Tokyo#
In November/December 2024, I journeyed to Tokyo, Japan, primarily to witness the electrifying Tekken World Tour Finals held in the vibrant district of Shibuya. While the tournament was the main draw, the trip also provided ample opportunity to explore the city’s diverse offerings, from culinary adventures to rhythm game sessions with friends Alex, Abdul, Eniola, and Kevin.
Day 1: Tokyo Touchdown!#
Today, my Tokyo adventure finally began! After a seemingly endless flight from JFK, I touched down at Narita Airport, my senses buzzing with anticipation. The arrival process was a blur of efficiency, and soon I was whisked away on a train, propelled towards the heart of the city.
Shibuya, the vibrant epicenter of Tokyo youth culture, awaited. My home for the next few weeks would be the Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya Jingu-mae.
After settling in and freshening up from the journey, it was time to dive into the Tokyo food scene. Reuniting with my friend Alex, we made a beeline for Kura Sushi, a conveyor belt sushi experience known for its playful atmosphere. Imagine it: a technicolor parade of delectable bites gliding past on a miniature bullet train, each a delicious invitation. Adding to the excitement, Kura Sushi was celebrating a collaboration with the popular singer Ado, the restaurant having themed dishes and gachapon.
Our sushi feast complete, we ventured into the neon-lit streets, drawn by the irresistible glow of a FamilyMart convenience store. There, I indulged in a classic Japanese comfort food combo: piping hot Famichiki, their signature brand of fried chicken, and a refreshing can of Strong Zero, a slightly boozy yet strangely delightful highball beverage.
Ah, the perfect first bite of Tokyo! As I sipped my Strong Zero and munched on the crispy Famichiki, the city lights began to twinkle alive, promising countless adventures in the days to come. This was just the beginning…
Day 2: Shibuya Exploration, Arcades, and Tonkatsu#
The relentless grip of jet lag pulled me from sleep before the sun had even considered rising. My internal clock was still stubbornly set to JFK time, leaving me wide awake in the pre-dawn quiet of Tokyo. After a futile attempt to find a local breakfast spot—most were still shuttered—I resigned myself to a familiar standby: Starbucks. Fuelled by caffeine, I met up with Alex, and we set off for Harajuku, a district renowned for its unique street style and youth culture. Our destination? Sukiya, a popular gyudon (beef bowl) chain, for a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
With our stomachs full, we ventured into the electric heart of Shibuya, drawn by the siren call of GiGO, a multi-story arcade bursting with flashing lights and the cacophony of game sounds. We spent a good while immersed in the world of Japanese arcade games, testing our skills and reflexes.
Next on the agenda was a shopping spree. We first explored the vast expanse of Uniqlo, a Japanese clothing giant. Knowing that some of the high-end restaurants we had reservations for required a more formal dress code, I picked up a pair of smart dress pants and a crisp collared shirt. Our next stop was the legendary MEGA Donki, a discount store that’s practically a sensory overload. This multi-level emporium is a treasure trove of everything imaginable, from quirky snacks and household goods to electronics and souvenirs. I stocked up on a mountain of Kit Kats in various intriguing Japanese flavors, destined to be gifts for friends and family back home.
After exploring Shibuya’s vibrant streets, we embarked on a mini-pilgrimage to Tonkatsu Narikura, a highly acclaimed tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet) restaurant. The journey was a bit of a trek, but the promise of culinary excellence kept us going. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the enticing aroma of perfectly fried pork. The restaurant lived up to its reputation; the tonkatsu was simply divine. I, however, may have gotten a little carried away with the ordering. My eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach! The undisputed star of the meal was the chateaubriand katsu—tender, juicy, and utterly melt-in-your-mouth. Despite my best efforts, I simply couldn’t finish everything I had ordered.
The lingering effects of jet lag finally caught up with me, and I retreated to my hotel room for an early night, dreaming of chateaubriand katsu.
Day 3: Shibuya Encounters and a Michelin Star Dinner#
Yet another early morning, courtesy of jet lag. I started my day with a quick and convenient breakfast from FamilyMart—a classic combination of Famichiki and an egg sando.
