Final Thoughts on Our First Tokyo Trip
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We fell in love with Tokyo during our first Tokyo trip. It’s dense, wild, delicious, electric, friendly and just flat-out wonderful.
There are so many reasons to visit Tokyo, one of the best food cities in the world. These are our favorites:
The 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.
Tasty Sushi
We clearly love food when we travel. The food in Tokyo did not disappoint. Turns out there’s good sushi there.
Plus, we learned not to confuse green tea powder with wasabi. Oops!
Department Stores
Great Japanese food abounds in Tokyo, even in train stations and department stores. Especially in department stores.
However, department store fruit is really expensive.
Izakayas
Sometimes it’s fun to just chill, have a beer and eat “regular” food at an izakaya.
Sweet Treats
It’s always important to save room for dessert, especially in a city with so many pâtisseries.
Fruit Shakes
It’s okay to eat (or drink) healthy on occasion.
Vending Machines
In Tokyo, you’re never more than a block away from a refreshing beverage.
Specialty Coffee
Or a good cup of coffee.
Shopping
Colorful shopping is everywhere.
The People
The people in Tokyo are as colorful as they are gracious.
Crosswalks
There are some busy crosswalks.
Modern Transit
Crowded subways are not a myth.
However, there are always interesting people-watching opportunities on the subways.
Cherry Blossoms
Sakura season is pretty.
The City Itself
Tokyo is an enormous city. It’s like ten Manhattans!
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 Travel Checklist
Glad you enjoyed Tokyo. I’ve been living near Tokyo for the past 8 years, and I still haven’t seen everything. It truly is enormous! Tokyo has some amazing food, and even Italian chefs have said Tokyo has better Italian food than Italy!
I live in an apartment with a modern Japanese toilet. Heated seat, bidet, washlet, and even a sink on the back. The water temperature in my apartment is also electronically controlled. I can change the temperature by pressing a button. Very convenient.
And yes, the sushi is first rate. Even kaitenzushi sushi is better than anything I’ve had in Canada.
Great review. I am planning to visit Tokyo. Questions, please: any particular place where you’ve eaten and that pleased you so much that you would go back if you ever visit Tokyo again? PS: I am jealous of all that ramen you had there (referring to your other post), but with just 1 week, I am afraid I won’t have time with the long queues in front of their better ramenyas (Tetsu, Menya Kissou, etc).
We’d go back to Tokyo in a second. When we do, we definitely want to eat a dinner at Matsugen based on the wonderful soba we had for lunch. We’ll also go back to Ramen Street as often as possible. And, of course, there will be more sushi breakfasts at the market. There’s so much great food in Tokyo that you can’t go wrong. Hopefully we can live and eat vicariously through your writing when you go.
Thanks so much. Matsugen is added to my list. I won’t forget Ramen street but with just 1 week in Tokyo, I am afraid the time lost in the long ramen queues will be a problem. Have a great one
Aww, now I miss Tokyo so much! A great post and I love that you start with the toilets! 😉 They really are something special!
Rumour has it that ONE apple in Tokyo may cost as much as 50 dollars. Is that right? And if so, WHY??
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.
<3 those socks!! i didn't stay long enough in tokyo on my last visit.. def need to see more of it!
This is so much fun! I love the toilets and the vending machines the best. 😛
So beautiful!!!? the cherry blossoms look amazing. Also is it weird i kept thinking about the freaking awesome toilets as i read this?.?
Not weird at all!
This is awesome! Thank you for sharing.