TOKYO DREAMING - PART 1

In Japan, we spent 3 days in Tokyo, 1 day in Hakone, 3 days in Kyoto, and 2 days back in Tokyo. This post captures the first Tokyo part of the trip. 

Oh Tokyo, how I miss you already.

We had the most wonderful time in this beautiful city. It's nothing like I've ever experienced. First words that come to mind are sensory overload, lights, people, and late night eats. If you can imagine, it's like combining the lights of Times Square, the city-scape of Hong Kong, the sheer population of a city like Beijing, and the politeness of, well, the Japanese. This doesn't just apply to one block of Tokyo, it's evident all throughout the city. 

On our first stint in Tokyo, we stayed in Shinjuku and explored the west side of the city, including Shibuya, Ebisu, and Chiyoda. My favorite part was catching Sakura on full bloom, especially at Chidorigafuchi Park, known for its cherry blossoms falling on lake filled with rowboats. 

I'll admit, I don't think I've ever walked so much in 10 days consecutively! My Apple Watch was off the charts, and within the first few days I had to buy insoles for my shoes. Burning off all that amazing food was hard work!

Day 1

Shinjuku station area, around where we stayed

Hair game strong on the first day - can't say that about the rest of the trip ;)

What I wore: Zara blazer and jeans, Everlane sweater, my favorite Prive Revaux sunglasses, Genuine People boots, and Marc Jacobs bag

Fuunji Ramen is known for its tsukemen dipping noodles - we waited about 20-30 min in line but it was so worth it 

Trying to figure out how the vending machine payment works 

Not the best photos but this is the BEST tsukemen I've ever had!

Beautiful Yoyogi Park

At the entrance of each shrine in Japan, there are places for you to wash your hand with the temple water

Meji Shrine

As we walked out of Yoyogi Park we found Takeshita Street - the entrance to Harajuku

Just beyond Takeshita street is Omotesando, an luxury outdoor shopping district

Within Omotesando, we found Dominic Ansel's Tokyo bakery! Here to try their infamous frozen s'more. Unfortunately cronuts were sold out by the time we got there :(

They were incredible! So sweet and fluffy

Down the street is a gyoza only shop - they were just as delicious as they looked 

Just couldn't resist getting some takoyaki too down the street :D

Day 2

Day two was focused on taking full advantage of the cherry blossoms around Tokyo - we spent the morning at Chidorigafuchi Park and the afternoon / early evening walking along the Meguro River. It was so serene and romantic.

What I wore: Zara coat, Ann Taylor shirt, Hudson jeans, Alice & Olivia sandals, BaubleBar earrings, Prive Revaux sunglasses, vintage hat, Marc Jacobs bag

To get to Meguro River, we popped over to Tokyo Station for a quick sushi lunch before catching the train to Ebisu. The area around Tokyo Station was a complete contrast to Shinjuku or Shibuya, with open spaces and modern architecture. Inside the station was a complex underground structure filled with floors of shopping areas, including Ramen Street, a toy shop street, and multiple malls!

I love love LOVE a good hat 

After the sunset, we walked our tired selves back to Ebisu station, headed to Tokyo station, and got a bowl of yummy ramen to end the night on Ramen St. Nothing like a warm bowl of noodles at the end of a long day.

Day 3

The third day was mostly spent traveling. We woke up early and headed to Tokyo station via Shinjuku and boarded a fast speed train to Odawara Station. It only took about 30 min to cover almost 100 miles! After arriving at Odawara, we jumped on a bus (mistakenly the wrong bus for about 45 min at first...), and we finally arrived in Hakone. I'll cover our brief stop there in the next post. More to come!