Tokyo recap and why I like Japan

Sharing a recap of what we did in Tokyo, the place we stayed and already wanting ahead to going again.

Hello buddies! How are you?? I hope you’re having a beautiful morning. I’ve a whole lot of content material to report right now – Therapeutic Code re-launches on Monday! – and am going to catch an higher physique exercise and the therapeutic massage chair on the health club.

As we speak, I’m sharing the primary of my Japan posts!

Listed below are our Japan and Korea recap posts up to now:

Seoul recap, what we did and what we ate

Tokyo recap and why I like Japan (this submit)

Kyoto itinerary and ideas for journey to Japan

What we ate in Japan (and gf picks)

My Korean Head Spa experience

Tokyo recap and why I like Japan

I’ve been avoiding scripting this submit as a result of the fact is that I’ve Japression.

Often I really feel a little bit down after coming dwelling from a visit, however that is subsequent stage. It usually hits me onerous that I can now not stroll outdoors all day (it’s method too scorching right here and Tucson is certainly not walkable), discover new locations, spend uninterrupted time with the fam, eat unbelievable meals, and store all of the livelong day. As an alternative, I’m again to chores, feeding everybody, and cleansing up after feeding everybody lol.

This journey feels totally different as a result of Japan was not like something I’ve ever skilled. The tradition, the lifestyle, the deep respect, kindness, care, and professionalism, the clear streets, the cleanest meals, the surroundings… it actually felt like one other planet.

One of many greatest issues I observed was the stage of satisfaction folks soak up every little thing they do. It didn’t matter if it was a restaurant server, Uber driver, resort receptionist, comfort retailer worker, or somebody serving to us on the prepare station. Everybody appeared dedicated to doing their very best, and it was inspiring to see. Individuals have been type and welcoming, every little thing felt extremely secure, and I felt the perfect I’ve felt in a very very long time whereas we have been there.

I additionally observed how wholesome and well-groomed everybody appeared. You don’t actually see folks wandering round in pajamas screaming at one another lol. There’s simply this underlying sense of respect for your self and for the folks round you.

What shocked me most was how calm my nervous system felt your complete time. Regardless that you’re surrounded by brilliant lights, big buildings, and tons of individuals, it by no means feels chaotic. Every part is so organized and orderly that your physique really seems like it could actually chill out. I didn’t understand how a lot I wanted that feeling till I skilled it. Since we’ve been dwelling, I’ve been attempting actually onerous to deliver items of that feeling again with me.

I discussed this in my Seoul recap, however Japan and Korea actually weren’t my first selection for a trip. I knew it will be enjoyable, however I felt overwhelmed by the planning and wasn’t certain in the event that they’d be locations I’d ever wish to go to once more. Now I really feel so naive as a result of I had no thought how particular these international locations are. I already can’t wait to return.

Individuals maintain asking if I most well-liked Korea or Japan, and I can’t select as a result of they’re so totally different whereas additionally complementing one another completely. When you ever have the chance to go to that a part of the world, do each. I promise you’ll perceive the second you expertise it for your self.

And for those who do each, I extremely advocate beginning in Seoul after which heading to Tokyo. It was the right combo. 🙂

Listed below are a few of the highlights of our journey:

We stayed in two areas of Ginza.

The primary a part of our journey was close to the Tsukiji Outer Market, the place the streets are lined with meals stalls, seafood distributors, and the perfect sushi of your life. (The well-known tuna auctions have moved to Toyosu Market, however Tsukiji continues to be completely value visiting for the meals scene!!)

After our Kyoto journey, we stayed in Ginza correct, which was a beautiful location crammed with luxurious shops (together with the multi-story Tiffany flagship), eating places, shops, and limitless procuring.

We booked the KOKO Lodge for each stays (identical resort model, two totally different areas) utilizing our Amex Platinum benefits. I most well-liked the placement of the Tsukiji property as a result of it felt a little bit quieter and extra native, however the precise resort and facilities have been nicer on the Ginza location. (We stayed at one location for just a few days earlier than our quick journey to Kyoto and the opposite one afterwards.)

One factor I cherished about Ginza is that it felt extremely clear, secure, and simple to navigate. We might stroll nearly in all places and simply took an Uber when wanted.

Tokyo DisneySea

I all the time say we’re not “Disney folks,” though we go to the parks always and are about to go on Disney Cruise #8. We simply don’t have Disney decor in our home, however I believe we examine all the different packing containers. 😉

In fact we wished to go to a Disney property whereas we have been in Tokyo. They’ve two choices: Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. We selected DisneySea as a result of it has distinctive rides and lands that don’t exist within the U.S., and it’s usually thought-about the higher park for older youngsters and adults.

(the children approve all the pictures I submit and Liv requested me to place a coronary heart on her face for this one)

The rides have been unbelievable.

The animatronics, particular results, projection mapping, storytelling, and journey know-how far exceeded my expectations. Peter Pan is considered one of my favourite rides and the Tokyo model fully blew the U.S. model out of the water. It’s longer, extra immersive (3D), superbly finished, and genuinely feels such as you’re flying.

We additionally cherished Journey to the Middle of the Earth, Rapunzel was attractive (the lantern scene was every little thing), and Sinbad ended up being considered one of our shock favorites. It’s form of like It’s a Small World, however with a banger theme tune and a few spectacular animatronics (just like the inexperienced large!).

The meals was additionally a lot enjoyable.

We fully fell in love with muscat-flavored every little thing whereas we have been in Japan, and these frozen muscat desserts have been a HUGE hit. I had two all through the day and P had three.

