Tokyo Travel Vlog

Tokyo Travel Vlog

[Music] We’re now in Cebu International Airport and we are heading to Japan. [Music] Hi. Thank you. Before your flight, I recommend visiting the visit Japan website to complete the immigration and customs form. Once done, you will receive a QR code that you can screenshot and show upon arrival. This will help streamline your entry process and save you time compared to filling out the form at immigration. [Music] Now, we’re getting bored now going to Japan. [Music] welcomes you to Monica. The local time is 1:27 in the afternoon and the date today is June 11, 2025. The ground temperature is 20° C or 68° F. You maintain your baggage from A4. like [Music] we’re here at arrival area with almost for me and my wife we got four luggages two medium two charge and then two hand carry and then don’t know that the hotel will be using the airport. So it will be inconvenient for us to push four big luggages. So what we did we used this airport delivery service. It’s the luggage delivery service from airport to the hotel which is very convenient. It’s so affordable. So by tomorrow since it’s almost it’s past 10:30 in the morning it will be delivered tomorrow any time of the day. But then if you’ll be able to give it before 10:30 in the morning on the same day in the afternoon to be delivered to your hotel. Secondly, we got a SIM card which is a local SIM card with unlimited data for 7 days at only 100 GB. Unlimited data a SIM card local but no calls just Wi-Fi or data. It’s so convenient. It’s so convenient here. 3,100 200 [Music] motions using the sweet [Music] Central Tokyo and then yes and then these are the stops. So we’ll choose this one. Yes.
Then you choose a number of
person let’s say two. You will see the
the timings and that’s it. Press the pre preferred time and the price. Let’s say total amount with receipt and receipt. You have to choose with receipt and that’s it. [Music] That Yamato service behind me is another baggage delivery service. It just so happened that we sold the JCB first before this one. It’s 3:16 and we have a 4:30 airport transfer. So, we’re just gi It’s all hot coffee and then at the bottom it’s cold drinks. [Music] Amazing. [Music] Amazing. It’s handheld. That’s not so so it will be so convenient to handle and you a girl like So, we’re taking the bus and looking for the bus stop number 17. So from here to the hotel it will take an hour and a half. [Music] So we took the bus rather than train because
um because if we are going to take the train we will uh take the Narita Express and then change to a local train
people change to another line to go to our hotel. Unlike the bus, the bus it’s going to go straight to a bus stop that is just a 7 minute walk to our hotel. So this is the airport limo and the number on the boxes those numbers will depend on the number of the areas where you will be going. Right? So the number corresponds to here and the number is the area for the place. Okay, thank you for that. Thank you. While waiting for the airport limusin bus, you will notice a team of gorgeous staff assisting passengers. They efficiently organize luggage based on destinations and departure times, attaching color-coded tags to each bag to match your bus stop. Once the bus arrives, this gentleman will carefully load the luggage on board, ensuring everything is in order. Then the bus departs exactly on schedule, reflecting the precision Japan is known for and in gesture that truly captures the grace of Japanese hospitality. The staff bow respectfully to the departing bus. Amazing. We’re heading to that area number three. [Music] Welcome to Akasaka, one of the city’s most underrated gems. It’s located between the busting business districts and historical landmarks. Akasaka feels like Tokyo’s bestkept secret, a place where the old and new casually sip coffee together. [Music] By day, Akasaka is a polished business hub with embassies, sleek offices, and quiet side streets. But by night, Akasaka transforms. Lantern, lit alleys, cozy bars, and jazz tunes echoing in the distance. It’s where tradition meets Tokyo cool without the tourist crowds. We just had our dinner and we’re just exploring the place surrounding the hotel and we were surprised that there’s a lot of food choices around us. So, at least we already have a benchmark of the next dinner or lunch to follow. And it’s so alive. From Michelin starred kaiseki to sizzling yaki niku and tucked away ramen spots, Akasaka serves up some of the best bites in the city. So yes, come for the calm, but stay for the flavor. [Music] Good morning everyone. It’s our second day here in Japan and today we are heading to Shibuya. So currently we’re at Akasaka and then we’ll just take the train ride going to Shibuya and then explore the whole place. It will be a very long day today. [Music] We’ll be taking Gota line then transfer somewhere going to Shibuya. Touring around Japan using their train or subway system is easy and convenient, especially when you have the Suika card on your phone. It’s just tap and go. Then your remaining balance will automatically be updated and you can load it as well on your mobile. When riding a train in Japan, always let the people off the train before boarding and keep your voice down. Japanese trains are impressively quiet and always stand on the correct side of the escalator. This week card are also usable at convenience stores, vending machines, and some restaurants. Yep, they are very handy. Oh, this is so sweet for my pet. [Music] My love documenting our day one. [Music] Okay, where are we? We are pay respects to Hiko.
