TOKYO TRULY SHOCKED ME 🇯🇵 first impressions of Japan

TOKYO TRULY SHOCKED ME 🇯🇵 first impressions of Japan

Welcome to the beautiful, bustling city of Tokyo, Japan. In this video, I’m going to be sharing my first impressions of Tokyo and the country on the whole. It’s my first time here in Japan, and I could not be more excited. If you’re just joining us here on the channel, welcome. My name is Claire Hawkins, and I’m a traveling singer songwriter. when I’m working on my foreign voice. Now, Tokyo as a city has a reputation for being busy, chaotic, and hectic, but in a beautiful and fascinating way. You may have noticed that’s not exactly what this street currently looks like. That is because it is not yet 9:00 a.m. on a Sunday here in the more residential neighborhood of Asaka and I’m up bright and early. Not just because of the jet lag, but also because I am headed to visit Seno Gi Temple. I have heard that the temple gets really, really crowded even by 10:00 in the morning. So, I’m trying to beat the crowds and we’ll see what success I have. Well, I certainly wouldn’t argue that I beat the crowds, but I do imagine that later in the day it’s even more crowded than this. So, I’m happy I came when I did. And again, I just got in last night, so I’m not really sure what the jet lag situation is yet, so I have to take it easy. This is the oldest temple here in Tokyo. It was built in the year 645 AD. The temple is free to visit. However, there is the option to make donations or pay to get a fortune. It’s definitely worth visiting even if all you do is walk around the grounds. The grounds are open 24/7, but I believe the temple itself opens at 6:00 in the morning. So, you do have the option to be even more proactive than I was and get here before the crowds if you so choose. [Music] [Music] If you walk directly south of the temple, you’ll find Nakamiza shopping street. This is definitely a tourist shopping street, so a place to find souvenirs. I don’t think there are too many locals doing any shopping here, but it’s definitely worth seeing, especially if you’re already here for the temple. If you are trying to decide what time to come here to Senoji Temple, I do recommend coming early. However, these shops won’t be open much before 10 or 11:00 typically. Right now, a good few of them are open, but some of the stalls are still closed, which is good to keep in mind if you’re trying to get here early, but you also want to be able to see the shops. You might have to find a a happy middle ground. By the dark of a red light, [Applause] by the grace of a frozen moon, there’s a fire outside and they just came up from the roof. I’m now headed to the Asaka tourist information office because I heard there are a few collectible stamps there. For those of you who watched my Taiwan vlogs, you might remember collecting stamps in my travel journal was one of my favorite things I did in that country. And luckily for me, this is something that’s very popular here in Japan as well. There is even an app you can download here called Stamp Quest and it’ll give you a map of all the stamps across the country. Whether that’s in metro stations, at tourist info offices, at sightseeing spots, they’re all over. And I have made it my mission to collect as many as I can while I’m here in Tokyo. In Japan, they are called Ekki stamps. I believe the word eky translates to station and that’s because you can most commonly find them in all of the metro stations across the country. but they’ve become more and more popular and I think there are a lot of places we’re going to find them today. I just took the metro to Tokyo Station which is a beautiful building both inside and out. So far I’m really loving the mix of architectural styles here in Tokyo and I still have seen so so little of the city. So I know there’s a lot more to come. One of the fun things about solo travel like this is that there’s really no agenda. I mean, I have a list of a few things that I want to see here in Tokyo, but it’s such a big big city that there isn’t an obvious list of things to do because there’s too many things to do. So, I’m doing my sightseeing. I’m wandering around. I’m collecting stamps and I’m having a lot of fun. Tokyo is very well known for shopping. And you know me, I’m not a big shopper. I like collecting stamps and stickers so that I don’t have to check a bag when I fly home from trips like this. That said, I think that this city really does have something for everyone because there are a few stationery stores and there’s one store in particular that is essentially a travel journaler’s dream. It’s called Travelers Factory and there’s a location here inside of Tokyo Station and it’s just a little bit too on the nose. I can’t pass it up. [Music] I’ve just walked over here to a neighborhood called Ginsza, which I’ve heard is known for luxury shopping. Not something that I’m personally planning on taking part in, but I am ready for some lunch. It’s been