So to start, I realize that I haven’t posted Part 1 yet… that’s because I’m slacking. In fact, I’ve been slacking for over a year. So it’s time to just pull the trigger on what I’m done with and move on.

If you know me, you know that Travel and Food are at the top of my favorite things ever list. So my #1 and I took a trip to Japan last year and both of us agreed it was our best trip together yet. Shout out to our cousin who helped us plan the trip and came with us to Tokyo for a few days!

Getting Around

We traveled through Japan, starting at the airport, with the Japan Rail Pass (JR). For 2 of the 7 day passes, we paid $540, purchased in advance through a local agent with a good price. It was well worth it for us since we used the bullet train to get to Kyoto, Osaka, and back to Tokyo. It also allowed us to use local trains for short trips within each city, including the rides to and from the airport. I think there were only 2-3 trains that were not included in the JR Pass that we had to pay for and they were only a few dollars.

I downloaded several transit apps, but found the Japan Travel app to be most helpful for JR pass travel & train help.

One thing to be aware of is that Japanese trains are VERY punctual – and that means they arrive on time and leave on time! Don’t take a chance of missing a train.

Also, they pack those things tight. Don’t be surprised if you’re touching all your neighbors or pushed up against the doors once in a while. If you have luggage, try to get there early so you be one of the first to hop on quickly.

Lastly, be aware of the fact that some trains have women’s-only cars. They’re pink and usually at one end of the train. We accidentally stepped on together and got some stares from the ladies on board until we realized it and moved. Oops! Japanese culture is super polite so no one said anything.

Tokyo

Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo

Nice, friendly staff, and an absolutely perfect location near a good train station (Kinshicho). The rooms were pretty big, especially compared to the other ones we had on this trip! We actually got a room with 2 twin beds & a pullout to fit 3 of us. Convenience stores and quick service restaurants were within walking distance as well.

Here’s the view we had of Tokyo Sky Tree! Daytime (shown with my cousin and a delicious breakfast sandwich) & nighttime.

Matsuya

One of the restaurants we walked to from the hotel was Matsuya – maybe a block away? Here we ordered on a machine inside the door and turned our tickets in to the staff to get our food.

Marikar

We booked at the Tokyo Bay location a couple months in advance (2-10 Shinkiba Koutoh ward, Tokyo) and took the train to a nearby station and walked to the shop.

Plan ahead because you’ll need a few things to make this work: Passport, Driver’s License, International Driver Permit (we got this through AAA ahead of time). If you plan to take pictures or video along the way, you are required to do it hands-free with either a head strap or a chest strap. Bring it or rent it. You may also want to think about which costume you’ll want to wear!

We did the 3 hour drive from Tokyo Bay because I wanted to hit as many landmarks as possible. We planned to use this as our sightseeing tour. Great idea? Uhhh… we’ll call it an OK idea.

I assumed we would stop and get out at each landmark, but unfortunately, almost the entire 3 hours was DRIVING A GO KART. I’m old. My back hurt, my face was windburned, I was cold, and I was so antsy to get out. But, it was the experience of a lifetime!

I had planned to dress up as Princess Peach, but they wash them each day and there were no clean ones left. Mrs. Mario worked out fine, though! (Did you notice the banana cone next to me?!)

Your little go kart drives next to semi-trucks, regular cars, pedestrians and over bridges and through tunnels. And it’s pretty stinking fast! I can’t understand how it’s legal, but I’m glad it is! Because we all had a great time. (I just recommend doing a 2-hour experience instead.)

Tsukiji Fish Market

We really enjoyed this market! Tons of stalls to try new things as well as sit-down restaurants. Must-do.

We had 1st lunch here at Itadori.

The Uni was to die for. I wasn’t a huge fan of the crab in the soup because it lost a lot of the flavor and texture from the soup, which must have caused the meat to break down. Fish was super fresh!

Then we walked the market for 2nd lunch! Definitely try the Toro (fatty tuna). It’s super fresh and it’s way cheaper in Japan!

Make sure to grab a scallop on the half shell as well. Yummmm!!!

And of course, you have to get an ice cream cone. Everyone’s doing it!

On your walk back to the train, make sure to grab a picture at the beautiful Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple!

Meguro Riverside Park (Cherry Blossoms over the river)

If it’s the season, it’s to DIE FOR! We took the train near Tsujiki to a stop nearby here.

Give in to your tourist side and grab an overpriced glass of champagne. It makes it extra magical!

Sensorium Temple Asakusa Kannon-Do (Senso-Ji)

AKA Lightning Temple, and one of the most famous spots in Tokyo. A free must-do, but it’s extremely touristy and packed! And, you’ll notice lots of ladies in rented Kimonos walking around.

Tokyo DisneySea

Not my favorite… mostly because the lines were insane (3+ hours for 1 ride!). The atmosphere, ride themes and night show were all so neat, though, and you can buy tons of different flavors of popcorn all throughout the park. We tried the curry and were not disappointed.

We did the evening ticket, so it’s less expensive and you go in around 3 pm I think. If you just want to walk around and spend time there, that’s a great option. If you want to actually go on rides, I recommend going as early as possible.

People watching was 💯. The Japanese definitely know how to do a theme park!

Also, how cute is this train?!

Shibuya Crossing

Lastly, we did a little shopping near the famous Shibuya Crossing, tried the popular and very expensive white strawberry, and had some dinner.

While browsing a market for the strawberry, we noticed that there were different packages of strawberries, ranging from $4 per strawberry in a package of 18 to over $10 per strawberry!

The white strawberries are famed to be sweeter and softer than the classic red variety. Our verdict? As the hubby has now been quoted, we think it “tastes like a strawberry.” HAHA. Truly, it was a little less sour than the usual, but probably not worth $10 each!

That’s all for Tokyo! Overall, we had a wonderful time! We did find, however, that people were more friendly in the smaller cities and we enjoyed the culture a lot more. Check the next posts to find out where our adventures took us next!

XO,

J

PS: When we left Japan, we flew out of Tokyo, so we took the bullet train back and stayed a quick night in Richmond Hotel Narita, which was near the airport and had a train straight in. We probably were only the area about 12 hours. Small rooms, as is typical, and good service. They had a pretty cool “mobile phone” which you could use during your stay for local service, directions, etc. That was a nice touch, although we didn’t really need it. We walked up the hill near the hotel to find ramen and then retreated for the night!