Japan – Episode 3 (Tokyo)

Today was yet again, another great day. Yesterday was a great first date but today might be even better. We started off at a French bakery called Aux Bachanalles, a small, friendly neighborhood breakfast spot. We ordered 4 pastries because that’s how we roll. We then headed to the Meiji Shrine which is significant to me because Emperor Meiji was enshrined there. Emperor Meiji was the first modern Emperor who pushed Japan out of Feudalism and helped westernize much of the country. He’s also the guy that Tom Cruise hands the sword to at the end of the movie, The Last Samurai. In all seriousness, though, the Meiji Shrine is an absolute must do if you visit Japan. When we were there, perhaps because it was a Saturday, we were lucky enough to see a traditional, Japanese wedding processional occur. It was breathtaking and oddly intimate.

After, seeing some Japanese old school culture, we visited the Harajuku district which I suppose depicts a more modern, weird teenager culture . We made sure to stop and get a crepe which are known in this area and strolled down Takeshita st to hunt for interestingly dressed “Harajuku” style fashion. It is best described as Sailor Moon meets Hot Topic.

As lunch nears, we wander over to the Tsukiji Fish Market. We missed the morning fish auctions but we were still able to eat at one of the nearby restaurants. We picked Sushi Zanmai, a restaurant that had a line going out that door. We sat at the sushi bar which I would highly recommend because you get your food more immediately. Plus, the sushi chefs are very busy and you don’t have to worry about making small talk. The sashimi was amazing. The best I have ever had. The fatty tuna literally melts in your mouth!!

After lunch, we headed over to Shibuya to watch the famous 5 lane cross walk. Our good friends Marcus and Kristen, recommended going to the Starbucks across the street where you can get a great view from above. It was perfect for some time lapse photography.

There is a consistent theme of “wow, I can live in Tokyo” but I think it’s a false sense of reality that vacation can bring. It has definitely changed from just a bucket list item to we must visit again kind of place. Just a mere 10 hour flight from Denver to Tokyo direct!