TOKYO
STAY
From the moment we stepped through the grand cypress doors, the bustling noise of Tokyo faded into a sense of calm. Embracing tradition, we wandered barefoot on smooth tatami floors throughout the property feeling every thread of Japanese culture woven into our path. Our room — a blend of simplicity and elegance, featured a platform bed and shoji doors that transitioned from a daylight filter to a nighttime glow. Experiencing a ryokan is an essential part of visiting Japan and our stay at this haven for our first three days in Japan couldn't have been better.FOOD
Maz
Elevated Peruvian dining experience, part of our top 3 food experiences ever
Arva
Italian
Downtown B’s Indian Kitchen
Cozy Indian spot
PST (Pizza Studio Tamaki)
Artisan pizza
Tori No Ana
Local ramen spot. Tip: Check the menu online beforehand and note the price of your dish. Before sitting down, you’ll need to purchase a meal ticket from a vending machine, which only displays the menu in Japanese. It’s cash only, so come prepared. Arrive early and line up before it opens to secure a spot as it fills up so fast.
Shodai
Soba noodle shop
Tsuta Ramen
Michelin-starred ramen
QUICK BITES + CAFES
• 7-Eleven — Perfect for snacks and light meals
• Cafe Kitsune — Trendy coffee and treats
• I’m Donut? — Fresh, fluffy donuts
• Chop Coffee Omotesando — Great specialty coffee
• Excelsior Coffee — Reliable coffee chain, try the cremia ice cream cone here
BARS
• SG Club — Speakeasy-style cocktails. Pictured above is their LET IT SNOW cocktail with parmesan cheese. Insanely good!
• Centifolia — Craft cocktails with unique flavors
THINGS TO DO
• TeamLabs Planets — Immersive art experience
• Loft Gonzaga — Creative lifestyle store
• Disney Sea — A must for Disney fans
• Hedgehog Cafe — Cute experience
• Harajuku District — Trendy shopping & fashion
• Ginza District — High-end shopping & dining
SHOPPING
• Komehyo — Thrift shopping for luxury goods
• Shimokitazawa District — Vintage and thrift shopping
• Don Quixote — Spend hours discovering quirky finds
• Maison Kitsune — Chic fashion
• Beams — Trendy streetwear and basics
• Cene — Costume jewelry store
• Harajuku District — Japanese street wear and more
• Hour Glass Ginza — Luxury watch shopping
• Itoya — Iconic stationery store
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
• Tea Ceremony — Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at a tea house in Asakusa or Omotesando.
• Sushi Making Class — Learn from sushi masters in Tsukiji or Toyosu Market.
• Kimono Experience — Rent a kimono and explore historic districts like Asakusa or Yanaka.
• Sumo Wrestling — Watch a sumo tournament in Ryogoku (January, May, and September).
• Traditional Onsen — Experience a Japanese hot spring at Oedo Onsen Monogatari or nearby Hakone.
• Temple Visits — Visit iconic temples like Senso-ji in Asakusa or Meiji Shrine in Harajuku.
• Ikebana (Flower Arrangement) — Take a class in traditional Japanese floral art.
ETIQUETTE
• Mind the Lines — People line up for trains, elevators, and even at restaurants. Always wait your turn.
• Be Quiet on Public Transport — Avoid talking loudly on trains and buses; phone calls are a big no.
• Cash is Still King — While cards are widely accepted, having cash (Yen) is helpful for small shops and food stalls.
• Don’t Eat While Walking — It’s considered rude to eat on the go—finish your food near the stall or at designated areas.
• No Tipping — Tipping is not customary and can even be considered impolite. Service charges are included in the bill.
• Shoes Off Indoors — Remove your shoes when entering homes, ryokans, and even some restaurants and temples.
• Clean Up After Yourself — Be prepared to carry trash with you since public bins are rare.
• Politeness is Key — Bow slightly when greeting or thanking someone, and use polite phrases like “Arigato gozaimasu” (thank you very much).
TIPS
• Plan for Late Openings — Many places open late, so stock up on snacks from 7-Eleven in case of early morning hunger from jet lag.
• Digital Suica Card — Add it to your iPhone for easy public transit access.
• Google Maps Tip — Use it for public transit—it shows which train car to sit in for faster entry/exit.
• Luggage Lockers — Major train stations have lockers for storing luggage, making city exploration easier. (We did this in Kobe!)
• Bullet Train Tip — When traveling from Tokyo to Osaka, sit on the right side for a view of Mt. Fuji on clear days. On the return to Tokyo, choose the left side.
• Souvenir Space — Be ready to bring back snacks and gifts—we ended up buying another suitcase at Don Quixote!
*Every trip I take to a new country, I choose a new fragrance to wear throughout the trip. It becomes intertwined with the places, moments, and memories of that adventure. Whenever I wear it again, I’m instantly transported back to the travel memories. For this trip, I wore Delina Exclusif by Parfums De Marly — a scent that will forever remind me of Japan