Travel around Tokyo with Bobby
Day 1 Shibuya Crossing and Sushi Dreams
My adventure in Tokyo started with a bang at Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. As soon as I arrived, I was hit with the electric energy of the city. The sheer amount of people moving in every direction was mind-blowing, but there’s an odd sense of order to the chaos. I grabbed a coffee at the famous Starbucks overlooking the crossing, just to take it all in.
Afterward, I explored the streets of Shibuya, packed with trendy shops, neon lights, and hidden gems. For lunch, I treated myself to sushi at Sushi Zanmai, a famous spot known for its fresh and affordable sushi. I’ve had sushi before, but having it here felt different—more authentic, more refined.
In the evening, I strolled through Yoyogi Park, a peaceful escape right next to the city buzz. The contrast was striking, and I found myself relaxing under the trees as the sun set, with the soft hum of the city in the background.
If you want to experience Tokyo’s energy at its fullest, start with Shibuya. It's the heart of the city's hustle, and grabbing sushi here is a must. But don’t forget to find balance—Yoyogi Park is the perfect place to catch your breath.
Day 2Temples and Tokyo Skytree
On my second day, I headed to Asakusa, home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple. The approach to the temple, Nakamise Street, is lined with stalls selling traditional snacks and souvenirs. I couldn’t resist grabbing some taiyaki (fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste) as I wandered. The contrast of the traditional temple architecture against the modern city skyline was incredible.
After soaking in the atmosphere of Senso-ji, I made my way to Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world. The panoramic view of the city from the observation deck was nothing short of breathtaking. You could see the dense sprawl of Tokyo, the winding Sumida River, and even a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance.
For dinner, I went to a yakitori spot in Sumida, right near the Skytree. The grilled skewers of meat paired with local sake made for the perfect end to the day.
Lunch at a yakitori restaurant near Tokyo Skytree was a fantastic experience. The grilled skewers were smoky and tender, paired perfectly with a cold local beer. It was a simple yet satisfying meal.
Food
My second night at the same boutique hotel continued to offer comfort and easy access to Tokyo’s highlights. The proximity to public transport and the helpful staff made it an ideal base.
Accomodation
Visiting Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Skytree was a cultural and visual feast. The ancient temple was a great way to experience Japan's traditions, while the view from Skytree provided a modern perspective of the sprawling city.
Activity
Asakusa is a must for those looking to connect with Tokyo’s traditional side. Visiting both Senso-ji and Tokyo Skytree in one day gives you a perfect mix of the city’s past and future.
Day 3Shopping Madness in Shinjuku
Day three was all about exploring Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts. I kicked things off with a morning visit to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden—a peaceful, lush park where I spent a few hours walking among beautifully landscaped gardens. It felt like a world away from the surrounding city.
In the afternoon, I dove into the madness of Shinjuku’s shopping and entertainment district. First stop: Isetan, a luxury department store where I browsed high-end fashion and gourmet food. Afterward, I ventured into the labyrinth of electronic stores in Akihabara. From gadgets to anime memorabilia, it was heaven for tech lovers.
As night fell, I couldn’t resist experiencing the famous Robot Restaurant. It’s an insane mix of neon lights, robots, and over-the-top performances. It’s definitely touristy, but worth every minute for the spectacle.
I enjoyed a late lunch in Shinjuku at a ramen shop, where the broth was rich and flavorful, and the noodles had the perfect texture. It was a comforting, soul-warming meal after a long day of exploring.
Food
The small size of the room continued to be the only downside to the otherwise great experience at the boutique hotel. However, the cleanliness and central location made up for it.
Accomodation
From the tranquility of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden to the dazzling lights of the Robot Restaurant, the day was a perfect blend of calm and chaos. Both experiences felt quintessentially Tokyo in their own ways.
Activity
Shinjuku is the ultimate shopping and entertainment hub. Start your day in Shinjuku Gyoen for some peace, then dive into the crazy mix of luxury and tech—there’s something here for everyone.
