After waking up beneath the shadow of Mt. Fuji, we took one last deep breath of crisp mountain air, loaded up our bags, and hit the road — bound for the electric heartbeat of Japan: Tokyo. Trading serene lakes and postcard-perfect views for neon lights and historic charm, this next few days were the perfect blend of old and new Japan. We took one last glimpse of Mt Fuji:)
Off the train at Tokyo Station, after going through Shibuyu Station, the largest train station in the world with 3 million people a day. We stopped by our hotel, Courtyard Tokyo Station, to drop bags. Our first stop was Tokyo’s oldest and most beloved temple, Sensoji Shrine in Asakusa. Walking through the towering Kaminarimon Gate beneath the famous giant red lantern and the path that followed — Nakamise Shopping Street — was alive with the scent of freshly made taiyaki, sizzling senbei crackers, and sweet, chewy mochi.
We strolled, snacked, and admired the souvenir stalls before stepping into the temple grounds, pausing to toss coins, bow, and take in the peaceful presence of Sensoji’s storied past amid the buzz of ten thousand plus visitors.
Next, we wandered into Kappabashi Kitchen Street — a paradise for anyone who loves cooking or design. Store after store brimmed with everything from delicate porcelain dishes to hyper-realistic plastic food samples. The highlight of the morning? Picking out a handcrafted kitchen knife from Kamata Hakensha.
The artisans there patiently explained the steel types and blade finishes. Holding a knife engraved with your name in kanji is a souvenir that feels like more than a keepsake — it’s a future heirloom.
We started Saturday morning with a nice breakfast in the Lava Room adjoining our hotel then hopped the Ginza Line to Asakusa, to a different kind of temple: the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro. This isn’t your average Starbucks — it’s a four-story architectural masterpiece, with freshly roasted coffee beans rolling through copper pipes overhead and baristas crafting drinks like artists at an espresso gallery. I had a pour-over and raison bun while Kellie indulged in the usual tea. The artistry was amazing as you can see by the video and photos.
We sipped specialty brews on the terrace overlooking the Meguro River, where late spring cherry blossoms hung gracefully over the water, creating a picture-perfect Tokyo moment. Capturing our obligatory mug and some beans for the road we left a memory.
The Meguro River walk delivered soft pink cherry petals floating on the water and locals strolling arm in arm, cameras ready to catch the fleeting beauty of sakura season. Afterward, we swapped the river for green space at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a stunning retreat in the heart of the city. The meticulously landscaped grounds and classic Japanese teahouses were a calming pause in the middle of Tokyo’s endless pulse.
Our next spiritual stop was the iconic Meiji Shrine, tucked inside the peaceful, wooded embrace of Yoyogi Park. We followed the gravel path beneath towering torii gates, the air thick with quiet reverence, and paused to write a wish on a wooden ema tablet, joining thousands of hopes and dreams left by visitors before us.
From tranquility to Tokyo cool, we jumped straight into the youth-driven, wildly expressive world of Takeshita Street in Harajuku. Crepes, rainbow cotton candy, street fashion — this place is Tokyo’s youthful heartbeat. Nearby, Cat Streetoffered a more laid-back vibe with indie boutiques, craft coffee shops, and Tokyo’s effortlessly cool streetwear scene.
The Day’s Grand Finale As the sky dimmed, the city lit up, and there was no better place to end the day than at the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Watching hundreds of people cross from every angle under the giant LED screens felt like stepping straight into a movie. When the light changed, we joined the flow, crossing back and forth, laughing and fully swept up in the energy.
From the calm beauty of Mt. Fuji to Tokyo’s exhilarating streets, the past two day offs have offered a perfect snapshot of Japan’s seamless mix of heritage and modernity. Shrines and skyscrapers, cherry blossoms and streetwear — every stop reminded us why this country feels so timeless and endlessly inspiring.
Our last morning in Japan greeted us with a soft drizzle — the kind that makes the city feel calm and cinematic all at once, maybe because it was Sunday too:). Most people out had clear umbrellas, we had only a rain jacket but made the best of what we had. Once at our destination, we wandered through the lively stalls of the Tsukiji Fish Market, where the scent of fresh seafood mingled with the savory aroma of grilled scallops and tamago skewers. I enjoyed the smells, Kellie did not:):):) Even in the rain, the market buzzed with its signature energy — chefs haggling, vendors calling out their daily specials, and travelers like us trying to soak up one last authentic bite of Tokyo.
From there, we made our way to the Imperial Palace grounds, umbrellas bobbing along the pathways as we admired the contrast of ancient stone walls and modern skyscrapers peeking through the mist. The rain only added to the quiet beauty of the place, making the gardens feel even more serene — a fitting final stroll in a country so steeped in grace and tradition. The trees felt to us to be in bonsai fashion, the pink and white cherry blossoms trying to hang on and the beautiful Palace Grounds, open only to royalty, at least that was the way it was today.
For lunch, we tucked into a cozy seat at Hitachino Brewing Tokyo, where craft beer met Japanese comfort food. A perfect toast to the journey: a table full of small plates, a pint of local brew, and the soft sound of rain tapping the windows as we reflected on the memories made from Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Sherakago, Takayama, Mt. Fuji and Tokyo streets. I had mine, Kellie had hers and all together it was a memorable trip for us to share.
With hearts (and suitcases, we actually bought a third) full, we headed to Haneda International Airport via the train, watching the city blur past the windows one last time. Saying goodbye to Japan isn’t easy, but we left feeling grateful for every moment — from temple paths to cherry blossom rivers, bamboo forests to neon crosswalks.
Next stop: Tumwater, Washington — back home to see our family and friends but most especially Blair, Mira and Penny! I’m already dreaming of our next adventure.