The well-maintained parks seem to attest to this. I felt it 27s a city where families with children can head out with peace of mind.
Chicago is about a 12 2dhour non-stop flight from Tokyo, which is average for travel to the U.S. mainland. It 27s an ideal city for urban sightseeing, and I feel I now understand why it 27s so popular within the United States.
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