If Day One in Tokyo was a warm-up, Day Two was the main character energy we were waiting for. From ancient temples to fancy knives, from sushi so fresh it practically winked at us, to the sweet, sweet taste of ice-cream vengeance—Tokyo delivered. Hard.
Senso-ji: Sensory Overload in the Best Possible Way
We kicked off the morning at Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most colorful temple. When I say it was spectacular, I mean capital-S Spectacular. The second we entered, it was clear this wasn’t just a tourist stop—it was a full-on cultural theme park for your senses.
The sights: A giant red lantern that looks like it could crush a minivan, ornate temple details dipped in gold, and a sea of people who all somehow manage to take photos without bumping into each other.
The sounds: Chanting monks, clacking good-luck sticks, and the very real gasp I let out upon spotting the shopping street.
The smells: Incense, street snacks, and… was that fresh melonpan? Yes. Yes, it was.
Fun Facts About Senso-ji
- It’s Tokyo’s oldest temple, founded in 645 AD, which means it’s been around longer than most civilizations I studied in high school.
- The giant Kaminarimon gate lantern weighs about 1,300 pounds, so basically the weight of everyone’s luggage combined.
- The smoke from the incense is said to bring good health—yes, we bathed in it. Several times.
Taito-Asakusa: The Shopping Paradise We Weren’t Ready For
Right outside the temple is Nakamise Street, a dazzling stretch of stalls selling everything from traditional sweets to souvenirs whose cuteness levels should frankly be illegal. The surrounding Taito-Asakusa district is souvenir heaven—reasonably priced, delightfully quirky, and filled with treasures.
Pro Shopping Tip: If you want something truly unique and aggressively cool, look for the fancy Japanese knives. The ones serious chefs covet. The ones that whisper you will now julienne like a samurai. They’re gorgeous, handmade, and often more affordable than you’d expect.
(Yes, we ogled them. No, we did not trust ourselves to transport them without slicing open a suitcase.)
Ice Cream Justice: Achieved
Remember how we were denied ice cream the day before? Scarred. Traumatized. Betrayed.
Well, today… WE GOT OUR ICE CREAM. Shannon and I marched up to that stand like champions reclaiming their throne. Victory has never been so sweet, or so photogenic.
Travel Tip: If you see soft-serve in Tokyo, buy it immediately. Do not wait. Do not assume there will be “ice cream later.” Tokyo plays by its own rules.
Tsukiji Fish Market: Sushi Dreams Realized
Next stop: the legendary Tsukiji Fish Market, where sushi is fresher than my sarcasm at 6 a.m.
Here’s the thing: Once you eat sushi at Tsukiji, everything else becomes… practice sushi. The fish melts. The rice hugs you emotionally. The chefs smile at you like they know you’re having a life-changing moment.
Tips for Tsukiji:
- Arrive hungry. Very hungry.
- Don’t be intimidated by lines—longer line = better food = worth it.
- Try the tamagoyaki (sweet omelette). It’s like dessert’s more responsible cousin.
Hoshino Coffee: Fluffy Pancake Heaven
After sushi, we needed dessert because that’s called balance. Enter Hoshino Coffee, home of the famous soufflé pancakes that look like they were summoned by a pastry deity.
Light. Jiggly. Perfect.
Honestly? Possibly the best dessert of the entire trip. Do not skip this place unless you hate joy.
Order Tips:
- Get the soufflé pancakes. No “maybe next time.” Do it.
- Their drip coffee is legit, too—strong enough to revive even the jet-lagged.
Ginza & the Quest for Onitsuka Tiger Glory
We ended the day roaming the sparkling streets of Ginza, Tokyo’s luxury district where even the crosswalks feel fancy. But we were not there for diamonds, or designer handbags…
No.
We were there for Onitsuka Tiger shoes—the number one souvenir goal on the list.
Ginza delivered. Rows of colors, styles, and sizes that make you feel like you’re choosing your starter Pokémon. We walked out victorious, new kicks in hand, ready to outrun our responsibilities back home.
Ginza Shopping Tip:
- Many stores offer tax-free shopping—bring your passport!
- Try things on. Japanese sizing can be surprising in both directions.
- Have a great time exploring
Final Thoughts on Japan: A Journey We’ll Never Forget
From the neon-lit streets of Osaka, buzzing with energy and late-night snacks, to the breathtakingly clear and humbling view of Mt. Fuji, Japan gifted us moment after moment of pure wonder. We wandered through ancient temples, crossed the iconic Shibuya Scramble like dazed-but-delighted extras in a movie, and soaked in a culture that balances tradition and modernity with effortless grace.
Japan is more than a destination—it’s a feeling. A warm bowl of ramen after a long day. A polite bow from a stranger. The soft chime of a train station melody you somehow already miss.
It’s a country that surprises you, calms you, excites you, and then hands you the world’s cutest souvenir on your way out.
If there’s one place everyone should experience at least once, it’s Japan.
Not just for the views, or the food, or the history—but for the way it makes you fall a little more in love with the world.
Until next time, Japan.
Arigatou gozaimasu—for all of it.
Felicity Arvizu takes on... 