I decided to focus on a more practical matter: enhancing my arcade gaming experience. I headed to Bic Camera in Shibuya, a veritable electronics paradise, and picked up a pair of Audio-Technica earbuds.
The evening brought a stark change of pace. Alex and I had reservations at Ginza Kitagawa, a prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in Japanese Kaiseki cuisine. Finding the restaurant proved to be a bit of an adventure in itself. Despite relying on Google Maps, we initially ended up on the wrong side of the street, thanks to a slight discrepancy with Alex’s GPS. After a brief detour, we finally arrived and were immediately immersed in an atmosphere of refined elegance. Each course of the Kaiseki meal was a work of art, a delicate balance of flavors and textures. For me, the standout dish was undoubtedly the exquisitely prepared steak. It was a perfect culmination to a day of diverse and contrasting experiences in Tokyo.
Day 4: Ikebukuro Arcades and Sunshine City#
Our day began with a quest for curry at Coco Ichibanya in Ikebukuro. Alex, armed with GPS, confidently led the way… only to lead us to the wrong CocoIchi location. A minor navigational mishap, perhaps, but it did land us a bit off the beaten tourist path, giving us a glimpse of a more local side of Ikebukuro. It was a good opportunity to check out how Japanese fast food works, as I got to order from a Japanese menu.
Fueled up and ready for action, we dived headfirst into Ikebukuro’s vibrant arcade scene. We explored two massive arcades: GiGO and Round1. “Huge” doesn’t even begin to describe them. These multi-story entertainment complexes were a whirlwind of flashing lights, energetic music, and the excited shouts of players. From classic claw machines to the latest rhythm games and immersive VR experiences, these arcades were a sensory overload in the best possible way. The sheer energy and enthusiasm within those walls were truly infectious.
After our arcade adventures, we made our way to Sunshine City, a sprawling shopping and entertainment complex.
Our first stop was a must for any Pokemon fan: the Pokemon Sweets Cafe. We indulged in some adorable and delicious Pokemon-themed treats, capturing the experience with plenty of photos. Sunshine City had much more to offer, though. We explored several other themed stores, including a Detective Conan shop, the Bandai Namco Cross Store (a haven for anime and manga fans), the official Pokemon Center (another essential stop for Pokemon enthusiasts), and even a Sesame Street Store. The variety was astounding, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich pop culture landscape.
Day 5: Tuna, Anime, and Omurice: A Tokyo Trio#
Our day kicked off with a truly unique experience: a tuna cutting show with all-you-can-eat tuna and all-you-can-drink sake. I’d discovered this hidden gem through the Best Ever Food Review Show on YouTube, and I was eager to experience it firsthand. The restaurant was located in Akihabara, requiring a bit of a trek, but the promise of fresh tuna and flowing sake made the journey worthwhile.
We were seated alongside a friendly Korean couple from the Seattle area, who were traveling with their adorable infant. It was a pleasant surprise to connect with fellow Pacific Northwesterners in the heart of Tokyo. The tuna cutting show itself was a spectacle—a skilled chef wielding an enormous knife, expertly breaking down a massive tuna into perfectly portioned cuts. The sheer size of the fish was impressive, and the chef’s precision was mesmerizing. Of course, the real highlight was the tasting. The tuna was incredibly fresh, melting in our mouths with a rich, buttery flavor. Paired with endless pours of sake, it was a truly indulgent and unforgettable culinary experience.
After the tuna feast, we dove into the vibrant world of Akihabara, Tokyo’s electric town and a haven for anime, manga, and gaming enthusiasts. We spent a good while browsing through the countless shops, filled to the brim with figurines, manga, video games, and all sorts of “weeb stuff,” as we affectionately called it. It was a sensory overload in the best way, a fascinating glimpse into Japanese pop culture.
