For a long time, I purposely avoided Japan. I thought it was too easy to visit and I wanted to save those types of trips for later in life. I was prioritizing “tougher” destinations first, thinking about when I might not be able to handle demanding travel.
However, when my frequent flyer miles were about to expire, I knew I had to act fast! I had to use them while they were still valuable.
So, I ended up booking a business class flight on Japan Airlines using my Alaska Airlines miles. I flew from Vancouver to Tokyo with a two-night stopover before continuing on to Jakarta.
Japan Airlines business class was comfortable, but not the best I’ve experienced. EVA Air and Qatar Airways have superior business class cabins, in my opinion. But, Japan Airlines’ service was fantastic! The flight attendants were incredibly friendly and attentive, making the journey enjoyable.
Tokyo: A Quick Stop
Upon arriving in Tokyo, I was pleasantly surprised by the smooth immigration process. I then grabbed a DATA-only SIM card for 2,500 Yen ($25 CAD). I also purchased a train ticket for 1,370 Yen to get from Narita Airport to Asakusa, where my hotel was located.
The train journey from Narita Airport to Asakusa was a bit of a drag, taking over an hour. Later, I discovered that Haneda Airport is much closer to the city center and I should have flown there instead.
I stayed at an APA Hotel Eki Mae, a popular Japanese hotel chain. I booked it directly through their website and got a discount compared to using online travel agents like Booking.com or Agoda. The price on Agoda was very close, though.
For my first night, exhausted from the flight, I just grabbed some food from Family Mart, a popular convenience store in Japan. I devoured a skewer, some chicken teriyaki, and onigiri.
It was a delicious and satisfying meal that helped me drift off to sleep quickly.
Tokyo: Day One
The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed. I enjoyed the hotel’s breakfast bento box, which was surprisingly similar to what you might find in Canada.
My first stop was TeamLab Planets, a digital art museum. Navigating the metro was a bit confusing at first, but the helpful local transit employees, even though they didn’t speak English, were incredibly helpful in getting me on the right track.
The museum itself was packed with tourists. The entrance fee was 3,800 Yen, which I purchased from a vending machine. I thought the price was a bit steep, especially since the space is relatively small.
But, the exhibits were captivating! The first was a water feature cascading down a ramp. This led into a dimly lit room with uneven pathways, creating a sense of intrigue. Then came the “light room,” a mesmerizing display of lights that truly wowed me. This was followed by a water room with electronic fish swimming on the surface. The museum also featured a ballroom and a breathtaking ceiling show.
After exploring the museum, I headed to the garden area, which was a welcome reprieve. The staff encouraged visitors to connect with nature, and it was a serene and peaceful experience.
Tokyo: A Friend Reunion
Next up, I met up with an old friend, Ryukichi Tatsuki, who I met years ago during my first round-the-world trip in Namibia. He’s an extreme backpacker, and we shared some amazing adventures together, including exploring Dune 45, Deadvlei, and Big Daddy Dunes. Unfortunately, we also ended up in a car crash on the way back to Windhoek.
It was great to catch up with Ryukichi, who is now an architect. He showed me his office before taking me to one of his favorite restaurants, which served a dish similar to poke but with a different name. I couldn’t remember the name of the restaurant, but the food was delicious.
We reminisced about our adventures and I learned about what he’s been up to since 2016. It was a heartwarming reunion.
Tokyo: Exploring the City
After my meeting with Ryukichi, I headed to Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most famous neighborhoods, to see the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing. It was amazing to see this famous intersection in person. I can only imagine how spectacular it would be to see it lit up at night.
I then tried to go to Katsushika City to eat at Mengokoro Kunimoto, a famous ramen shop. However, it was closed when I arrived. I’ll have to make sure to go back with my girlfriend Karen and try it someday.
I ended my day back at my hotel, enjoying another delicious and affordable meal from Family Mart.
Tokyo: Leaving Tokyo
The next morning, I faced a dilemma: I had already paid for breakfast at my hotel, but I had to make my way to the airport, which was a long train ride.
If I ate breakfast, I’d only have two hours before my flight, which wasn’t enough time, as I generally like to arrive at the airport three hours before departure.
I decided to risk it and devoured my Japanese breakfast in record time. But then, at the train station, I discovered that the ticket machines only accepted cash. The grumpy Japanese guy working there told me I had to exchange my money at a Family Mart because they don’t accept credit cards. He definitely didn’t seem happy in his job.
I exchanged my money and quickly boarded the train, arriving at the platform just in time. It was a long and crowded ride to the airport.
But, I have to give credit to the Japanese for their efficiency. Even though I was exhausted, I was able to check in and get through security quickly and efficiently. I was impressed!
I had a last meal in the airport lounge before boarding my Japan Airlines flight to Jakarta.
I knew that I would return to Tokyo one day to explore it fully. My quick visit was short and sweet, and I actually enjoyed it. I normally dislike big cities, but Tokyo’s energy, efficiency, and delicious food won me over.
I’m looking forward to visiting Kyoto, Super Nintendo Land, and exploring the warmer southern part of Japan during my next trip. I already know that Japan is one of my top 20 favorite countries of all time!
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