Additionally they have distinctive popcorn flavors in all places. After we visited, the choices included milk chocolate, soy sauce and butter, scallop and garlic (which was DELICIOUS),

caramel, and salted popcorn. Every stand has totally different flavors, so folks actually acquire popcorn buckets and stroll round attempting all of them.

It’s additionally value mentioning that every little thing was dramatically inexpensive than the U.S. parks. An enormous hen leg was round 800 yen (about $5 USD), in comparison with $15 – 20 at dwelling.

Our park tickets and even the paid journey reservations have been a fraction of what we’d usually spend within the States. I inform ya, that’s definitely worth the flight proper there.

The one draw back is that most of the journey reservation choices (known as DPA within the app) promote out shortly. I used to be capable of buy just a few, however all the free reservation choices have been gone shortly after we entered the park. Frozen and Indiana Jones have been additionally closed throughout our go to, which was a bummer.

The park closed at 9 p.m. the night time we visited, and lots of meals areas stopped serving round 7-8 p.m., so I undoubtedly advocate prioritizing rides early and planning dinner earlier than issues start shutting down.

teamLab Borderless

This was an absolute must-do.

Tokyo has just a few totally different teamLab experiences, and we selected Borderless. It’s an interactive digital artwork museum the place the reveals are always altering. You may stroll by means of a room, come again quarter-hour later, and it appears fully totally different.

We spent hours wandering by means of the reveals, drawing sea creatures that got here to life on large screens,

(the Pilot did this wonderful turtle!)

getting misplaced within the gentle installations, and taking so many pictures and movies.

It’s a type of experiences that’s onerous to elucidate till you see it your self.

I undoubtedly advocate this for those who’re touring with youngsters, however the adults have been simply as entertained.

I’ve additionally heard wonderful issues about teamLab Planets for those who’re attempting to decide on a location to go to!

A number of 7-Eleven and Lawson stops

7-Eleven lives as much as the TikTok and Instagram hype.

Each morning I grabbed one thing from the well-known drink case. C1000 was my favourite and I miss it a lot.

We additionally stocked up on muscat treats, smoothies, onigiri, and so many tasty snacks. It grew to become our breakfast cease, snack cease, and post-dinner dessert cease.

It’s humorous as a result of there are precisely zero issues I wish to eat at 7-Eleven within the U.S., however there have been dozens of issues I appeared ahead to consuming at comfort shops (konbini) in Japan.

They’ve fruit sandwiches, egg sandwiches, onigiri, coffees, glowing drinks, smoothies, and desserts which might be tremendous scrumptious and in addition cheap. The smoothies have been the perfect!! The container is simply frozen fruit and after you pay, you scan the bar code on the machine, put the cup inside, and it provides liquid and blends it on the spot. Like I stated, Korea and Japan live sooner or later.

Driving the bullet prepare to Kyoto

I’d heard that for those who’re already in Tokyo, it’s value taking the prepare to Kyoto or Osaka to expertise a unique aspect of Japan.

I didn’t wish to journey all the best way the world over and miss it, so we added Kyoto to our itinerary and I’m so glad we did.

Kyoto deserves and is getting a complete weblog submit of its personal as a result of it was actually magical.

We rode the Inexperienced Automotive (the equal of firstclass) on the best way there, which was pretty and cozy. On the best way again we rode common reserved seats, and TBH, it wasn’t an enormous distinction (and the common reserved seats have been about $120 much less for the 4 of us).

The trains are clear, quiet, environment friendly, and ridiculously punctual. Watching the countryside fly by whereas consuming snacks from the station was a singular reminiscence that I cherished… I’d by no means actually been on a prepare earlier than (in addition to Polar Categorical!) and it was such a cool expertise. Approach much less problem than flying and felt simply as fast!

Classic luxurious procuring

When you love designer baggage, watches, jewellery, or equipment, Tokyo is heaven.

There are classic luxurious shops in all places, and most of the items are in nice situation and look model new.

When you’re available in the market for a Louis Vuitton bag, Gucci, Chanel, Rolex, or different luxurious items, I’d completely store in Japan earlier than shopping for elsewhere.

Additionally, deliver your passport everytime you’re procuring as a result of many shops provide prompt tax-free purchases for vacationers so that you don’t should cope with it on the airport.

Shibuya Crossing

We needed to go to the well-known Shibuya Crossing.

Footage don’t actually do it justice as a result of it’s much less in regards to the crossing itself and extra in regards to the vitality of your complete space. There are large video screens, limitless procuring, eating places, lights, music, and hundreds of individuals transferring by means of the intersection in each course.

It’s extremely busy, however nonetheless feels orderly. Individuals wait patiently, cross after they’re purported to, and no person is bumping or pushing into one another.

Exterior the station is the well-known Hachikō statue, honoring the loyal canine who continued ready for his proprietor on the station on daily basis, even after his proprietor handed away. It’s considered one of Japan’s most beloved tales, and seeing the statue in individual felt surprisingly emotional.

We took pictures, wandered the encompassing streets, did some procuring, and simply soaked all of it in. It’s touristy for a cause, and we cherished it. If it’s your first journey to Tokyo, I believe it’s a type of locations it’s important to expertise at the very least as soon as!

Seems that this submit didn’t assist my Japression in any respect, however I’ve just a few extra to go. I’ll be sharing all the wonderful meals we ate (together with GF choices), a Kyoto recap and ideas for touring to Japan, and am joyful to reply any questions, too!!