Toyky, Japan Travel Guide

72 hours in Tokyo, Japan.

Cheers to another year of being blessed with the chance to celebrate my birthday in a new country! This year, my focus is on exploring Asia, Central, and South America. To kick things off, I started the year with an unforgettable trip to Tokyo, Japan.

En Route

Our journey began in San Francisco, where we flew to Los Angeles before heading to Haneda (HND). The flight from LAX to HND was just over 13 hours, and I couldn’t have been happier to be in first class, enjoying endless sake, noodles, and a great selection of movies. Delta’s adorable chanclas (slippers) were a comfy touch for strolling around the cabin.

Fourteen hours later, we finally arrived! Navigating Haneda Airport was a breeze, especially since all the signs are in both Japanese and English. Taking a moment to read and follow the directions made it simple to find our way. We needed to purchase bus tickets to get to our hotel, which was super easy thanks to the incredibly helpful staff.

Currency

Japan uses yen. As airline employees, we usually exchange our money in the U.S. to avoid exchange fees and get a slightly better rate. However, this time we were advised to withdraw cash from ATMs in Japan for a potentially better rate. That’s what I did, though I didn’t notice a significant difference.

Pro tip: If you’re a frequent traveler, consider opening a Charles Schwab account. They don’t charge international ATM fees, making it a great option for saving on withdrawals abroad.

Keep In Mind:

Japan is extremely clean—you won’t see trash on the ground, but you also won’t find many trash cans. I noticed that when people ate street food, they stayed in designated areas (marked with painted squares), finished eating, disposed of their trash, and then continued on their way. It seems that eating while walking is considered impolite.

• Smoking while walking is also discouraged, as indicated by sidewalk signs prohibiting it. If you’re a smoker, keep this in mind.
• All toilets in Japan are bidets, with toilet paper available as an option. This eco-friendly approach helps reduce paper waste—save the trees!
• The subway closes at midnight, so plan your travel accordingly.
• Japanese people are very considerate. If they’re feeling unwell, they wear masks to avoid spreading germs. On the subway, they form orderly lines to allow passengers to exit easily before boarding.

Politeness is part of the culture—people greet each other kindly and speak softly in public. It’s a good idea to learn and use basic phrases like “please” (kudasai) and “thank you” (arigatou). These small gestures go a long way!

Where to stay

I recommend booking an Airbnb in the Shibuya District for easy access to the city’s vibrant energy and attractions. We initially stayed at the Hilton near Tokyo Disneyland, which was convenient for Disney visitors but not ideal for exploring the city. Getting to the main attractions via subway was time-consuming, and an Uber ride cost around $100—definitely not budget-friendly.

The next day, we checked out and moved to the Marriott in the Ginza District, a fantastic alternative. Ginza is surrounded by luxury retail shops and is within walking distance of the famous fish market, making it a great spot for sightseeing and dining.

One important tip: don’t jaywalk—you could get a ticket. While we didn’t personally experience this, we saw others nearly get one. Stay mindful and cross at designated areas!

What to pack

No matter where I travel or how long I stay, I always overpack—though I like to think I’m getting better at it (kind of!). For this trip, I brought my favorite black and grey jeggings from Cotton On, layering tees, long sleeves, and—randomly—a dress (which I never wore). I also packed warm turtlenecks, a peacoat, a denim jacket, and two scarves. For shoes, I brought my booties and Nikes, but the booties stayed in the suitcase.

It was pretty chilly, especially at night, so I ended up layering but not excessively. With all the walking we did, my Nikes were a lifesaver—practical and comfortable for exploring the city. If you’re visiting during colder months, prioritize warmth and comfortable walking shoes!

What to eat

Food in Japan can feel a bit intimidating at times, especially when you can’t read what an item is or what it’s made of. But that didn’t stop me from diving in and trying new things!

First on the list: sushi! We visited a bustling sushi boat restaurant where we waited 30 minutes for a seat. Once seated, it was amazing to watch the chef prepare everything fresh and send it down on little boats. While I was cautious about mercury levels in raw fish and opted out of sashimi, I thoroughly enjoyed their miso soup.

