Tokyo, Japan
November 19-24, 2024
This is the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, where every street corner holds a new adventure! From Instagrammable hip cafes tucked in quiet alleys to vibrant food stalls serving local delicacies, Tokyo is a paradise for foodies and coffee lovers alike. Wander through trendy shops offering unique treasures, from vintage fashion to quirky souvenirs, and immerse yourself in the dynamic energy of the city's neighborhoods like Shibuya, Shimokitazawa, and Ginza. Along the way, you'll meet friendly locals eager to share stories and spots you might not have heard about, adding depth to your journey.
All images are taken and owned by Ariel Schindler.
From the 25th floor of our hotel, we could see Yoyogi Park and its changing leaves.
In Shibuya, you'll find brick and mortar stores like Bryceland's & Co., a truly special men's clothing brand.
Japan is home to over 5 million vending machines, offering a variety of items.
Overpasses throughout Tokyo allow visitors to easily walk and view the city.
Bike paths line the alleyways and back streets of more suburban areas of the city.
High-quality cafes are in high demand but also densely populated the city.
Flugen is a popular cafe with a few locations around the world.
Around every corner, you'll find a new vending machine. Offering items from drinks and meals to cigarettes.
Yoyogi Park in mid-November, due to an unseasonably warm year, the ginkgo trees were at peak gold later this year.
Yoyogi Park is a large, public city park with lakes, fountains & forested areas.
I was incredibly happy to be amongst the trees for a moment, as opposed to the skyscrapers!
The mature ginkgo trees were showering the floor golden.
With still enough leaves on the trees to turn the sky yellow.
It's hard not to be in awe at this site.
"Ueki Boe" (植木棒え) or simply tree bracing is used throughout Japan, reflecting a blend of practicality and aesthetics.
Yoyogi Park is also the site of Japan's first powered flight in 1910.
Statues and artwork are scattered throughout the park.
Making our way to Tsukiji Market.
The inner workings of Tsukiji Market are lined with small sit-down restaurants.
The outdoor market is lined with fishmongers selling freshly caught whole fish or sushi.
The freshly caught and cut tuna will melt in your mouth, literally!
There are also a host of fried fish options, which taste 100 times better than it sounds.
Note that the market around midday is ALWAYS busy with locals and visitors alike.
You'll not only see fish, but also incredibly large crab legs!
The cool, vibrant neighborhood of Shimakitazawa.
You'll find a plethora of hip thrift stores, primarily selling old American branded clothing.
The narrow streets are lined with young people bopping around from store to store.
The back alleyways are lined with lanterns indicating bars and restaurants.
Throughout Japan, cafes will also roast their own beans. Elevating your coffee experience.
Many cafes will also serve food, such as egg sandos.
As you explore shops in Shibuya, you'll find little nooks that have immaculate views of the city.
Saturday's New York City is a brand that takes great inspiration from the surfing culture in Japan.
At Skytree, Christmas was already in full effect with a holiday market selling European-styled food.
And of course, a chrome tree.
Now, this is Skytree!
Highly recommend visiting Skytree at sunset. This way you get a golden hour view of the city.
The hazy sky and sunset was quite a sight.
As far as the eye can see!
When we visited Skytree, they were having a special collaboration event with Jujutsu Kaisen (a popular anime.)
My husband and I had a great time!
Switching from city views...
... to views of Megumi (IYKYK.)
As you walk around the observation deck, you can see a clear view of the ocean.
As the sun goes down, you get to witness the city's nightlife come alive.
Leaving Tokyo for Kyoto means taking the Shinkansen.
The bullet train is the best way to travel to different cities across Japan. Making what would usually be a 5-8 hour drive into a scenic 3-hour train ride.
On the train, you'll see all of the smaller villages between Tokyo and Kyoto.
And if you're lucky, you'll get a clear(ish) sky and be able to see Mt. Fuji from the train.