I'm heading to Tokyo this morning. Even though I've been to Japan before, every time I leave there's a special feeling. There's no need to rush; everything is planned. Before we get to the station, we have a little ritual: we stop for a moment to enjoy the morning calm, before heading back to the busy energy of the capital.
Today we're only taking one suitcase each. The others will be arriving at the hotel directly, thanks to the luggage transfer service that I use pretty much every time. It's not just impractical, it can also be pretty stressful trying to navigate the Japanese subway with too much luggage. Why go to the trouble when there's a system in place?
The price is still pretty reasonable, at just under €40 to send two large suitcases from Osaka to Tokyo. It's a price that's well worth paying if you want to avoid the hassle and travel light. It's these kinds of details that make travelling in Japan such a pleasure.
I'm looking forward to getting back to Tokyo, where I'll be able to experience the excitement of returning to this fascinating city that combines vibrant modernity with timeless traditions. I'm really looking forward to immersing myself in the city's unique atmosphere, rediscovering the iconic places that have left their mark on me, and re-exploring neighbourhoods I thought I knew by heart.
There's a story to be found in every corner of Tokyo. From the lively streets of Shibuya to the sophistication of Ginza and the traditional charm of Asakusa, each district has its own unique character. Some will bring back memories, while others will probably surprise me with details I didn't notice the first time.
Rediscovering Tokyo is like seeing an old friend: you know them, but there's always something new to discover. This time, I'm going to focus on the little things that make up the charm of this ever-changing capital.
As soon as we got to the Mitsui Garden Hotel in Shinjuku, we dropped off our suitcases, ready to get back to the non-stop action of Tokyo. We decided to head straight for Shibuya, one of Tokyo's most iconic districts, where modernity and energy collide.
On the way, I thought back to my first visit to Shibuya. I'll never forget leaving the station through the famous Hachiko exit. For those who don't know, Hachiko is a statue erected in honour of a dog who became legendary for his loyalty. Every day, he'd come to the station to wait for his master, even after he'd disappeared. This symbol of attachment and loyalty has made the exit a must-see place, often used as a meeting point.
I remember the moment I stepped outside. After years of hearing about this area, seeing it in films and photographs, I was finally there in person. Right in front of me was the famous Scramble Crossing, that iconic intersection where hundreds of people cross at the same time in a perfectly choreographed ballet. The giant screens illuminating the facades, the neon lights, the noise of the city... it all had an almost surreal quality.
It was a truly magical experience, like a dream come true. Even after all this time, going back to Shibuya still evokes the same feeling. Every time I visit, I'm reminded why Tokyo is such a unique city. It has a knack for surprising and moving me at every turn.
My view of Shibuya has changed somewhat today. I was blown away by the district on my first visits, but I have to admit that the excitement has gradually given way to a certain weariness. The more I go back, the less inclined I am to stay. The crowds are everywhere, making it difficult to get around, and the atmosphere can be a bit overwhelming. The shops are always packed, so there's not much opportunity to browse or take in the full range of products on offer.
We did go to the famous Don Quijote, the iconic shop that spans several floors and sells everything from kitsch souvenirs to everyday products. But once again, the crowds got the better of us. It was impossible to enjoy the experience in the chaos. In the end, we just bought an umbrella because the weather was far from kind, and then we left.
Luckily, there was a nice interlude in the form of snack time. We decided to go back to a place that we'd liked the last time we were in Tokyo: a lovely little tea room tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya. It was great to be back there again, away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, and looking out at the view. It felt like returning to a familiar refuge. This gave us a chance to appreciate Tokyo in a different way, away from the crowds, and to enjoy the small, simple pleasures that make every trip unique.
For our afternoon snack, we treated ourselves to two sweet treats we'd been looking forward to: a crêpe filled with fresh fruit and an ice cream cake. When they arrived at our table, we were really impressed by how they looked. These desserts were not only delicious, but also presented in a beautiful way.
What really stood out for us was how close the menu was to reality. There are no nasty surprises here: what you see in the photos is exactly what you get on your plate. It's a rare find that's definitely worth mentioning, and it makes the experience even better.