Our Akihabara exploration continued until Abdul finally arrived in Japan. With the full crew assembled, we headed back to Shibuya for a comforting and classic Japanese dish: omurice. It was the perfect way to end a day that had taken us from a dramatic tuna cutting show to the heart of geek culture and back to the bustling streets of Shibuya. It was a true testament to the diverse and captivating experiences Tokyo has to offer.
Day 6: Sick Day#
Unfortunately, my Tokyo adventures took an unexpected turn today. I woke up feeling decidedly unwell, the telltale signs of a cold making themselves known. With a heavy heart, I had to put my sightseeing plans on hold and dedicate the day to rest and recovery.
Day 7: A Culinary Contrast: Pokemon Cafe and Setsugekka Ginza#
Feeling much recovered, I was ready to embrace another day of Tokyo’s diverse offerings. My first order of business was a bit of practical shopping in Shibuya. Knowing we had reservations at some upscale restaurants, I picked up a smart pair of leather shoes from GU—a necessary addition to my travel wardrobe.
With my footwear situation sorted, I headed to Nihonbashi to meet Alex and Abdul for lunch at the highly anticipated Pokemon Cafe. This wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience. I opted for the Eevee rice plate and an Eevee milk tea, both as adorable as they were tasty. The cafe’s atmosphere was electric with excitement, but the highlight was undoubtedly the surprise appearance of Pikachu himself. Just like a character dining experience at Disneyland, Pikachu made his way around the cafe, greeting guests at each table with cheerful waves and poses. The excitement reached a peak when Pikachu took center stage for a short but energetic dance performance, much to the delight of everyone in the cafe. It was a delightful dose of lighthearted fun and a perfect way to start the day. https://photos.app.goo.gl/eqJ4LiHxKASFu8X6A
After our Pokemon-themed lunch, we transitioned to a completely different culinary realm. We traveled to Ginza, Tokyo’s upscale district, where we met up with Eniola. Our destination: Setsugekka Ginza, a renowned kappo restaurant specializing in beef, with Kobe beef as its crown jewel. Kappo dining emphasizes the chef’s direct interaction with guests, creating a more personal and engaging experience.
Setsugekka Ginza lived up to its reputation. The restaurant exuded an atmosphere of refined elegance, with impeccable service and a serene ambiance. The focus, as expected, was on the incredible quality of the beef. While every dish was expertly prepared and presented, the standout for me was the exquisite caviar and steak tartare served on perfectly toasted bread. The rich, briny flavor of the caviar complemented the tender, flavorful tartare beautifully, creating a truly memorable bite. It was a perfect contrast to the playful atmosphere of the Pokemon Cafe, highlighting the incredible range of culinary experiences available in Tokyo. From the whimsical charm of Pikachu to the sophisticated elegance of Kobe beef, today was a delicious testament to Tokyo’s ability to cater to every taste and preference.
Day 8: DDR, Michelin Stars, and a Deer Blood Macaron#
My first stop was a visit to the Google office, where Abdul and I indulged in some classic arcade action. Unlike some other Google offices where arcade games are free, the setup here was a bit different. While not entirely free, the DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) and IIDX (beatmania IIDX) machines were subsidized, meaning we only had to pay Konami’s cut via Paseli (Konami’s digital currency). It was a fun way to start the day, reliving some arcade memories.
We were supposed to meet up with Kevin at the Google office, but he was running a bit behind schedule. We didn’t end up connecting with him until much later in the day. Our meeting point? Lature, an exceptional Michelin-starred French restaurant known for its unique concept: the chef incorporates game meat that he hunts himself. This added an intriguing layer to the dining experience.
We had the privilege of enjoying a private room at Lature, creating an intimate setting for our group, which included myself, Abdul, Eniola, Kevin (who finally joined us!), and Alex. The atmosphere was elegant and sophisticated, setting the stage for a truly memorable meal. The menu was full of surprises, showcasing the chef’s creativity and skill in preparing game meat. Among the many exquisite dishes, one stood out as particularly unique and memorable: the deer blood macaron. It was a bold and unexpected flavor combination, and while it might sound unusual, it was surprisingly delicious and a true highlight of the meal. The entire dining experience at Lature was exceptional, a perfect blend of culinary artistry and unique concept. It was a fitting end to a day that had taken us from the world of tech and rhythm games to the heights of Michelin-starred gastronomy.