My love, you’ll be reconnecting with your dog. Get emotional. It’s 10:45 and there’s already a long view from Okay, it’s our turn. [Music] Welcome to Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo’s iconic scramble and one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world. What makes it so famous? It’s not just the chaos, it’s the organized chaos. When the lights turn red, hundreds of people from all directions cross at once. Like a perfectly choreographed urban dance. Surrounded by giant screens, neon lights, and the buzz of city life. It’s a symbol of Tokyo’s energy, pace, and rhythm. It’s more than just a crossing. It’s a bucket list experience, a movie backdrop, and a moment where you feel the heartbeat of Japan. [Music] So, we just cross the Shibuya crossing and we’ll explore the whole place. [Music] So, we climbed at the Starbucks for a better view of the ship crossing. [Music] The matcha latte, americano, and the matcha cheesecake. [Music] So after having a coffee break, we’re still in Shibuya and we’re heading to lunch and we’re just exploring the place. But we have identified one area. [Music] Right in the heart of Shibuya Crossing, you’ll find one of Japan’s most popular conveyor belt sushi chains named Sushiro. Always remember where to enter and where to exit. [Music] Known for its affordable, highquality sushi, Sushiro serves everything from classic salmon and tuna to seasonal specialties. And each plate starts at just 120 yen. There’s our order. It’s a techsavvy experience, too. You order from a tablet and your sushi zips right to your seat on a separate express belt. Fresh and fast. There it’s ours. We couldn’t resist trying a bit of everything. And let’s just say it turned out into a mini sushi feast. [Music] know about the name of the restaurant is Sushiro. That’s what it means. Sushiro. With over 600 branches across Japan, Sushiro’s Shibuya location is perfect for a quick, affordable, and delicious break right in the middle of Tokyo’s busiest neighborhood. Definitely a must try. Fresh. [Music] These are all the empty plates that we have.
And we have
2 4 6 8 10 12. And we still have something on the table. After lunch, we are walking our way going to Maji Jigu, which is a 20 minutes walk from Shibuya Crossing to that area. So, it’s a good timing because we will burn all those sushi and noodles and we’ll have snacks there or dessert. So, we were on our way to visit the shrine, just enjoying a peaceful walk through Tokyo’s back streets when out of nowhere, I spotted a Nike store. It wasn’t part of the plan, not on the agenda, and definitely not in the usual tourist route. But hey, when you’re a runner and you see that swoosh, you have to stop. I made my way to the store thinking, I will just take a quick look. But then I saw it. Rows of the latest running shoes and some really sleek apparel. And guess what? Some of the colorways here are Japan exclusives, designs you won’t find anywhere else. Even better, the prices were noticeably cheaper compared back home in Dubai. [Music] And finally, after walking for quite some time, we finally reached the entrance gate of the Maji Jenu Shrine. It’s called Tori. As you step through this massive Tory gate, you’re not just entering a shrine. You’re stepping into a sacred forest in the heart of Tokyo. This story is made from 1,500 year old cypress wood standing nearly 12 meters tall and it marks the division between the everyday world and the spiritual realm. [Music] It’s so green and beautiful. From the main entrance which is Tori, it will take you 10 minutes to reach the shrine. As you walk going to the shrine, on the side of the path, you will spot an unusual site. Colorful barrels of Burgundy wine and sacred sake. The wine symbolizes Japan openness to Western culture under Emperor’s Magi. While the sake plays tribute to centuries old Shinto tradition. [Music] After a long walk, we finally reach the main entrance. And before approaching the shrine, tradition calls it for a moment of cleansing, which is the tiuya. It’s the purification fountain where visitors rinse their hands and mouths, which is a symbolic act to purify the body and mind before prayer. [Music] And we are now at the Mi Temple or the Miji Shrine. [Music] I mean, look at that tree. Both both of them. It’s a twin. These camper trees which were planted in 1920 are considered sacred. Well known as miu kosu or husband and wife. The couple trees have become a symbol of happy marriage and harmonious life within the family. Magi jinku is dedicated to Emperor Magi and Empress Shoken who helped transform Japan into a modern nation. The shrine’s architecture reflects calm strength. Built in the traditional Nagare Zukuri style with copper roofs and Hinoi wood blending perfectly with nature. This one is the wishing area and those woods are called the Emma boards. Here visitors write their hopes and dreams on wooden plaques called Emma then hang them for the Kami Shinto daties to read. And you will find messages in every language from prayers for health and love to wishes for world peace. After visiting the shrine, okay, it’s coffee break. Forest Paris Maju Jingu for the souvenirs there [Music] and the restaurant. There’s ice cream. Now we’re in a crowded area because we are finally here in Takashita Street. And yeah, people are having a luck here. A very busy street. Everyone wanted to have a picture and a video of it. [Music] It’s time for shopping. Matcha Takishita Street is 400 m long. It’s Tokyo’s youth culture capital which is located right across the Harajuku station. And it’s so alive that it does have enough energy, fashion, and flavor to fill an entire city. This is like what?
Market. Street.
Yeah, street market.
Street market.
A lot of bargain stuff.
