20 Random things I think about Tokyo

Yeah…it’s been a long while since I have blogged about a trip I’ve taken. Truth is, I’m tired! LOL! But seriously, since the pandemic, a good majority of my trips have been work-related, so I didn’t find much reason to write about them. And to be honest, when traveling for work, there isn’t much time to fit in fun and downtime. My idea of “fun” was always getting back to my comfy hotel to veg out on TV, if I’m not attached to my laptop trying to work as though I’m still in the States. But I’m trying to recommit to writing, so here I am.

I was supposed to be going to Tokyo in November of 2020, but because of the pandemic and the fact that Japan wasn’t playing games with us Americans who were running a muck with handling and responding to the virus, they closed their borders off, and it’d been four years since I was able to make good on my desire to go there for a vacation. Technically, I did go there for a few days a couple years ago, but it was for work and only for four days. I didn’t count that.

So here’s some highlights of my trip and some random thoughts I have…

1. Before the trip, I refrained from planning too much.

I’m big on not over-planning your itinerary. I believe you should pick a few restaurants and experiences you want to partake in, book those reservations, and then go with the flow for the rest of the trip and plan around those reservations. If there’s something really cool you saw on social media in Tokyo, it would behoove you to make reservations for those things well in advance. For instance, we wanted to visit Bar Centfola but by time we thought of it, reservations were packed. Next time.

2. Since there were four of us, we decided to stay in Airbnbs for the first two-thirds of the trip - one place in Tokyo, and the other in Kyoto.

It was the most economical choice, and allowed us to be more social with one another, which is something I needed since I was feeling a little devastated after the 2024 election results. But…I really do not prefer Airbnbs (unless they are super luxurious like the ones in South Africa or Bali), so I’m happy I was able to convince the group to stay in hotels at the end of our trip, so we close close out with a lil extra comfort. When I go back, I’ll be staying only in hotels.

The bar at the The Prince Gallery Tokyo hotel

3. Suica - get it on your phones before you go.

You don’t necessary have to download the app. If you have an iPhone, you can just add it to your Wallet app, and add money to it directly from there. You can use your Suica for so much in Tokyo - the trains, convenience/grocery stores, taxis, etc. It just makes life so much easier.

4. The fluffy pancakes that everyone raves about in Tokyo…not my cup of tea.

If that’s your thing, try Flippers in Shibuya. They are very Instagrammable…

5. TeamLabs is an experience I’ll take part in every time I’m in Tokyo.

You should too.

6. Taking public transportation is convenient for some.

I am not included in that “some.” LOL! I hated taking the trains and busses 90% of the time. I was only doing it to be a team player. But there were a couple times I was tempted to be like, “I’ll just meet y’all there.” I didn’t mind taking the trains late at night though when there was hardly anyone on and we were comfortably sitting in seats. Even when it came to booking one of the cool trains to Osaka for a day, I let my friends take the lead there and just paid them whatever I owed. I was not interested in anymore public transpo!

7. Soul Food House!

Make sure you book a reservation [well in advance] and visit! Pro tip: Book it toward the end of your trip, so that if you’re getting fatigued from Japanese cuisine, you can get a lil taste of something different. The food is legit, and the owners are from Mississippi and are extremely welcoming.

Fried fish from Soul Food House in Tokyo

8. Sushi - I ain’t eat enough of it while there and that’s a huge regret.

Sushi is like butter in Japan. We went to this neighborhood spot in Akasaka, named Sushi Ieyasu. The chef and staff were very friendly, and the sushi did not disappoint. It’s also very reasonably-priced. There are sooo many spots you can just stumble upon in Tokyo and you won’t be disappointed.

9. Pork Katsu Curry - one of my favorite dishes in Tokyo.

We had it a couple places, but my favorite is Joto Curry.

10. I have found that cocktails in Asia aren’t as strong as in the US.

So if you are looking for strong drinks, I recommend ordering something that is straight up or on the rocks as opposed to getting cocktails. Can never go wrong with Japanese whiskey.

Picked up some to bring back to the States.

11. One of the coolest things during the trip, for me, were the go-karts.

Highly recommend. Download the Klook app and book through there. Make sure you choose one that takes you through Shabuya. I also recommend booking it for the evening, as the Tokyo/Shabuya lights just look way cooler at night. Important note: Before you fly to Japan, you need to go to AAA (if you’re in the US) and get your temporary international drivers’ permit. You cannot participate in go-karting if you don’t have it.

Go-karting through the streets of Shibuya

12. If you are in the Disney mood, go to DisneySea instead of Disneyland.

It’s the only one in the world. We went, but mainly just ate our way through the park because we did not feel like waiting in those lines for the rides. If you’re an avid rider, download the Disney app and get the VIP passes so you can sign up for times to get on the rides. Cosplay is also very popular in Tokyo so you will see many people who do not work for Disney, dressed up as characters. Stay for the show on the water that happens at 7:20 PM.

13. We took the bullet train to Kyoto and the vibe there was more chill.

Their traditions and cultures were also more on display, there. You can book your bullet train tickets on the Klook app as well.

The view of Mount Fuji from the bullet train

14. While in Kyoto, be prepared for some serious walking.

We went to the bamboo forest and then walked along the river toward the area where the monkey forest is.

15. I got my haircut, y’all! And the two barbers at Magiq Fingerz do great on Black hair.

16. Apples - eat em’.

I think I ate more apples in the two weeks I was in Japan, than I did for the whole on 2024. They are delicious (as they should be, because…Fuji!), and if you find a place that does candy apples, get them!

17. Get a burger from American Diner Andra!

It was off the beaten path, but I highly recommend…especially if you get a little tired of Japanese cuisine Cash only, so visit an ATM.

18. Enjoy ALL the food.

Ramen and all the beef was definitely a highlight for our group!

You can’t go wrong with any of the ramen from Oreryu Shio Ramen

One of my favorite dishes from Gyukatsu Motomura Shibuya Dogenzaka

19. Did you really do Tokyo if you don’t go to a karaoke spot??

On our last full night, we headed to Rainbow Karaoke in Shibuya and had a great time! The price is very reasonable, you get a private room and you can change the keys of your songs if you like.

20. Vintage Shopping (luxury thrifting) is definitely a thing.

Make sure you look up vintage shops and give them a visit. We visited a few and there were some designer bags that really caught our eye. There are a number of vintage shops in Shibuya but you can also find some that aren’t in such touristy areas.

Tokyo really is my vibe. As my friend, Steph said, “Tokyo does New York way better than New York does New York.”