Welcome friend. Thank you for subscribing. You might have been following my instagram @shihopate this Summer. Here’s a recap + tips and tricks from my Japan travel.
Before you go…
All about Onsen (hot springs)
More coming soon!
Tokyo
Kiddy Land
Harajyuku OR Omotesando station
One stop shop for all of your Japanese characters! I go here at the beginning of the trip because I buy way too much! Tax free so bring your passport!
Goku Burger
Harajyuku OR Omotesando station
Go here after Kiddy Land + you’re super HUNGRY. Huge burgers, tray full of dipping sauce, great view of Omote-sando streets.
Mame Shiba Cafe
Harajyuku station
Located in Takeshita-Doori! We had 30 minutes of interaction with Shibas. All the Shibas were super chill but I suggest taking some allergy mecidine before going.
Urahara
Harajyuku station
Walk through Takeshita-Doori for quick photo snap, get out real fast and EXPLORE Ura (back end) Hara (Harajyuku). See indie artist’s gallery, indie fashion line and everything in between. If you get lost, google map your way out.
Natural Stance
Harajyuku station
Tired of walking in Urahara? go to this gem. It looks a bit intimidating going towards underground but it’s always quiet, cozy and has great wifi signal. It’s my hidden gem so don’t tell people ;)
Gotokuji
Gotokuji station
Love lucky cat? There’s a temple for that. This was a great walk but hard to find though. If you want to visit, take a taxi from Gotokuji station.
Mahorodou Sougetsu
Gotokuji station
On the walk back to Gotokuji station, we stumbled on this cute Japanese sweets cafe. Sit, relax and watch the colorful local train pass by.
Ultraman Shoutengai
Soshigaya station
Town full of Ultraman! Main street is also filled with independent stores so get ready to meet some locals.
Shimokita
Shimokitazawa station
If you’re looking for vintage clothing, go here. There’s also a lot of hand made clothing and it has a Harajyuku vibe. There’s multiple narrow streets so use google maps to get back to the station.
Sumida Aquarium
Tokyo Sky Tree
This small but stylish aquarium has penguins, goldfish and lots of Garden Eel! It’s at the back of Sky Tree so it’s a bit hidden.
Tokyo Sky Tree
Oshiage Station
Tallest building in Tokyo! Don’t go up when it’s cloudy. Don’t miss the see-through floor! DO stop by all the shops for all of your souvenir needs.
TeamLab
More than an instagram spot! TeamLab creates immersive world using new technology. Some are indoors and some are outdoors. They have projects all over Japan so check out their website.
Japanese Glass Art Making Experience
Tokyo
Edo Kiriko is a traditional Japanese glass art. And you can experience making them! There’s multiple locations so do your research and reserve your spot. My daughter (8 years old) loved the experience!
Other Tokyo spots I LOVE to visit (but didn’t this time because it gets crowded = COVID :’( )
Nakano Broadway - I go here for all of my classic figurine finds! I avoid Akihabara and go here instead because it’s compact but filled with nerd stuff.
Disney Sea + Disney Store - Disney Sea has Arial’s mermaid lagoon, Nemo’s exploration pod and giant volcano that errupts. Disney also opened a multi floor flagship store in Shinjyuku!
Laforet Harajyuku - Expensive but very inspirational to walk around. If you want to see unique fashion and goods, go here.
WEGO - If you walk around Tokyo, you will bump into this store. It’s cheap and fun fashion brand.
More soon…!
Aomori
Coming soon!
Hokkaido
Coming soon!
Shimane / Tottori
Coming soon!
Shizuoka
Coming soon!