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Final Thoughts On Our First Tokyo Trip

We fell in love with Tokyo during our first Tokyo trip. It’s dense, wild, delicious, electric, friendly and just flat-out wonderful.

Favorites From Our First Tokyo Trip

There are so many reasons to visit Tokyo, one of the best food cities in the world. These are our favorites:

Tokyo Toilets

No matter where we went, we were struck by the toilets. Yes, the toilets. They’re heated, they wash you, they’re self-cleaning and they play music. They’re pretty freaking awesome.

Toilet Technology in Tokyo Japan
Toilet Technology | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Tokyo Sushi

We clearly love food when we travel. The food in Tokyo did not disappoint. Turns out there’s good sushi there.

Sushi Breakfast during Tokyo Trip in Tokyo Japan
Enjoying Sushi in Tokyo | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Plus, we learned not to confuse green tea powder with wasabi. Oops!

Green Tea Powder in Tokyo Japan
Green Tea Powder is Different from Wasabi | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Tokyo Department Stores

Great Japanese food abounds in Tokyo, even in train stations and department stores. Especially in department stores.

Department Store Chef in Tokyo Japan
Department Store Chef | Image: ©2foodtrippers
Department Store Deserts in Tokyo Japan
Department Store Deserts | Image: ©2foodtrippers

However, department store fruit is really expensive.

Expensive Fruit in Tokyo Japan
Expensive Fruit | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Tokyo Izakayas

Sometimes it’s fun to just chill, have a beer and eat “regular” food at an izakaya.

Cheers to Tokyo Japan
Cheers to Tokyo | Image: ©2foodtrippers
Time to Chow Down on a Tokyo Trip in Tokyo Japan
Time to Chow Down | Image: ©2foodtrippers
Daryl at an Izakaya in Tokyo Japan
Daryl at a Tokyo Izakaya | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Tokyo Desserts

It’s always important to save room for dessert, especially in a city with so many patisseries.

Pierre Herme Macarons in Tokyo Japan
World Class Macarons | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Tokyo Fruit Shakes

It’s okay to eat (or drink) healthy on occasion.

Fresh Smoothies in Tokyo Japan
Fresh Smoothies | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Tokyo Vending Machines

In Tokyo, you’re never more than a block away from a refreshing beverage.

Vending Machine in Tokyo Japan
Vending Machine | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Tokyo Coffee

Or a coffee.

Coffee in Tokyo Japan
Coffee | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Tokyo Shopping

Colorful shopping is everywhere.

Colorful Socks in Tokyo Japan
Socks | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Tokyo People

The people in Tokyo are as colorful as they are gracious.

Colorful People in Tokyo Japan
Colorful Tokyo People | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Tokyo Cross Walks

There are some busy crosswalks.

Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo Japan
Shibuya Crossing | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Tokyo Subways

Crowded subways are not a myth.

Crowded Subway Trip in Tokyo Japan
Crowded Subway | Image: ©2foodtrippers

However, there are always interesting people-watching opportunities on the subways.

Subway People Watching in Tokyo Japan
Subway People Watching | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Tokyo Cherry Blossoms

Sakura season is pretty.

Sokura Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo Japan
Sokura | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Tokyo The City

Tokyo is an enormous city. It’s like ten Manhattans!

Tokyo Japan at night
Tokyo at Night | Image: ©2foodtrippers
Bright Lights, Big City - Tokyo Japan
Bright Lights, Big City | Image: ©2foodtrippers

This was our first trip to Tokyo, but not our last. As for now, we’re shopping for a Japanese style toilet…

Wondering what to do when you visit Tokyo for the first time? Click here for some ideas on how to spend 24 hours in the city.

Tokyo Planning Checklist

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About The Authors

About The Authors

Daryl & Mindi Hirsch

Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on the 2foodtrippers website. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers their unique taste of the world.

Disclosures

Article Updates
We update our articles regularly. Some updates are major while others are minor link changes and spelling corrections. Let us know if you see anything that needs to be updated in this article.

Funding
We self-funded our trip to Tokyo.

Original Publication Date: May 29, 2013

Yogieonthemove

Monday 22nd of May 2017

So beautiful!!!? the cherry blossoms look amazing. Also is it weird i kept thinking about the freaking awesome toilets as i read this?.?

Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Monday 22nd of May 2017

Not weird at all!

Liz Barnett

Thursday 22nd of October 2015

This is so much fun! I love the toilets and the vending machines the best. :P

Local Adventurer

Friday 13th of February 2015

<3 those socks!! i didn't stay long enough in tokyo on my last visit.. def need to see more of it!

Claudia

Thursday 23rd of October 2014

Rumour has it that ONE apple in Tokyo may cost as much as 50 dollars. Is that right? And if so, WHY??

Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Thursday 23rd of October 2014

We found the food in Tokyo to be reasonable EXCEPT for the fruit. We don't know why. Needless to say, we didn't buy any fruit in Tokyo.

Lindsay Dow

Sunday 3rd of August 2014

Aww, now I miss Tokyo so much! A great post and I love that you start with the toilets! ;) They really are something special!

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