Day 4Cultural Immersion in Harajuku and Meiji Shrine
My fourth day in Tokyo was all about contrast. I started the day with a visit to the peaceful Meiji Shrine, nestled in a lush forested area. Walking through the enormous torii gate, I immediately felt a sense of calm and reverence. The shrine itself is beautiful, and I took the time to write a wish on a wooden ema plaque, a tradition here.
Next, I stepped into Harajuku, a short walk from the shrine, but a world apart in terms of vibe. Harajuku is known for its eccentric street fashion, quirky shops, and vibrant youth culture. Takeshita Street was packed with colorful boutiques, cafés, and people sporting some of the wildest outfits I’ve ever seen. I grabbed a crepe from one of the many stands—a Harajuku classic—and wandered through the craziness.
That evening, I had dinner at a cozy izakaya in Harajuku, where I enjoyed small plates of tempura and sashimi with some local beer.
Harajuku’s street food was a highlight, particularly the sweet crepes that are a staple here. The quirky flavors and vibrant atmosphere made it a fun snack break amidst all the shopping and exploring.
Food
By day four, I was appreciating the convenience and comfort of my hotel even more, despite the room size. The staff was always ready to offer advice, making my stay feel easy and stress-free.
Accomodation
Meiji Shrine provided a peaceful start to the day, while Harajuku’s quirky fashion scene brought excitement. The contrast between the serene shrine and the vibrant Takeshita Street was one of my favorite parts of the trip.
Activity
Harajuku is the place to go for fun, quirky experiences. Balance the day by starting at Meiji Shrine to ground yourself, then jump into Harajuku’s wild energy.
Day 5Neon Nights in Roppongi
For my final day, I explored Roppongi, a district known for its nightlife and art scene. I spent the afternoon at the Mori Art Museum, which showcases contemporary art from both Japan and around the world. The museum’s rooftop observation deck also offered one last panoramic view of the city, a perfect way to say goodbye to Tokyo.
As night fell, I experienced the vibrant Roppongi nightlife. I wandered through the streets lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants, eventually landing at a rooftop bar for a drink with a view of Tokyo Tower lit up in the distance. The vibe in Roppongi is lively and international—perfect for anyone wanting to experience Tokyo after dark.
My last dinner in Tokyo was at a rooftop bar in Roppongi, where I indulged in Japanese fusion dishes with a view of the city. The food was good, though slightly overpriced due to the location, but the ambiance made up for it.
Food
My final night in the hotel was restful, and I appreciated the consistency of the service and cleanliness throughout my stay. The location allowed me to explore so much without much travel hassle.
Accomodation
Spending the afternoon at Mori Art Museum followed by a night out in Roppongi was a fitting end to the trip. The mix of culture and vibrant nightlife felt like the perfect Tokyo experience.
Activity
Roppongi is the place to be for art lovers by day and night owls by evening. The views and energy here make it the perfect district to wrap up your Tokyo adventure.
Summary of My Trip
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Tokyo was an unforgettable experience that offered a perfect blend of tradition, modernity, and vibrant culture. From its iconic attractions to the delicious cuisine and the seamless public transportation, the city continuously impressed me. Each aspect of Tokyo left a lasting impact, whether it was exploring ancient temples or getting lost in neon-lit districts. Here’s how I would rate the city across various categories:
My first meal in Tokyo was at Sushi Zanmai in Shibuya, and it set the tone for the rest of my culinary experiences. The sushi was incredibly fresh, with a perfect balance of flavors. The chef’s attention to detail was clear in every bite.
Food
I stayed at a boutique hotel near Shibuya, offering modern amenities and a clean, minimalist design. The location was unbeatable for exploring central Tokyo, though the room was on the smaller side, typical for the city.
Accomodation
Exploring Shibuya Crossing and Yoyogi Park was a perfect combination of city energy and tranquil green space. The excitement of the crossing is something every visitor should experience, and Yoyogi Park offered a peaceful break from the hustle.
Activity