Day 9: Wendys First Kitchen, Sword Art Online Anomoly Quest, and Horse Sashimi#
Today’s adventure took us to the vibrant district of Shinjuku. We kicked things off with a visit to Wendy’s First Kitchen, a Japanese spin on the classic American fast-food chain. I opted for the intriguing “Wild Rock Burger,” a unique creation featuring two square burger patties fresh off the grill in place of a bun. It was a delicious but messy proposition, as the lack of a bun made the burger a bit unwieldy! The experience wouldn’t be complete without some American-style sides, so I added a melon soda float and chili cheese fries to complete the meal.
After satisfying our American cravings, we ventured into the heart of Shinjuku, specifically the lively Kabukicho district. Here, we stumbled upon something truly special: the Sword Art Online Anomoly Quest at the Tokyo Matrix. This innovative attraction blends the thrill of video games with the challenge of escape rooms. With virtual avatars and weapons at our disposal, we were tasked with solving puzzles and navigating the virtual world. (I actually saw this on a Trash Taste video on Youtube! Here’s the link for anyone interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFHpefLaL38)
While we managed to conquer several challenges, we ultimately met our match with the Tetris + memory game, even after a couple of tries. Despite not completing the quest, it was an exhilarating and immersive experience that combined my love for VR and Sword Art Online.
Our Shinjuku adventure continued with dinner at a local skewer restaurant near Golden Gai. We delved into the world of Japanese skewered meats and vegetables, sampling a variety of delicious options. Feeling adventurous, we also tried horse sashimi for the first time. It was a surprisingly delicate and flavorful experience!
This day highlighted the fascinating contrasts that Tokyo, and Shinjuku in particular, has to offer. We started with a taste of America at Wendy’s and then dived headfirst into the innovative world of VR with Sword Art Online. We ended the evening with a traditional Japanese culinary adventure, complete with a uniquely Japanese delicacy. It was a day filled with unexpected delights and memorable experiences.
Day 10: From Tuna to the Unusual: A Tokyo Food and Fun Day#
Today was a fascinating mix of refined culinary experiences and quirky cultural explorations. I began the day by meeting up with Alex and heading to Tsukiji, the renowned fish market area of Tokyo. Our destination was Sushidokoro Yamato, a highly regarded sushi restaurant known for its exceptional quality.
The sushi lunch at Yamato was a true highlight. The chefs displayed incredible skill and precision, meticulously crafting each piece of nigiri. The fish was incredibly fresh, simply melting in our mouths with a burst of flavor. My personal favorite was the tuna—rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I also tried something new: shirako (cod milt). It was a unique texture and flavor, definitely an adventurous culinary experience. It was a testament to the artistry and dedication of Japanese sushi chefs.
After our luxurious lunch, we met up with Abdul in Akihabara, Tokyo’s electric town. We spent the afternoon exploring the countless shops overflowing with anime, manga, video games, and electronics. No trip to Akihabara is complete without indulging in some classic arcade games, so we spent some time testing our skills.
Our Akihabara exploration also included a few more unusual experiences. We stopped by a Lawson convenience store and, drawn in by its viral fame, decided to try the “drinkable mayonnaise.” It was certainly an… experience. The texture was surprisingly smooth, but the flavor was undeniably mayonnaise, making for a rather unusual beverage.
Our curiosity also led us to explore the “spooky vending machines” located across the river from Akihabara. These vending machines are known for their unusual and sometimes unsettling contents, ranging from bizarre toys and trinkets to more mysterious items. It was a fun and slightly eerie experience, adding another layer of quirky charm to our Akihabara adventure.
For dinner, we opted for Chinese food at Wan Zhu Ji, located in the Yodobashi Camera food court. It was a satisfying and casual end to a day that had taken us from the heights of culinary excellence at Tsukiji (including the adventurous shirako) to the quirky and eccentric world of Akihabara, with a few unusual detours along the way.
