Tokyo recap and why I really like Japan

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

Hello associates! How are you?? I hope you’re having a stunning morning. I’ve numerous content material to document at this time – Therapeutic Code re-launches on Monday! – and am going to catch an higher physique exercise and the therapeutic massage chair on the gymnasium.

In the present day, 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 really like Japan (this put up)

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 really like Japan

I’ve been avoiding penning this put up as a result of the truth is that I’ve Japression.

Normally I really feel a bit down after coming house 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 sizzling right here and Tucson is unquestionably not walkable), discover new locations, spend uninterrupted time with the fam, eat unimaginable meals, and store all of the livelong day. As a substitute, I’m again to chores, feeding everybody, and cleansing up after feeding everybody lol.

This journey feels completely 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 largest issues I seen was the stage of delight folks absorb every part they do. It didn’t matter if it was a restaurant server, Uber driver, lodge receptionist, comfort retailer worker, or somebody serving to us on the prepare station. Everybody appeared dedicated to doing their best possible, and it was inspiring to see. Folks have been sort and welcoming, every part felt extremely protected, and I felt the perfect I’ve felt in a extremely very long time whereas we have been there.

I additionally seen 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 stunned me most was how calm my nervous system felt your complete time. Despite the fact that you’re surrounded by vibrant lights, enormous buildings, and tons of individuals, it by no means feels chaotic. All the pieces is so organized and orderly that your physique truly seems like it will possibly chill out. I didn’t notice how a lot I wanted that feeling till I skilled it. Since we’ve been house, 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 alternative 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 need to go to once more. Now I really feel so naive as a result of I had no concept how particular these nations are. I already can’t wait to return.

Folks maintain asking if I most well-liked Korea or Japan, and I can’t select as a result of they’re so completely different whereas additionally complementing one another completely. If you happen to 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 remains to be completely price visiting for the meals scene!!)

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

We booked the KOKO Lodge for each stays (identical lodge model, two completely different areas) utilizing our Amex Platinum benefits. I most well-liked the placement of the Tsukiji property as a result of it felt a bit quieter and extra native, however the precise lodge and facilities have been nicer on the Ginza location. (We stayed at one location for a number of 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, protected, and simple to navigate. We may stroll virtually in every single place and simply took an Uber when wanted.

Tokyo DisneySea

I all the time say we’re not “Disney folks,” despite the fact that we go to the parks continuously and are about to go on Disney Cruise #8. We simply don’t have Disney decor in our home, however I feel we verify all the different containers. 😉

After all we needed 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 of the higher park for older children and adults.

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

The rides have been unimaginable.

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 completed, 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 part), 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 part 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 every single place. 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 completely different flavors, so folks actually acquire popcorn buckets and stroll round attempting all of them.

It’s additionally price mentioning that every part was dramatically cheaper than the U.S. parks. An enormous rooster leg was round 800 yen (about $5 USD), in comparison with $15 – 20 at house.

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 well worth the flight proper there.

The one draw back is that lots of the journey reservation choices (referred to as DPA within the app) promote out shortly. I used to be capable of buy a number of, 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 a number of completely different teamLab experiences, and we selected Borderless. It’s an interactive digital artwork museum the place the reveals are continuously altering. You’ll be able to stroll by means of a room, come again quarter-hour later, and it appears fully completely 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 superb turtle!)

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

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

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

I’ve additionally heard superb 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 turned our breakfast cease, snack cease, and post-dinner dessert cease.

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

They’ve fruit sandwiches, egg sandwiches, onigiri, coffees, glowing drinks, smoothies, and desserts which can be tremendous scrumptious and likewise 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 reside sooner or later.

Using the bullet prepare to Kyoto

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

I didn’t need to journey all the way in which internationally 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 put up of its personal as a result of it was actually magical.

We rode the Inexperienced Automobile (the equal of top quality) on the way in which there, which was pretty and comfy. On the way in which 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 novel reminiscence that I cherished… I’d by no means actually been on a prepare earlier than (moreover Polar Specific!) and it was such a cool expertise. Manner much less problem than flying and felt simply as fast!

Classic luxurious procuring

If you happen to love designer luggage, watches, jewellery, or equipment, Tokyo is heaven.

There are classic luxurious shops in every single place, and lots of the items are in nice situation and look model new.

If you happen to’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 supply prompt tax-free purchases for vacationers so that you don’t must cope with it on the airport.

Shibuya Crossing

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

Photos don’t actually do it justice as a result of it’s much less concerning the crossing itself and extra concerning the vitality of your complete space. There are large video screens, infinite procuring, eating places, lights, music, and hundreds of individuals shifting by means of the intersection in each path.

It’s extremely busy, however nonetheless feels orderly. Folks 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 purpose, and we cherished it. If it’s your first journey to Tokyo, I feel it’s a kind of locations you need to expertise not less than as soon as!

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