Travel Guide- Japan: Tokyo Love

I grew up visiting Japan frequently as a kid. My mother grew up in Japan and I have family that I visit when I come. Though I am familiar with Japanese culture, I have to admit that I have a culture clash with Japan and I get things wrong a lot. I am constantly saying I’m sorry. If you’re anything like me and need to constantly apologize for your incorrect behavior, then these words will help you tremendously ごめんなさい

Gomen'nasai Phonetically: Go-Men-Na-Sai means I’m sorry.

And if you need help navigating the dos and don’t of Japanese culture, no one says it better than Hello Kitty:

Japan is a very deliberately planned out country. If you love the Japanese’s attention to detail and thoughtfulness in their systems and products, you’ll find that this attention to detail extends into every aspect of Japanese life. Everything has its place, there is no wiggle room and you best follow the rules otherwise you’ll get very stern eyebrows and words from angry locals. Steer clear from winging it and plan your trip properly by following my travel recommendations.

ATTRACTIONS/EXPERIENCES

In true Japanese fashion, all these activities require reservations and have set times (not just day) with reservation windows so DO NOT BE LATE. The time slots are serious and they will turn you away if you are.

  1. Yokohama: Cup Noodle Museum/Factory - This is super fun for kids. I recommend not coming hungry like we did so we didn’t explore the factory to its full extent. The modern building is beautifully done and very cool to just be in. You have the option to make your down cup noodle.

  2. TeamLabs Tokyo - If you only do ONE thing in Japan, this is IT! Hands down the best immersive experience. It’s surprising and surreal. Highly recommend.

  3. Harry Hedgehog Cafe (Fennec Fox, Ferret, Hedgehog and Meerkats) - Sugoi! (Japanese word for amazing!) There are a few different cafes locations with different animals - pigs, cats, puppies, owls, hamsters and chinchilla. Kid and adult animal lovers will love this urban petting zoo posed as a cafe.

  4. Sento Public Bath House in Kosejini neighborhood of Tokyo: This gem is one of two bath houses that allow tattoos. If you have tattoos you best follow the rules and only come here because the Japanese are serious when they say something is not allowed then IT IS NOT allowed. I know this from first hand experience when I went into a bathhouse in Hashimoto and my large bandage that was covering my tattoo became unsticky and fell off. I got the finger wag from an old Japanese lady and had to sheepishly cover my arms with my hands and leave.

FOOD

ALL food is amazing and tasty. Here are a few my favorite places:

  1. Tsujuki Fish Market

  2. Tsumiji traditional Japanese breakfast at the Buddhist Monastery

  3. Fluffy Soufflé pancakes in Shinjuku

  4. Family Mart/Seven-Eleven: This is where I fed my kids. It’s so affordable, convenient (there’s one on very corner) and beats McDonalds.

SHOPPING

  1. Shibuya Scramble (aka the Famous Shibuya Crossing)- It’s pretty crazy and overwhelming with so many people and tourist but you can also freely eat and walk so for me I felt more free here. Here’s a few places in this large shopping space that I enjoyed:

    Jins: Interesting plastic eyeglass frames (particularly for Asian faces). Prescriptions are ready in 1 hour!

    Tiger Onitsuka ASICS: Slightly cheaper than retail and all the cool new Japanese styles

    Shibuya109: Multiple floors of cool girl clothes, makeup and accessories. I didn’t buy anything but it was pretty fun to look all the colors, textures, and bling.

    Pop Mart: Anime/Manga toys and Capsule Machines

    Daiso: Largest cheap Japanese goods store located in the Shibuya train station

  2. Don Quixote: They are all over the city and a few in Oahu, Hawaii. It’s my favorite, it has everything - it’s like a Japanese Target.

  3. Shimokitazawa: Vintage Shopping Street- This place is a very long street of thrifting. It’s mostly American and menswear. In my opinion, it’s looking for a diamond in the rough. My favorite shop is Anchor- they have a mix of modern and vintage Japanese clothes. There is a cool bookstore/work space in this neighborhood. I can’t remember the name though.

  4. Tokyo’s Sunday Flea Market located at Oi Racetrack- This is more my speed. The prices are very affordable. I bought kimonos/Yukatas for $6 each. I also found a vintage leather sidebag. I like this kind of thrifting better. I’d rather curate myself and sift through these treasures than Shimokitazawa. This place takes a bit of time to get to and I paid about $40/50 in a taxi ride back to Shinjuku where i was staying.