Upon arrival to Tokyo, I really had no idea what to expect from this city. When I thought of Tokyo, I pictured the Japanese version of New York City or Hong-Kong. But actually being there and seeing everything that Tokyo has to offer truly amazed me and excited me. It was like no other city I’ve been to before, and I had one of the most incredible experiences exploring each part of this big city that never can be explored in a lifetime!
Each part of Tokyo is unique. For example, Harajuku to me was defined by it’s vibrance, it’s cafe culture, and it’s younger public. Shibuya had a more work-driven vibe with it’s busy crosswalks, working people walking in a hurry to their jobs, and high-end fashion stores.
Asakusa was entirely different and unique, it almost felt like we were in a different city! It was super traditional and felt ancient, with it’s beautiful temples.
Shinjuku was one of my favorite parts of Tokyo, as it has such an upbeat, fun vibe with lots of stores, restaurants, sushi shops and bars, and a good mix of people, younger and older. Each place was so unique, but so special, and I loved all of them individually in their own way!
Tokyo is made up of so many amazing spots, and each has its own “personality”.
Hotel Prince Park Tower Tokyo
It was very modern, amazing services and it offered the most beautiful views over all of Tokyo.
I stayed in the most beautiful Hotel Prince Park Tower Tokyo, it was very modern, amazing services and it offered the most beautiful views over all of Tokyo! From the bedroom, you could see the Tokyo Tower and all rest of the city skyline. Just breath taking! People who know me, know I have this thing with skylines. So I could just lay on the bed waking up, or before going to sleep, and taking it all in…..
Kimono experience
During my stay in Tokyo, I was able to have a real kimono experience and tea ceremony, which was something totally different and unique to me.
I’ve never worn a real traditional kimono before, when I saw the Japanese wear it I thought to myself ”How comfortable is this! Walking around in a kimono and flip flops all day!” Well, the opposite was true… I didn’t realize how much time, effort and work goes into wearing a kimono! It took nearly an hour for the two ladies who were dressing me to wrap me in each layer of the kimono, stuff it properly, wrap the belt on, and put on my shoes! Finally, after I was ready, I joined a real traditional tea ceremony. A truely amazing experience!
Tokyo foods
Talking about food, good food mainly, is not hard to find at all!
It doesn’t matter what part of the city you are. If your looking for a good place to eat it is very common to walk into a very good place 9 out of 10 times, and believe me, especially for the sushi, it is like no sushi you ever tasted before! The fresh salmon literally melts on your tongue and you just taste the freshness and good quality of the food, you’ve got to love Tokyo for that!
Some other amazing things I’ve noticed while being in Tokyo was how respectful, kind, and polite everyone is. There are so many people living in this big city, yet everyone is so respectful of one another. I was surprised to also see how spotless every public place is. Every restaurant, shop, and subway I entered was so clean! Their culture is all about respect for others, and that’s what made it so heartwarming!
Overall, Tokyo was one of the most incredible cities I’ve ever been to, and I literally left a piece of my heart here. I missed it right away when I arrived home. There was just so much to do, see, and so much that this city has to offer.
I fell in love with it’s beauty and I cannot wait to come back! I am hopefully going to visit again when the cherry blossoms are blooming, and everything is bright pink and ready for springtime. Stay tuned for my next adventure to Japan!
Over de auteur
Nicole Staal
Hey hallo! Ik ben Nicole Staal en sta bekend om mijn altijd super spontane vakanties/trips. Ik hou ervan om mensen te inspireren te doen waar ze gelukkig van worden mocht het nu reizen zijn of iets anders. Just do it and follow your passion!
