7 Places You Must Visit in Tokyo

 

Japan has been on my radar for quite sometime now. I am enamored with Japanese fashion {loose square clothing}, their culture of cleanliness and organization and all things adorable and pink they have a tendency to produce. You can't even begin to imagine how EXCITED I was to board that 11 hour {yikes!} flight from San Francisco to Tokyo. 

There was so much to see and experience and not enough time in the day. If you have limited time in Tokyo, then these are the things I recommend you visit. 

1. Grab coffee at Shibuya Crossing

This place is truly mind blowing. Known as the busiest intersection in the world, Shibuya crossing is non-stop. While I normally go for local places when I travel, this time we went to Starbucks {pretty easy to spot} for the best views. Good luck getting a sit though! That place is B U S Y. 

They have tons of restaurants, bars and shops in the area. Don't be surprised if some of them are underground. 

2. Eat a crepe in Harajuku 

This place is wild....just wild wild wild. The amount of people at the entrance of Takeshita street should tell you enough:

It is hard to walk, move around, stay connected with your group and even breath. But it is QUITE the experience. So much color, candy, ice cream and crepes! Shops are mostly souvenir and costume items, but fun to roam around. 

3. Shop for clothes in Meiji Dori

This street is right off Takeshita/Harajuku area. You can walk on Meiji Dori all the way down to Shibuya Crossing. It was one of my favorite parts of Tokyo. I discovered really cool brands like Moussy and Niko And. 

They also have popular brands like ZARA and Mango. Department stores are NOT to be missed, so beyond beautiful. ISETAN was by far my favorite. Went in to get a knife and was amazed at the beauty and service in the store. 

4. Walk Meiji Shrine 

Japanese culture galore. Absolutely beautiful park and locals going about their day, so very lovely. We saw a traditional buddhist chanting ceremony as well as a young couple taking their wedding portraits. This place has to be on everyone's list when visiting Tokyo. 

For about $5.00 USD you can buy a plaque so you can make your wish and leave it in the shrine for the Buddhist gods to receive. Once the wall of wishes is full, the plaques are burned during a ceremony. 

I wished for health and happiness for my husband, dog and family. That's truly all we need.

5. Grab a drink Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku 

Are you confused by the picture above? We were too. I can't even begin to explain this place. It's weird and fabulous and tacky and funny all at the same time. Grab drink and enjoy the show. Just don't eat the food. Have a meal in Shinjuku before walking into the show. Tickets start at $75.00 USD per person. 

Shinkuju comes alive at night. 

6. Watch the Fish Market Auction

You're probably thinking I am crazy for suggesting this but it was seriously one of THE coolest things I've ever seen. We got there at 3:00 AM {thank you jet lag!} as we were told they close the door after they hit capacity {which I believe is 100 people}. By the time we arrived the room was already 2/3 full! We waited for about an hour and we were then escorted in groups to the back of the market where the auction takes place. It happens quick and it's the most amazing thing. Some of these fish sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars! A single tuna fish sold for $323,000 USD earlier this year! 

And there's plenty of shopping and food once you leave the Fish Market! You'll be released at around 7:00 AM so grab some coffee and a pastry and shop away. 

7. Souvenir Shopping in Asakusa 

This area is adorable. Tons of places to buy traditional Japanese gifts such as paper, fans, art, kimonos and toys. I got all of my souvenirs for my family here. There is also a large shrine at the end of the market. A really fun place to visit if you're in the mood for shopping and good food. 

Writing this post brought back so many great memories from my trip. We are planning on going back for the olympics in 2020, crossing my fingers we can get tickets for the opening ceremony. 

Talk to you soon!

xx, Nicole