nearly 24 hours since I arrived here in Japan, and I haven’t yet had sushi. So, it’s time to remedy that. For lunch, I’m going to try conveyor belt sushi, otherwise known as kiten sushi here in Japan. It’s really, really popular. And the place that I’m going to is supposed to be one of the cheapest places. It’s called Kura Sushi, and it’s located inside of a mall. You have to enter through a Unilo and go up to the seventh floor. It all is very selfs served. So, you get a ticket, it tells you your number. I was told I was going to have to wait over an hour, but my wait time, luckily, only ended up being a little bit under 30 minutes, and then I was seated at a solo booth. You can wait for sushi to come around on the conveyor belt, or you can place orders yourself on the iPad they provide you. Either way, it’s a lot of fun and definitely a necessary experience here in Japan. My entire meal was only $9 and I ate a lot, so it was a pretty good deal. Each plate is individually priced. Most of them at this location are a dollar each. So, I had about nine plates and it worked out to a $9 lunch. I’m walking in Ginsa now and there is definitely a very upscale feel to this neighborhood. It kind of has the vibes of Fifth Avenue in New York City or probably even nicer. I don’t know. All of the shops here are designer names that I recognize but don’t personally shop at. It’s definitely a very different vibe neighborhood to neighborhood here. One store that I knew I did want to visit in this neighborhood is called Ginsza Toya and it is the largest stationary store in the world. It has 12 floors and every type of pen that could possibly ever exist as well as a ton of other things, scrapbooking materials. It’s just really fun to look around. Good morning. Today I’m up on the earlier side because I want to fit in a run before I go about my sightseeing. Now I know that Tokyo is considered a very good city for running. There’s a very popular marathon here, the Tokyo Marathon. So I expect to see some other runners out this morning. I am going to head to the Imperial Palace. There’s a 5 km loop around the grounds that is supposed to be, I think, the most popular running route here in Tokyo. So, it should be a good excuse to get in some exercise and a little bit of sightseeing at the same time. [Music] I give up all the time like it’s always been a choice. And I don’t speak the language of this music, but I’m waiting on my foreign voice. With my run out of the way, I have freshened up and I am now in the neighborhood of Harajuku. I’ve heard that this neighborhood is known for being a young, artsy, kind of hipster neighborhood. This main drag that I’m on right here definitely has a lot of luxury stores kind of similar to those in Ginsa. However, I hear that if I take some side streets, I should be able to find some cute shops. And I’m definitely in need of a coffee after that run. So, I think we’re going to try to find a coffee shop. [Music] We’re dressed in smoke now. This night is not my own. [Music] Can’t put this flame out while it’s building a home. [Music] I definitely see why people come to this area to do their shopping. I’m actually headed to a mall now, but not for the purpose of shopping. I’ve heard that there is a rooftop terrace with a really great view. So, we’re going to check it out. [Music] [Music] I have made it here to Takashita Street, which is known for shopping, noise, snacks. It’s a pedestrian street, so it’s completely closed off to traffic. And it’s definitely something you have to see while you’re here in Tokyo. [Music] I made a quick stop in Harajuku Station, but we’re not taking the train. I just wanted to get their eki stamp. And now we’re going to take a 20-minute walk over to the most famous crosswalk in all of Tokyo, maybe in all of the world, Shabuya Crossing. [Music] It is getting a lot more crowded as I approach Shabuya Scramble Crossing. There’s a major difference in the vibe of neighborhoods here. There’s so many people. Shabuya Scramble Crossing is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world with up to 3,000 people crossing at one time. It’s definitely worth visiting. It’s worth crossing back and forth multiple times. It’s very fun in a weird way. It’s also incredible people watching. And we’re going to continue the people watching. Now, there are several cafes, including a Starbucks, where you can order a drink, wait in a very long line, and then sit by the window and watch the crossing from above. In this very tall building behind me, you’ll find Shabuya Sky, which is a great option if you want a ticketed confirmed time slotted observation deck to look out over Shabuya Crossing. However, I don’t actually know how much tickets cost, but I do know that they cost something and that there are limited time slots. So, instead, what I recommend is taking the overpass, crossing the street, and going into this also very tall building. Take the elevator up to the 11th floor