Day 11: Sushi Disappointment, and Michelin-Starred Delight#
I met up with Alex and Abdul for lunch at Sushi no Midori in Shibuya. Unfortunately, Eniola had to cancel. While the sushi was decent, it didn’t quite live up to the exceptional quality of the sushi I had earlier in the trip. It was a slight disappointment, but still a pleasant meal.
Next on my agenda was a visit to Zoff to get some new glasses. I quickly found a stylish pair of Snoopy frames and had a quick eye exam. The entire process was incredibly efficient; my new lenses were cut and fitted into the frames in about 45 minutes.
Feeling a bit peckish, I decided to check out the IKEA in Shibuya, hoping for a taste of their famous Swedish meatballs. To my surprise, they weren’t on the menu! Instead, I opted for a simple but satisfying 50-yen ice cream cone.
The highlight of the day, however, was yet to come. I retrieved my less-than-ideal shoes from GU and made my way to Leffervescence, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant. The experience was simply extraordinary, far surpassing any restaurant I had visited before. The service was impeccable, and the food was a true work of art. The duck dish was particularly memorable, a testament to the chef’s skill and creativity. Leffervescence was a truly elevated dining experience, a perfect culmination to a day of diverse and contrasting activities. This day truly showcased the spectrum of experiences available in Tokyo, from casual encounters and quick errands to the heights of fine dining.
Day 12: Tekken World Tour, Mom’s Touch, and Yakiniku#
My day began with a trip to the Tekken World Tour finals in Shibuya. The event was held in the basement floor of the Bellesale First building. Navigating the venue proved a bit challenging, as I struggled to decipher the Japanese signage. I accidentally wandered upstairs initially, encountering a completely different event with its own long queue. After a brief moment of confusion, I finally found the correct entrance and descended into the world of Tekken.
Once inside, I grabbed a quick lunch and settled in to watch some of the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) matches. The atmosphere was electric, with players and spectators alike buzzing with excitement. I also had the opportunity to meet Pannokei from the Google fighting game Discord, TNT. It was great to connect with someone from the online community in person.
After watching the tournament for a while, I grabbed a cold karaage bento from one of the venue’s food vendors. It was a decent enough meal, though I found it a bit odd that they only accepted cash or PayPay (a popular Japanese mobile payment app). It felt a little behind the times in such a technologically advanced city.
Later, I met up with Alex and Abdul at Mom’s Touch, a popular Korean fast-food chain. They were having a promotion with the K-pop group Lesserafim, so I opted for the Sakura-themed fried chicken meal. It came with a Lesserafim keychain, a fun little bonus.
The highlight of the evening was our dinner at Yoroniku Ebisu, a renowned yakiniku restaurant. The experience was similar to yakiniku restaurants I’ve been to in NYC, with a dedicated staff member grilling the meat for us at our table. The quality of the meat was excellent, although it didn’t quite reach the same stratospheric level as our previous meal at Setsugekka Ginza. Our favorite cut of meat was the Tsuchinoko, which was so delicious that we ordered a second round. It was a perfect way to cap off a day that had taken me from the intensity of the Tekken World Tour to the satisfying warmth of a yakiniku grill.
Day 13: The Thrill of Tekken and the Joy of Kushikatsu#
Today was all about gaming, both virtual and real-world, culminating in a much-anticipated culinary experience. My day began at the Tekken World Tour finals. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the energy of passionate fans and the intense focus of the competitors. There were many exciting moments and nail-biting matches, making for a truly captivating spectacle. However, the venue’s seating situation left much to be desired. I ended up standing for the better part of eight hours while watching the games, which was definitely tiring. Despite the lack of seating, the quality of the matches made it worthwhile.
After the tournament concluded, I met up with Abdul in Shinjuku. We had a very specific culinary destination in mind: Kushiya Monogatari. This restaurant holds a special place in my memories, as I had visited the chain during my previous trip to Japan in 2011. I had been eagerly anticipating a return visit, and I was excited to share the experience with Abdul.