In this street, you will find tiny one-of-a-kind boutiques tucked between vintage shops, cosplay stores, and character cafes. From anime merch to punk accessories, Takashita Street is where the weird and wonderful come to shop. little shops and we were able to get some souvenir markets our collections. Craving something sweet? You’re in the right place. Try a rainbow cotton candy, a cream filled crepe, or even cheese hot dogs that stretch like magic. Takashita Street is a snack lover’s paradise and a perfect spot for Tik Tok’s worthy bites. [Music] I was surprised because hidden among the wild fashion and sweet treats of Takashita Street are the cutest cafes you’ll ever find. Yep, you read it right. It’s My Pig Cafe. You can hang out with tiny squeaky voice micro pigs that love to nap on your lap. These little cuties are friendly, curious, and surprisingly clean. It’s like a piggy pile of happiness. If you’re more of a dog person, Takashita Street has you covered. step into a puppy cafe where you can play with fluffy Pomeranians or toy poodles. And it’s more like a basically a therapy with tails. [Music] After a long walk, we finally reach the one they call the most famous matcha shop in Tokyo. That’s what they That’s what they told us. This is the one. I was never really into matcha before coming to Japan, but it’s only our second day here and I’m already hooked. Matcha soft serve obsessed. Matcha mochi? Yes, please. cheesecake, drinks, pastries, you name it, I’m trying them all. It’s like Japan unlocked a whole new flavor obsession I didn’t know I had. So, yeah, we just walked out of the metro station coming from
Harajuku Harajuku to visit that um matcha place. And now we’re here in Shinjuku. And the first thing you’ll see after you walk out of the train station is this one. This digital feline made its debut in 2021 and instantly became a viral sensation. It lives on a massive 8K curved screen right outside Shinjuku station. So realistic it actually looks like it’s popping out of the building in the morning in the afternoon in the evening. Okay.
Correct. So, if you’re in Shinjuku, don’t forget to look up. You might just catch the city’s most famous cat in action. It’s all about walking. And there you go. [Music] Godzilla head. H Godzilla Road. This was in front of us, but I saw the head of Tom Cruz and not the head of Godzilla. There is Godzilla. And there’s Tom Cruz. [Music] And this is my favorite. This red bean cake. It’s that like a fish pancake or fish cake with fillings. How is it?
Pancakes.
The pan the pancake in the
custard.
Castard isorg [Music] is the entrance to the red light district here in Shinjuku. Welcome to Kabukicho. Tokyo’s infamous red light district. Stuck right in the heart of Shinjuku. I’m not aware that my wife is this kind of business here. By day, it looks like just another busy neighborhood. But when the sun goes down, the neon lights flicker on and Kabukicho transforms. Mom, [Music] we are now in Omoy Yoko, which means literally memory lane. And it’s a place like you’re stepping back in time. This narrow alleyway is packed with tiny isizakayas, smoky yakitori stalls, and the kind of charm you just cannot fake. Most of these spots have barely enough room for five or six people, but that’s part of the magic. We’re searching for this place. It’s uh it’s my brother-in-law’s favorite dinner spot. [Music] It’s very hard to get a seat because the place is really small and they have the limited seating. So, it’s a we have to wait or just explore until you see a place where you can fit in. This Omoy de Yoko started after World War II as a black market alley and somehow it’s still here holding on to Tokyo’s old soul while the rest of the city races ahead. after drinking session.
This is their lion. This is like large in like after drinking and then you’re still hungry and you wanted to like finishing session before going home you come here and just like you know choose any stall
barbecue barbecue like small eat
it’s just so unique that in the middle of the city you’ll be able to find this kind of shops small shops I feel like it’s all family and people are excited to be here people are queuing do this right here. Here [Music] after going round and round different alleys of that place, we were able to find the best place for dinner, which is it’s a curry house.
Thank you.
And our Mr. [Music] After dinner, we decided to come back and have a drink in one of the isakayas here in Omoy de Yoko. Since we are looking for an authentic Tokyo vibe, something raw, flavorful, and full of character, then this is the place to be. I’ll also have the same beer.
Yeah. One thing to know before you grab a seat at one of the isakayas here in Omo Yoko, there is a cover charge. It’s typically around 300 yen per person. And in most places, you’re also required to order at least one drink and two appetizers right when you sit down. So, we are here. In English, it’s
Junker’s Alley or known as Drunk’s Alley. Thank you for that. We got chicken. I don’t know what’s this plum wine. This is a plum wine. Yeah. So, we’re just [Music]

My First Time in Japan | Part 1 – Shibuya, Hachiko, Shinjuku & Harajuku Adventures!

Konnichiwa from Tokyo! Join us on our very first trip to Japan as we explore some of the most iconic neighborhoods in this vibrant city in Part 1 of our Tokyo travel vlog series! From the electric energy of Shibuya Crossing to paying tribute to the loyal Hachiko statue, wandering the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku, and discovering quirky fashion and street food in Harajuku – this episode captures the magic of Tokyo through fresh eyes.

Spots I visited in this episode:

Shibuya Crossing (the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing!)
Hachiko Statue
Shinjuku nightlife & neon vibes
Takeshita Street in Harajuku (fashion, crepes & culture!)
Expect fun moments, culture shocks, first impressions, hidden gems, and all the Tokyo feels! If you’re planning your first trip to Japan or just love Japanese culture, this vlog is for you.

Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION BELL so you won’t miss Part 2 of my Tokyo adventure!

Drop a comment:
What’s your favorite Tokyo spot? Any recommendations for first-timers?