and look at the observation deck there. the only responsibility. This chaos tastes a little different. [Music] I give up all the time like it’s always been a choice. And I don’t speak the language of this music. I’m waiting on my foreign voice. I have to admit, I didn’t even particularly time this with sunset on purpose, but wow, I’m feeling like a very lucky traveler today. It’s getting to be dinner time and my feet are definitely ready for a sit down. So, it’s only 5:00 and I’m hoping that that’s early enough that it’ll be possible to get a table at a restaurant that I hear is hard to get a table at. What I keep hearing over and over again is the longer the line, the better the food here in Japan, which is not something that I feel applies everywhere. But people say it applies here, so I might be doing some waiting, but if I do, it means it’ll be worth it. This is a beef katu restaurant. They serve the meat to you raw, and then they light a little fire in front of you, and you get to cook the meat to your liking. There are only nine seats in the entire restaurant, so I understand why people usually have to wait, but I got really lucky. They let me sit right away, and it was incredible. Without a doubt, the best meal I have had so far in Japan. Wow. I keep having this really lovely experience where something will be really great and then people will be so nice. I just mean like that was an incredible meal regardless of the fact that everyone who worked there was so kind, which is it’s just an added bonus, but it’s so so special. [Music] [Music] I think Shabuya Scramble Crossing is even crazier at night. So, it’s important to come twice. One during daylight hours and one during nighttime hours. This is Shabuya Yoko. Now, if I understand correctly, Yoko just translates to alleyway, but it means something a little more specific nowadays, which is a lantern lit alleyway filled with small bars and restaurants. Now, this one is kind of a modernized copy essentially, but there is another Yoko called Shabuya Nonbay Yoko around the corner that’s supposed to be a bit more traditional. So, we’re going to go check it out. I don’t think I need any more food this evening, but I could have another beer. I can’t stress enough how truly tiny these bars are. It’s such a special thing to experience. I think there were maybe five stools, maybe six in the one that I was in, but there were three of us customers and the bartender and the four of us in the room made the place feel like it was packed. It’s so so cool. The other customers there didn’t speak English and I obviously don’t speak Japanese and the bartender was kind of translating between the two languages for us and it was just really really special and cool. I don’t know if I have this pronunciation remotely correct. Behind me is Hongangji Temple. This is a 17th century Buddhist temple. It feels a lot more modern than some of the other temples I’ve seen in Asia. But what’s really lovely about it is that as soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the kindest man. He told me I was welcome to take photos and videos. He handed me a bunch of literature on Buddhism in English. And best of all, he gave me this crane. This is so sweet. This morning we are headed to Fish Market. I actually need a little Japanese pronunciation help here. I’ve heard. I’ve heard Sukiji. I’m not really sure what is correct. Or maybe it’s said differently by Japanese people and native English speakers. And that’s okay. This is an iconic spot. It’s definitely touristy and I’ve heard get there as early as you can. So, we might be having fish for breakfast, but we’re in Japan so why not? Initially, this market was where restaurants from all over the city would come to purchase their fish. Nowadays, I think that happens elsewhere, and this is really a tourist destination. That said, I’ve heard nothing but good things about the food here, and I am already overwhelmed by choice. I have no idea how I’m going to pick what to eat. Everything looks and smells amazing. Is the salmon sashimi 500? I’ll have one of those, please. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] [Music] Now, did I just watch the woman pour this from a grocery store juice container. Yes, but it was $1.68 and I love mango juice, so it’s fine. And it’s really good. It’s definitely a bit overwhelming because there is so much to try and obviously so many people here. But I think I have to go one of these giant oysters. I’ve never seen anything like it. [Music] [Music] [Music] This salmon and tuna rice bowl was around $6.70. In total, I spent about $15 at the market here, which is pretty good. I feel like I got to try a lot of things, and I’m definitely very full. And everything was delicious. I just took the metro over to the busy neighborhood of Shinjuku. From what I understand, this neighborhood is kind of similar to Shabuya. It’s definitely entertainment focused. There’s a lot of hustle and bustle. I think