Next up: ramen. We went to Ippudo Ramen, and let me just say—I could eat there every single day! Their ramen bowls were massive and bursting with flavor. Even now, just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

No matter where we went, there was always something delicious to try, from fluffy cotton candy to perfectly crispy fried chicken. Japanese cuisine is truly a foodie’s paradise!

What to do

I discovered so many amazing places through Pinterest, but one of the must-visit spots was the famous fish market. This historic market has been around for hundreds of years, but sadly, it’s set to be relocated to make way for the Olympic stadium.

Walking through the market was an unforgettable experience—rows of vendors showcasing an incredible variety of fish and seafood. For lunch, we sampled grilled fish from different stalls, and for breakfast, we enjoyed a delicious crepe. My personal favorite was the skewers of fresh seafood. I tried unagi (eel), swordfish, and scallops, and each one was absolutely mouthwatering. If you’re a seafood lover, this is a can’t-miss destination!

Banana custard crepe for breakfast <3

Next Stop: Harajuku District

Harajuku was next on our list, and it did not disappoint! The streets were packed with people and lined with unique shops and vibrant energy. One highlight was stopping at the Totti Candy Factory to grab their Insta-worthy cotton candy. These massive, colorful creations were not only fun to photograph but also delicious.

While exploring, don’t forget to stock up on green tea and strawberry Kit Kats—a must for any Japan trip!

When it came time for a real meal, we couldn’t decide where to eat until we spotted a line forming at a chicken stand. We decided to give it a try, and it turned out to be a great choice. Their warm, crispy fried chicken bites were incredible, especially with 20 different sauces to choose from. Harajuku is a foodie and shopper’s paradise!

Shibuya Crosswalk

The Shibuya Crossing is an absolute must-see! This iconic intersection is massive, and when the traffic lights turn red, all cars stop, allowing pedestrians to cross in every direction. It’s an organized chaos that’s mesmerizing to watch and even more fun to be part of.

For the best view, head to the Starbucks located on the corner. Situated on the second or third floor, it’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee and enjoy some prime people-watching. Shibuya Crossing is an unforgettable experience that truly captures the energy of Tokyo!

Sensoji Temple

The Sensoji Temple is a must-visit and truly breathtaking as you approach its grand entrance. Leading up to the temple, you’ll find a vibrant street lined with vendors offering everything from souvenirs to mouthwatering treats.

Being the mochi enthusiast that I am, I couldn’t resist trying the mochi balls filled with creamy custard and topped with a fresh strawberry. They were made right in front of us, and let me tell you—they were incredibly addictive! If you’re a fellow mochi lover, these are a must.

Another standout treat was the warm sake made with rice milk and cinnamon. It reminded me of horchata but warm, like champurrado. It was so good that we kept going back for more, much to the amusement of the vendor!

We also indulged in some ice cream and crispy rice cracker snacks. Exploring the temple and its surrounding stalls was an unforgettable cultural and culinary experience.

Golden Gai Nightlife

Make sure to spend an evening exploring the Golden Gai area. This unique district is a maze of narrow alleys packed with tiny bars, many of which are true hidden gems. Some of these cozy spots are so small they can only accommodate about seven people at a time, adding to the charm.

You might notice some bars with signs saying “Japanese-speaking customers only.” Don’t take it personally if you see this or are turned away—it’s often because the owners don’t speak English or are keen on preserving a traditional, local atmosphere.

We found a slightly larger bar where we settled in for the night. The menu featured fried skewers of just about anything you can imagine—broccoli, chicken, beef, potatoes, and more. To top it off, we enjoyed beers mixed with soju, which made for a delicious and fun twist on a classic drink. Golden Gai is a vibrant, unforgettable experience for anyone looking to dive into Tokyo’s nightlife!

Coming Back To-Do List

With just three days in Tokyo, our time was limited, and there’s so much more I want to experience when I return. Here’s what’s on my list for next time:

• Ride the bullet train to explore Japan’s stunning countryside.
• Visit the quirky Robot Café and cozy up with furry friends at a cat café.
• Spend a day at Tokyo Disneyland—tickets are only $60 USD!
• Explore temples outside of Tokyo and fully immerse myself in the culture by dressing up as a geisha.
• Dive deeper into Japan’s incredible culinary scene and try even more delicious food.

There’s still so much of Japan left to discover, and I can’t wait for my next visit!