Before setting sail on a Japan and South Korea cruise, I spent five unforgettable days in Tokyo—and what a way to kick off the journey! This was a solo trip, and as a first-time visitor, I was completely blown away. Tokyo is a dazzling blend of futuristic tech and flawless efficiency, with vending machines on every corner, gadgets for everything, and a level of cleanliness that’s hard to believe. What truly stood out, though, were the people—kind, polite, and always willing to help. I was so impressed by how safe and comfortable I felt navigating the city on my own, and I wasn’t alone—there were so many other solo travelers that it felt empowering to be part of that flow. Here’s a quick look at my first impressions of this incredible city before embarking on the next leg of my adventure.
Ginza
I stayed in Ginza during my time in Tokyo, and what a fun and fascinating area it turned out to be! Known for its high-end shopping, Ginza blends luxury with charm—home to flagship stores like UNIQLO’s multi-level megastore and elegant department stores like Mitsukoshi that prove the mall is alive and thriving in Japan. The atmosphere was both upscale and inviting, with beautifully designed buildings and bustling streets. It was also incredibly convenient, serving as the perfect hub for exploring the city via the metro. As for food, I indulged in everything from morning 7-Eleven runs—yes, they’re amazing here!—where the egg salad sandwich absolutely lives up to the hype, to Italian-style ramen at Due Italian, and some of the best Indian food—and naan—I’ve ever had at Annam.
Imperial Palace East Gardens
On my first morning in Tokyo, I took a peaceful stroll through the Imperial Palace East Gardens—and it was the perfect way to ease into the city. Even though I missed cherry blossom season, the gardens were still bursting with color from other beautiful blooms. Wandering around on my own, I soaked in the serenity, admired the traditional tea houses, and explored the old guardhouses that hint at Japan’s rich history. It was a calm, scenic start to what would become a very energetic few days in Tokyo.
Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Stadium
A highlight of my time in Tokyo was attending the sumo wrestling tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium—a rare treat, as these major tournaments only happen in Tokyo a few times a year, with the May tournament being one of the biggest. I was lucky to catch it and witness some of the best sumo wrestlers in the world compete up close. It wasn’t just about the matches; the entire experience was rich with tradition and ceremony, helping me better understand the deep-rooted rituals behind the sport. To top it off, I tried chanko nabe, the hearty hot pot meal that sumo wrestlers famously eat—a delicious, once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience I’ll never forget.
Tokyo Disney Resort
I had an incredible time at Tokyo Disney Resort—truly my favorite Disney experience so far! Having visited all the Disney parks around the world (except Hong Kong), I found the atmosphere here especially magical. The cast members were exceptionally friendly, the parks were impressively organized, and the overall experience was top-notch. I managed to visit both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea in one day—a challenge that took careful planning, but totally paid off. Highlights included riding Journey to the Center of the Earth and Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast for the first time—both instantly became favorites. The food and shopping were just as memorable: I had a delicious tempura lunch, tonkatsu curry for dinner, and snacked on honey popcorn and the famous green alien dumplings. It was a perfect day and an unforgettable highlight of my time in Tokyo.
Meiji Shrine
During my visit to Meiji Shrine, I was first greeted by a massive torii gate that marked the entrance to the sacred grounds. As I continued on, a peaceful, tree-lined path led me through a serene forest that felt like a world away from the busy city. The walk itself was calming and beautiful, with sunlight filtering through the tall trees. When I reached the main shrine, its traditional architecture and tranquil atmosphere were truly striking. I watched as visitors quietly offered prayers, and even saw a couple dressed in elegant traditional attire posing for wedding photos, adding to the shrine’s timeless and sacred feel.
Takeshita Street
After visiting Meiji Shrine, I wandered over to Takeshita Street, a lively and colorful spot that felt like the heart of youth culture in Japan. The street was lined with cute cafes, trendy fashion boutiques, themed shops, and even quirky animal cafes featuring pigs and dogs. The energy was vibrant, with the smell of sweet and savory street food filling the air—crepes, fried snacks, and bubble tea at every turn. I grabbed a bubble tea and had my turn at one of the many capsule machines, which are hugely popular here. Of course, I had to try a Disney one and ended up with a little Peter Pan toy as a fun souvenir. In the early morning, before the crowds arrived, the street had a special charm, letting me take in all the details and snap photos without the hustle. It was a perfect contrast to the peaceful forest of the shrine.