From the first bite, it met our expectations. This gourmet snack was a real moment of happiness in the middle of a busy day. It was a lovely little interlude that showed us that even the smaller things in Tokyo are done with great attention to detail
As a big Sailor Moon fan, I just had to find the shop in Tokyo dedicated to this enchanting universe. After a twenty-minute walk from Shibuya Station towards Harajuku, I found what I was looking for in a shopping centre. It's like going on a treasure hunt for any Sailor Moon fan!
The shop is full of cute stuff: bags, jewellery, accessories, stationery... Everything is designed to delight fans, with a look that's true to the magical world of Sailor Moon. Needless to say, I couldn't resist doing a bit of shopping.
I also picked up a 'mamori' (お守り), which is a traditional Japanese lucky charm. This small object, often sold in temples and shrines, is thought to offer protection or attract good luck. This one, in Sailor Moon colours, is a great combination of Japanese culture and my love for the series. I also picked up a document pouch, a pen and, as a bonus, the first volume of the manga to complete my collection.
When you think of Harajuku, you can't help but think of the famous Takeshita Street, the heart and soul of the district. This narrow, busy street is a great example of 'Lolita' fashion and Japanese pop culture. The boutiques, themed cafés and street food outlets here are pretty eccentric, and the atmosphere is unique. It's as if you're entering a playful and colourful parallel world.
We decided to go in the early evening, when the usual hustle and bustle dies down. The usual shops were mostly closed, but there were a few fast food stalls and Daiso, which is a famous shop where almost everything costs less than a euro. The lack of crowds made for a particularly pleasant stroll, away from the usual daytime bustle.
Takeshita Street is a totally different place at night. It's less hectic, but still has its own unique charm. The neon lights were still on, the smell of snacks wafted through the air and the brightly coloured shop windows gave the street an almost intimate atmosphere, which was different but just as pleasant.
It was a great chance to see Harajuku in a different way, without the crowds, so you can really appreciate what makes it special. It was a great chance to explore this iconic street in a calm but still magical way.
After our tour of Harajuku, we took the train back to Shinjuku for dinner. Looking back on my memories, I was taken aback by a touch of nostalgia, taking me back to my years in Kofu, in Yamanashi Prefecture. Back then, I used to eat at a restaurant called Big Boy, which served Japanese food with a Western twist. I was really pleased to find out that there's one in Tokyo, in the Shinjuku district.
Big Boy gets the balance right between simplicity and practicality. There's a salad and soup buffet and an all-you-can-drink bar where you can help yourself to hot drinks, soft drinks or juices. You can order at your table using an intuitive tablet. You can also choose to add access to the buffet and drink bar for a few extra yen.
But what made the meal even more fun was that some dishes were delivered by a robot in the shape of a cat. The robot had big digital eyes and a little mechanical voice and it roamed the restaurant's aisles delivering orders. It was a great example of Japan 2.0 – a perfect blend of tradition and modernity with that touch of fantasy that the country is known for.
The dishes are generous, tasty and, most importantly, affordable. It's the perfect place to try something different in Japanese food: the popular chain restaurants, where you can eat well without spending a fortune.
The meat was served on a hot stone, which was great for keeping it at the perfect temperature. To go with this, there was a small candle stove, so you could cook the meat like a mini-pierrade. That way, if it was too rare, you could just keep cooking it as you liked.
This dinner took me back to my memories while showing me a different side of Tokyo. It was a chance to explore places that were simple but full of charm. Big Boy might not be the epitome of fine dining, but it's a welcoming and approachable experience, an integral part of everyday life in Japan. A great way to end the day!
After a tasty dinner at Big Boy, we popped into Don Quijote nearby for a quick treat before heading home. It was pretty late by the time we got there, but the shop was much less busy than in popular places like Shibuya, which made our visit much more pleasant. The calm atmosphere meant we could take our time browsing the aisles without feeling rushed or crowded.
I know I mentioned this earlier, but I really can't emphasise enough how convenient this chain is. With shops open 24 hours a day all over Tokyo, Don Quijote is a great option for last-minute shopping, whether you're looking for snacks, souvenirs or everyday items.
Once we'd finished shopping, we took the train back to the Mitsui Garden Hotel. Back in our room, a hot bath was just what we needed to unwind after a busy day, before getting a good night's sleep.
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