Kushiya Monogatari offers a unique dining experience. It’s similar to hot pot in that you cook your own food at the table, but instead of simmering ingredients in broth, you deep-fry them. You choose from a wide variety of skewers—meats, vegetables, seafood, and more—then batter and breadcrumb them yourself before cooking them in the individual deep fryer built into each table. It’s a fun, interactive, and delicious way to enjoy a meal. I found it interesting that all of the staff at this particular location were of South Asian descent, yet they were fluent in both Japanese and English.
After our satisfying meal at Kushiya Monogatari, we met up with Alex at a nearby Game Panic arcade. We spent some time playing claw machines, trying our luck at winning some plush prizes, and also indulged in some classic Dance Dance Revolution, burning off some of the calories from our deep-fried feast. It was a perfect way to end a day that had started with the intensity of competitive gaming and ended with the fun and nostalgia of arcade games.
Day 14: Asakusa and Tokyo Tower#
Later in the day, I shifted my focus to exploring more public spaces in Tokyo. I met up with Alex and Abdul, and we headed to Asakusa, a historic district known for its temples and traditional atmosphere. We visited Senso-ji Temple, a beautiful and iconic landmark. Before reaching the temple, we strolled through Nakamise-dori, a bustling street lined with traditional shops and food stalls. While the food options didn’t particularly entice us, we did make a stop for some Asakusa Menchi (deep-fried minced meat patties) and some refreshing ice cream.
After exploring Asakusa, we made our way to Tokyo Tower. A Christmas market was in full swing at the base of the tower, adding a festive touch to the atmosphere. We purchased tickets to the observation deck, eager to take in the panoramic views of the city. The view from the top was breathtaking, offering a stunning perspective of Tokyo’s vast urban landscape.
After enjoying the view from Tokyo Tower, we returned to Shibuya for dinner at Okonomi Tamachan Shibuya Scramble Square, concluding a day of distinct contrasts—from a private encounter to the public spaces of temples, markets, and cityscapes.
Day 15: Navigating Disneysea#
Today was dedicated to experiencing the magic of Disney, Tokyo style. I woke up early and met Alex to embark on our journey to Tokyo DisneySea. The train ride to Maihama Station, the gateway to the Disney Resort, took about an hour. Upon arriving at Maihama, we boarded a charming Mickey Mouse-themed train that circulates around the resort area. I was quite surprised to discover that a one-way trip on this short train line cost over 1,000 yen—a reminder that transportation in Japan can be surprisingly expensive.
We arrived at DisneySea to find a surprisingly large crowd for a weekday. There was even a queue just to enter the park! Despite the crowds, we were determined to make the most of our day. We decided to invest in Disney Premier Access (DPA), which is similar to a one-time FastPass, allowing us to bypass the regular queues for certain attractions. Our first DPA purchase was for Journey to the Center of the Earth, a thrilling and immersive ride unique to DisneySea. We then secured another DPA for Peter Pan’s Flight and made a lunch reservation at the Sakura restaurant.
We braved one standby queue for the day, opting for Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull. While the ride was largely similar to the version in California, there were some subtle differences in theming, which added a touch of novelty. After our Indiana Jones adventure, we enjoyed our lunch reservation at Sakura and then used another DPA for Toy Story Mania. We explored those two attractions and then secured another DPA time for the Tower of Terror.
Before heading to the Tower of Terror, we decided to grab a quick dinner at the Snuggly Duckling restaurant in Fantasy Springs. As we were making our way to the Tower of Terror, disaster struck: my phone battery died! Thankfully, I was able to “vampire” just enough battery from Alex’s phone to scan our DPA reservation and avoid any issues.
After our Disney adventure, we returned to Shibuya and met up with Abdul for a late-night meal at Denny’s. It was a comforting and familiar experience after a day of fantastical adventures. I ordered the gratin hamburg steak with onion zuppa, a Caesar salad, and took advantage of the drink bar. It was a satisfying end to a long but magical day at Tokyo DisneySea.