Shibuya
Shibuya was buzzing with energy—super crowded but incredibly fun, especially standing right in the middle of the famous Shibuya Crossing, surrounded by waves of people moving in every direction. After soaking in the chaos, I headed to the Mega Don Quijote store, a wild maze of just about everything you could imagine—from J-Beauty products and quirky souvenirs to endless flavors of Kit Kats and all things matcha. To top it off, I visited a vending machine ramen spot nearby, where I ordered a bowl of miso ramen that was rich, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. It was a perfect taste of Tokyo’s vibrant and eclectic spirit.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Visiting Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden was a peaceful escape from the busy streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku. The garden was absolutely beautiful, with a sprawling traditional Japanese garden, serene ponds, and charming tea houses tucked among the greenery. Locals were scattered across the lawns, enjoying picnics and the warm weather, creating a calm, welcoming atmosphere. What made it even more special was the view of modern high-rises in the distance, blending the old with the new in a striking way. It felt like a quiet retreat right in the heart of the city.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku was a whirlwind of sights, flavors, and contrasts. I started by visiting the flagship Disney Store in Tokyo, which felt like stepping into a themed wonderland, followed by a stop at the elegant Isetan department store. Later, I joined an izakaya food tour that took us through the buzzing red light district of Kabuki-cho, with its towering neon signs and the iconic Godzilla statue peeking over a building. We enjoyed delicious Okinawan dishes before heading to the other side of Shinjuku, where the atmosphere shifted dramatically—no neon, just cozy, local spots serving incredible food. One of my favorites was teba gyoza, a crispy chicken wing stuffed with gyoza filling—definitely one of the tastiest bites I’ve had in Japan so far!
Senso-Ji Temple
Senso-ji Temple was everything I imagined when picturing Japan—stunning red shrine buildings, elegant pagodas, and a sense of timeless beauty. I arrived early, before the big tour groups and bustling crowds, which gave me a peaceful moment to take it all in and even draw a great fortune from the temple’s omikuji stand. While it definitely felt a bit touristy, especially next door on Nakamise Street with its rows of souvenir shops, it still had a certain charm. I managed to get some great photos before it got too crowded, capturing the essence of traditional Tokyo.
Kappabashi Street
Kappabashi Street was an unexpected gem—tucked between Asakusa and Ueno, just a short walk from either, and not something every tourist stumbles upon. Known as Tokyo’s kitchen town, the street is lined with shops selling everything from professional chef knives to intricate food replicas and traditional ceramics. It was a dream for anyone who loves cooking or design. I ended up finding a beautiful handmade matcha bowl that felt like the perfect souvenir—unique, practical, and full of character. It was a quiet, authentic detour from the busier tourist spots.
Ueno
Ueno offered a more local and down-to-earth side of Tokyo that I really enjoyed. I started at Ameyoko Street, a lively market area filled with street vendors selling everything from fresh produce to bargain clothing, giving it a much more everyday vibe compared to other shopping spots. I had delicious okonomiyaki at a small local restaurant—a savory Japanese pancake cooked on a griddle right at the table, packed with meat, cabbage, egg, and noodles. Ueno Park was bustling with families and locals enjoying their Sunday, and I took a peaceful stroll before heading into the Tokyo National Museum. The museum’s collection of Japanese art and national treasures was astounding, and its hidden Japanese garden and tea houses in the back were a quiet highlight. I finished the visit with a creamy matcha ice cream—perfect on a warm afternoon.
Food of Tokyo
Tokyo was an absolute paradise for food lovers, offering a flavorful journey through all corners of Japan without ever leaving the city. I got to sample everything from fresh sashimi and comforting ramen (my favorite!) to crispy tempura, savory gyoza, and rich chanko hot pot. One standout experience was dining at Robataya, an incredible omakase-style teppanyaki spot where chefs grilled meats, vegetables, and the most amazing fish I’ve ever tasted—all right in front of us. It was both delicious and interactive, a real highlight. Beyond Japanese cuisine, Tokyo surprised me with incredible Indian food—the naan was soft, chewy, and totally unlike anything back in the U.S.—and even an Italian-style ramen that hit the spot perfectly when I first arrived, jet-lagged and starving. The variety, quality, and creativity of Tokyo’s food scene truly blew me away.
Tokyo Tower
Visiting Tokyo Tower wasn’t originally on my itinerary—I didn’t think I’d have time—but on my last night, I realized it was just down the street from my dinner spot, so I decided to check it out. I’m so glad I did. Seeing the tower beautifully lit up against the night sky was stunning, and going up to the main deck to take in the sweeping views of Tokyo at night was unforgettable. I even caught a glimpse of fireworks in the distance, which made the whole experience feel magical. It was the perfect way to wrap up an incredible time in this amazing city.
Tsukiji Fish Market
On my last morning in Tokyo, I visited the Tsukiji Fish Market, arriving with a huge appetite and ready to explore. The market was buzzing with energy, packed with stalls selling fresh sushi, sashimi, onigiri, and just about every kind of Japanese street food imaginable. Though it leaned a bit touristy—since it’s no longer the main wholesale market—it was still an incredibly fun experience. I wandered through the maze of vendors, sampling a matcha latte, mochi, and even the biggest oyster I’ve ever seen. It was the perfect (and most delicious) way to end my amazing time in Tokyo.
I hope to come back someday soon as I only scratched the surface and there is so much more to explore!
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