Travel Japan: Temples, Tours, Tastes | Tokyo とうきょう

Welcome to our Japan vlog series as we kick things off with Tokyo! 🇯🇵 Join us as we explore the vibrant and dynamic streets of Tokyo, Japan’s bustling metropolis that effortlessly blends tradition with modernity. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this vlog is your ultimate guide to experiencing the heart and soul of Tokyo.

Check out the below for our exact itinerary!
Day 1
– Met up with our tour guide, Mariko–she was SO lovely and honestly knew so much history about the city. If you’re planning a visit, hit up tokyofreeguide.org
– Explored Harajuku and Shinjuku
– Walked to the Meiji Shrine and spent 3 – 4 hours walking through the grounds
– Kyushu Food Fair in Yoyogi Park (this is a seasonal event but you should definitely look up the local happenings prior to your trip!)
– Shibuya Crossing!
– Had our first tasting of delicious and affordable sushi at Sushi Zanmai in Roppongi Hills

Day 2
– Tsukiji Market – enjoyed the most amazing fresh tuna donburi from Tekka-Ya. Recommended by our tour guide Mariko
– Asakusa – took an Ebisuya Rickshaw tour which was SO informative and a really nice way to see the area, honestly SO worth it.
– Walked around the grounds of the Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Street
– Bar Orchard (IG: barorchardginza) for the most amazing, unique and personalized cocktails
– Dinner at Savoy Pizza (IG: pizzasavoy) in the Azabu-juban neighborhood. We were BLOWN away by how good the pizza was and the wonderful, intimate restaurant setting––this is a mustttt try.

Day 3
– Tokyo Disney Sea! Stay tuned for our video ~coming soon~!

Day 4
– Went to the Isetan basement in Shinjuku and picked up a couple of fresh bento boxes for lunch as they’re super affordable
– Explored Shinjuku! Hid from the rain and did lots of shopping
– Don Quixote Shibuya – a 7 story discount store filled with everything from electronics, to food, to makeup and toys. The list goes on.
– Ended the evening with a bowl of udon at Udon Iroha in Harajuku

Honorable mentions
– Afuri Ramen – went here as soon as we landed and they have locations all over Tokyo!
– Lawsons and Family Mart – finished every day at one of these convenience stores to stock up on tea/coffee, egg sandos and matcha treats
– All Department Stores – the lower levels are filled with food stalls with EVERY possible treat you can think of, fresh bento boxes, luxury chocolates, a variety of cakes and mochi, the list goes on and on.

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Timestamps!
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00:00 Intro
00:32 Intercontinental Roppongi
01:23 Walking Tour Start (Hie Shrine & Harajuku)
01:58 Meiji Shrine
02:46 Kyushu Fair at Yoyogi Park
03:04 Shibuya Scramble
03:16 Konbini Food Review
04:48 Tsukiji Market
05:11 Tekka-ya Tuna Review
05:56 Green Grape Mochi Review
07:46 Asakusa & Ebisuya Rickshaw Tour
08:40 Senso-ji Temple
09:19 Bar Orchard
09:34 SAVOY Pizza Azabu-juban
09:44 Shinjuku (Golden Gai & Donki)
09:59 Udon Iroha & Outro
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