Day 16: Google Hospitality, Shopping Sprees, and a Feast at Rokkasen#
Today’s agenda was a mix of familiar territory and new discoveries, starting with a return visit to the Google office for lunch. This time, Alex joined us as a guest to experience the office’s unique atmosphere and culinary offerings. One of the more interesting features of the Google Shibuya office is the ticket machine at the entrance, just like you’d find at many authentic Japanese ramen shops. It’s a neat touch that adds a bit of local flavor to the office environment.
The food at the office, while not exceptional, was decent enough. The ramen and gyoza were the clear standouts among the various options. Another interesting perk was the coffee bar, which offered the unusual but delightful addition of floats—a fun and refreshing treat.
After lunch, we embarked on a shopping and sightseeing expedition through Shibuya and Shinjuku. We stumbled upon a fascinating Disney pop-up shop with a distinct anime aesthetic, a unique blend of two iconic cultural forces. We also explored some of the larger department stores besides Don Quijote, such as Loft and Hands, browsing their diverse selections of goods. I ended up purchasing a Pikachu suitcase, a perfect way to transport all the souvenirs and other items I’d accumulated during my trip.
Back in Shinjuku, we decided to try our luck at another crane game arcade. Before hitting the arcades, we made a quick stop at McDonald’s. In a classic McDonald’s moment, the ice cream machine was out of order, forcing me to settle for a strawberry Frappuccino with a chocolate macaron mixed in—a surprisingly tasty and unconventional combination.
Finally, we made our way to Rokkasen for a much-anticipated all-you-can-eat yakiniku and sukiyaki dinner. The food was quite good, although the dining experience was different from our previous yakiniku meals, as we were responsible for grilling the meat ourselves at our table. It was a more interactive and casual approach. Another interesting touch at Rokkasen was that they took a photo of our group and printed it out for us as a souvenir—a nice memento of our meal. It was a fitting end to a day that had taken us from the world of tech and office dining to the vibrant shopping streets of Tokyo and finally to a satisfying all-you-can-eat feast.
Day 17: Winding down with some shopping#
After seeing Alex and Abdul off on their Osaka-bound Shinkansen, I braced myself for the Tokyo chill and headed to Shibuya Parco for some retail therapy. My prize? A Japan-exclusive North Face Antarctic parka. Perfect for the weather!
With my new coat in tow, I decided to try the infamous MOS Burger rice burger. I ordered it with fries and vegetables, but the whole experience was a bit of a letdown. The rice patties weren’t particularly flavorful, and the absence of ketchup was a major disappointment.
Thankfully, the Dormy Inn’s free ramen, enjoyed later after a quick FamilyMart run, provided a much-needed culinary redemption. A warm bowl of noodles was exactly what I needed to end the day.
Day 18: Google Hospitality, Shopping Sprees, and a Feast at Rokkasen#
Today marked the end of my incredible journey through Japan. After checking out of my hotel, I embarked on a long uber ride to Narita International Airport. Narita was a bit far, but I eventually arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare before my flight.
My destination within Narita was the JAL Sakura Lounge, a haven of comfort and relaxation for JAL’s premium passengers. I settled into the lounge and took advantage of the amenities. One of the highlights was the JAL beef curry, a popular and consistently praised offering in the lounge. I helped myself to a generous serving, savoring the rich and flavorful curry. I also enjoyed a few drinks from the lounge’s well-stocked bar, taking the opportunity to unwind and reflect on my experiences in Japan. The lounge provided a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the airport, offering comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and a variety of food and beverage options.
Finally, it was time to board my business class flight back to the USA. I settled into my lay-flat seat, ready for a comfortable and relaxing journey across the Pacific. The lay-flat seat was a welcome luxury, promising a much more restful flight than my journey to Japan. As the plane took off, I looked out the window, taking one last look at the Japanese landscape shrinking below. It was a bittersweet moment—sad to be leaving such a fascinating and vibrant country, but also excited to return home and share my experiences. The JAL Sakura Lounge and the comfortable business class flight provided a perfect ending to my unforgettable trip to Japan.
