Touching down in Tokyo felt like stepping into a whirlwind of energy and discovery— from bustling streets filled with mouthwatering street food to serene parks offering a peaceful escape. Over our first few days, we dove headfirst into the city’s mix of modern glamour and hidden gems, savoring everything from luxury shopping sprees to cozy local eats. Join us as we recount our laid-back explorations, jet lag mishaps, and those little moments that made Tokyo feel so alive.
Arrival and First Tastes of Tokyo
We landed on Thursday around midday, and surprisingly, customs and baggage claim zipped by without a hitch. The train ride from the airport to Shinagawa took about an hour and a half, and from there, it was a short walk to our hotel in Gotanda. After a quick check-in and a brief rest, we wandered south to Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street, a lively strip packed with food stalls and quirky shops.
Our highlight? Stumbling upon a takoyaki stand where we devoured fresh octopus balls—one with tuna, another with ground meat and a soft-boiled egg. I paired mine with crispy karaage chicken that hit just the right spot after a long travel day. Energized, we strolled to Ueno Park, admiring its vast green spaces dotted with turtles in the ponds (no ducks in sight, though!). It was a perfect, low-key intro to Tokyo’s blend of urban hustle and natural calm.
Exploring Ginza’s Glitz
Friday started slow thanks to jet lag—we slept in and skipped our original plans, opting instead to head to Ginza for some window shopping. This district is a shopper’s paradise, lined with massive department stores and high-end boutiques. We gawked at endless luxury outlets, including second-hand stores brimming with Hermes bags, Chanel pieces, and pricey watches worth millions.
We popped into the Uniqlo flagship for casual vibes and the Grand Seiko store, hunting for a watch (no luck, sadly).
Lunch was a standout: a hearty veggie sandwich with soup, salad, and a drink – simple but satisfying. Evening brought us to a conveyor-belt sushi spot nearby, where we ordered via touchscreen and watched plates zoom by with fun beeps. After a certain number of orders, we even played a little game and won a prize (a small plate) —what a playful end to the day!
Shibuya’s Buzz and Shrine Serenity
Saturday kicked off in Shibuya, where we made a beeline for the iconic Hachiko statue (a tale of a faithful dog waiting for his owner). We crossed the famous scramble crossing, then headed up to the Starbucks overlooking it all for coffee and people-watching.
From there, we explored Shibuya Scramble Square, riding up to the 13th floor for panoramic views (we skipped the pricey rooftop deck).
Walking north, we skirted Yoyogi Park due to renovations but reached the Meiji Shrine—a tranquil oasis with beautiful torii gates and minimal crowds. No coins for prayers that day, but the atmosphere was magical. We continued to Shinjuku station for Tiger Balm at a pharmacy, then wandered into Golden Gai’s narrow alleys—eerie yet intriguing, with police warnings about tourist scams adding a thrill.
Afternoon snacks in Yoyogi Park were light: fried chicken and small salads. Dinner at a yakitori bar was divine—grilled chicken skewers, smashed cucumber salad, cold tomatoes, mapo tofu, and a dessert of candied sweet potato fries with cinnamon ice cream. Pure comfort food bliss!
Akihabara’s Electric Energy
Sunday took us to Akihabara, the otaku haven. We started at Radio Kaikan, an anime mega-store, but it felt chaotic with a heavy focus on card games like Pokémon and Magic— not quite our scene, though the crowds were buzzing. En route to Don Quijote, we detoured into Bic Camera, blown away by its six floors of everything: tech gadgets, beauty masks, watches, and more. It was organized chaos at its best.
Don Quijote was next—pure mayhem with luxury watches, Hermes bags, even €5,000 champagne amid bargain bins. We loved the absurdity!
Later, we relaxed in Ueno Park again, especially at Shinobazu Pond with its lotus plants, clear waters teeming with ducks, turtles, and a mysterious white bird. Lunch slipped my mind, but dinner at an izakaya in Shinagawa was cozy: karaage, chicken tempura, cucumber and tomato salads—plus an extra croquette that had us laughing. A chill spot to unwind.
Wrapping Up Our Tokyo Kickoff
These first days in Tokyo were a delightful mix of surprises, from gourmet street bites to iconic sights that lived up to the hype. Despite the jet lag and minor detours, every moment sparked joy and curiosity. What’s your favorite Tokyo spot or must-try food? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories and plan our next adventures!