one of the main differences is that Shabuya is associated with younger crowds. The two neighborhoods are actually quite close to each other. So, I’m kind of back in the section of Tokyo that I was in yesterday, but we’re seeing a whole new neighborhood and I think it’s going to be very interesting. I have been told by many people that you cannot come to Tokyo without visiting a Doniote. These are 247 discount stores. I was under the incorrect impression that they were solely drugstore type stores, you know, skincare, etc., because that is something that’s very popular to purchase here. But no, they sell everything. There is so much noise and music everywhere in the store except the elevator. I already know this is a story that won’t be told beneath the weight of everything I don’t have to hold. We’re not keeping track and there’s nothing overhead without speaking up. Are we ever making? This is Shinjuku Golden Guy, which you may be able to tell is definitely a place to visit at night. These alleyways have all sorts of small taverns and restaurants and places that really come alive in the evening. These small bars definitely remind me of the ones at the Yoko in Shibuya from last night, but there’s a grungier, frankly, kind of cooler atmosphere here. It’s so interesting. This chaos tastes a little different. I give up all the time like it’s always been a choice. And I don’t speak the language of this music. But I’m working on my foreign voice. This is Shinjuku Kioen National Garden. It is so beautiful and such an amazing little oasis of peace in such a hectic part of a hectic city. It cost 500 yen to enter, which was just about $330 or so. And it was well well worth it. It’s actually a really large park. I wasn’t expecting just how big it is. It has a bunch of different sections. And honestly, I’m at the point in my trip where all I want is to just sort of sit and take it all in. Tokyo is such a full city. There’s so much to see and do. It’s really easy to get swept up in feeling like you need to be seeing something at all times, doing something every moment, and that is how you get burned out. I’m really glad that I’ve given myself a few little breaks throughout the days that I’ve been here in Tokyo. Stopping at cute cafes and travel journaling and just taking a few moments to breathe has been really helpful because I think it’s really easy to get overwhelmed here. I can admit there are a few things that I’m feeling almost guilty to have not seen in my couple of days here in Tokyo, but I really do believe I’ll be back before long. Tokyo is just such a special and important city and I feel like it’s kind of funny that it took me this long to get here to get to Japan. There have been so many people who have asked me for Japan advice over the years and I’ve had to say yeah I haven’t been there yet and now I have some advice to share. The most exciting thing about this trip however is that Tokyo is only the beginning. I am headed to the city of Fukuoka tomorrow and I will be there for a month as part of a digital nomad summit. I am so excited. I think it’s going to be just an incredible unique experience and I’m so ready for the next phase of this Japan adventure. We have a rainy final morning here in Tokyo and I want to get one final Japanese breakfast. So, I’m headed out to get some umu rice. This restaurant is called Nagisa and it has a very retro kind of Japanese diner feel. I read online that a lot of people feel that it’s reminiscent of the Shawa period here in Japan which refers to the reign of Emperor Shoa from 1926 to 1989. This omu rice is a huge portion and it comes with a miso soup. Definitely the best miso soup I’ve ever had and all of that was $6. I’ve only had omu rice once before and it was in New York City and I didn’t really like it. But today I became an absolute omu rice fan. It was so delicious. There’s sausage and onions in the rice here. It was just so good, so satisfying. And now I’m very full. What a perfect note to end my time here in Tokyo on. It is raining, so I am going to hop inside. But I wanted to say thank you all so much for watching. I’m thrilled to say that this is only the very beginning of my adventures here in Japan. And if you liked the music in this video, it is as always my original music. I’ve linked it in the description below and you can always search Claire Hawkins wherever you get music online. Thank you again for watching and I’ll talk to you in next week’s video. [Music] [Music]

It’s my first time in Japan as a solo female traveler. In my 4 days in Tokyo I was surprised by the sheer number of things to do in this city. My Tokyo travel vlog is a mix of sightseeing, where to eat, and my first impressions of Japan.

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Tokyo Neighborhoods:
0:00 Asakusa
5:38 Ginza
7:38 Imperial Palace
8:38 Harajuku
11:19 Shibuya
16:08 Tsukiji
19:30 Shinjuku
24:02 Iriya

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