I’m kicking off my Japan series with most people’s first introduction to the country…TOKYO. Tokyo is so many things at the same time–old and modern, unique and mainstream, familiar and unfamiliar– but one thing’s undebatable: it’s huge (technically the biggest city in the world)! I’m still trying to find the words to describe my time there, but I wanted to start by sharing photos from my favorite moments, collected while spending 5 days exploring this wonderful metropolis. I’ll write a little blurb with each shot to give you a better idea of what we got up to 🙂
ASIA we are here.Senso-ji Shrine, our first shrine of many during our time in Japan. People in business suits on their way to work would stop by and have a moment of prayer.Japanese beer selection at the grocery store…hey there Budweiser.Shop in the Ginza districtTrying soba for the first time at the place Tom Hanks ate at during one of his visits. We were the only non-locals eating here.The weather scared everyone off and we had the whole Rainbow Bridge to ourselves for sunset!Another view of Tokyo from Rainbow BridgeLooking up at Tokyo TowerOur first glimpse of Tokyo at night.Night view from Tokyo TowerShining bright.Cannot deny how beautiful cherry blossoms are.We may have missed peak bloom, but it was still gorgeous strolling through Ueno Park.Scenes from Ueno Park, TokyoSakuraThe loveliest stroll through Ueno Park.The madness of Shibuya Crossing, rumored to be the busiest intersection in the world.Looking down at the Shibuya CrossingWaiting in line for our ginormous cotton candy @ Totti Candy Factory in HarajukuCotton candy in HarajukuRainbow cotton candy and quirky HarajukuNo trip to Japan would be complete without a stop at a cat cafe 🙂The crowded streets of Harajuku…. hoards of people as far as the eye can see.Stumbled across this very cool art studio in Tokyo <3AMAZING DUMPLINGS after which I became obsessed with for the rest of the trip.Shinjuku all lit up at night was pretty magical.One of my favorite nights… drinking in the Golden Gai, an area of about 6 alleyways that’s filled with small, old bars (seating 6-8 people each). Talk about a bar crawl!Scenes from a bar in the Golden GaiHeading into the Meiji Jingu ShrineMeiji Jingu Shrine, TokyoThis is a very sacred tree inside the Meiji Jingu Shrine, and it’s so perfect it’s completely believable that it’s being blessed by some greater force.Sake barrels at the Meiji Jingu ShrineToo adorable not to shareBoba tea and Tokyo streetsLoved this sushi place… order as you go on an iPad at your table. So modern, fresh, and delicious!First sushi of the trip did not disappoint.New York Bar, where they filmed Lost in Translation. My favorite view of this never-ending city was here.Karaage in Asakusa before heading off to KyotoEating at Ichiran Ramen in Tokyo…yum!!Posing with one of the robots before the show @ Robot Restaurant. Definitely a uniquely Japanese time but lots of fun!Final view before flying home. @ The Gate Hotel Asakusa
Love it, Allison!! Was on my bucket list when I was younger ! Don’t think I could do it now.
If you think you can handle NYC then you can definitely make Tokyo work!
cool photos and story! thank you for sharing!