KONNICHIWA JAPAN - TOKYO PART 1
This time last year, I was incredibly excited to visit a dream destination of mine, Japan. I have long been fascinated by the country, especially its history, food and visual design culture. Our first visit to Tokyo felt like stepping into a different world, one where ancient traditions appear to seamlessly coexist with futuristic cityscapes. We had such an amazing trip filled with unforgettable experiences that I wanted to share some of the incredible places we visited, and I'm already wondering when I can go back.
Mount Fuji from the plane window, why I love having the window seat!
Arriving early in the morning, we were staying in Asakusa, a neighbourhood that feels steeped in history. It was the perfect introduction to Tokyo’s quieter, more traditional side. Just a short walk from our hotel was Sensō-ji, the city’s oldest temple.
Tokyo's oldest temple Sensō-ji
Completed in 645, it was built to honour Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Asakusa itself is a lot less high rise than most of Tokyo, filled with loads of cool food stops, its a place where lots of friends and families gathering over the weekend. With the mix of locals and tourists alike the whole area had a very laid back and relaxed feel.
Store roller shutter - Japanese culture is so striking to western visitors, Nakamise Shopping Street.
Since we were starting and ending our trip in Tokyo, we had a few days to explore the city at both ends of our holiday. I love getting to know a place on foot, and while we did plenty of walking, Tokyo’s sheer scale meant we also relied on the city’s incredibly efficient transport network to get around. Thank goodness for all stops being called out in English, or we could have got very lost!
We had some truly unforgettable meals during our stay. The level of care and precision that goes into every aspect of the food culture here is extraordinary. From tiny ramen shops to elegant sushi counters, every food place we encountered felt like it had been crafted with love. Culturally, the Japanese are often seen patiently queuing outside food stalls, cafés, and restaurants; no wonder, as the food was delicious everywhere we went.
I discovered a deeper appreciation for Japanese homewares. The attention to detail, materials, and form is just beautiful. Every item, no matter how functional, is designed to be a pleasure to use. And don’t even get me started on the supermarkets! I’ll spare you the hundreds of photos I took, but the fascinating range of ingredients, packaging, and food combinations was endlessly inspiring.
We had such a great time, it's now a matter of when do we go back. Next time, I’m going prepared with an empty suitcase reserved just for kitchen knives, ceramic dishes, platters, and all the other essentials I now absolutely “need!”
Please indulge me as I share some photos of our first few days in Tokyo…
Side streets near Ueno Park
Click on the image below to see a larger version of the gallery.
After a few unforgettable days spent scratching the surface of just one small corner of Tokyo, it was time to move on. With our bags repacked (a little heavier thanks to some “must have” purchases), we made our way to the station to catch the Shinkansen, Japan’s iconic bullet train, bound for Hakata in Fukuoka.
We were excited to head off to our next destination, but were already looking forward to returning to Tokyo, this time staying in a different neighbourhood and seeing another side of this incredibly cool and fascinating city.
Sophie x
