Japan - Birthday Trip Pt. 1
SOME QUICK INFO:
Date: Mid April 2023
Shinjuku Hotel: Toyoko Inn Tokyo Shinjuku gyoemmae
Kyoto Hotel: Fuji Hotel Kyoto Gojo
Asakusa Hotel: APA Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon Minami
5% KLOOK discount code for select hotels and activities: KATRINAGEMKLOOK
I went to Japan for my 32nd birthday! A solo trip that started with preflight anxiety, excitement, some loneliness and a shit ton of gratitude.
Before I continue, I have been to Tokyo and Kyoto before and did not go to the usual tourist spots anymore (except Shibuya Sky).
For the first part of the trip, I stayed in Shinjuku - it’s lot more peaceful yet still only just a train line away (less transfers) from the places I wanted to go on the west side. Let me also say that I booked this trip during new year, totally forgetting about sakura season, and only got reminded when they announced the forecast. I thought I’d catch the end of the season and created my itinerary around that, but the sakuras bloomed earlier than predicted and well, you’ll see.
Day 1
A R R I V A L D A Y
I arrived in Narita International Airport at around 2pm, and got to the city around 4-5pm.
I took the Narita Express to the city and transferred to the local line closest to my hotel - Toyoko Inn Tokyo Shinjuku gyoemmae - which was 3-5 minutes away from the subway exit. Still, it was not easy carrying a large and small suitcase xD I’ve heard Tokyo hotel rooms tend to be on the small side, and I don’t know if the double/couple rooms are any bigger. Regardless, the location is great, they offer free wifi, free breakfast and the room was clean with a good (small) view.
After getting settled, I took a walk around the neighborhood to see what’s around. I was ready to have some ramen and found this hip ramen joint: Rahmen Eddie. They specialize in clear, light, chicken broth based ramen which I honestly was looking for because I try not to eat pork - I know gasp.
A quick trip to Lawsons - don’t forget to bring a tote bag/eco bag! They charge for plastic. - to get some water and some things - did you know they sell Muji items? - before I called it a day having been up for more than 12 hours.
Day 2
M Y B I R T H D A Y ! ! !
This day was packed, my feet felt it for the next few days.
Began the day at 5:30am hoping to see sakuras at Kanda River. I took the bus to sightsee a little too, and avoid the train rush hour. On the way, I saw a sign and realized it’s the exact same sign on my travel vision board - one of those special moments where the universe shows you its magic.
I got to Kanda River, but no luck as the sakuras have gone. I decided to head back to my hotel to get some breakfast before setting off to Nakameguro because it was too early and none of the coffee shop options I had were open. They have a breakfast buffet with a mix of Japanese and western options. It was a pretty good (and free) Japanese breakfast - mackerel, egg, onigiri, miso soup.
Next, it was time to head to Nakameguro. I wasn’t expecting anymore sakura (at least that variety) and just wanted to walk around the area to Daikanyama and eventually Shibuya for my Shibuya Sky booking. I head first to Onibus Coffee and got myself a one shot latte (double would’ve probably tasted better, but I wanted to hit up another coffee shop haha). The instagram famous window spot with a view of the train was already taken so I hung out on the patio.
I decided to head to Meguro River and managed to find a patch of likely the last sakuras hanging on + are reachable hahah. They’re soooo pretty and delicate looking. I totally get why it’s popular, and one day I’ll get to see this variety in full bloom. <3
It was close to the opening time of a popular lunch spot - Isshin Daikanyama - and I made my way there. There were a few people already waiting in line 30 minutes prior to opening time. Upon entering, you have to remove your shoes so make sure your socks/feet are presentable hahaha. They have slippers in the restroom incase you’re wondering.
Anyway, they do have an English menu. I opted for the deep fried chicken thighs (karaage) set with soup and rice + small sides. Although after ordering I started to wonder how the crab croquettes would be. No regrets with the karaage though! It was a very filling meal for me, and I thought I’d walk to Traveler’s Factory before grabbing coffee.
Traveler’s Factory is so cute. Even if I stopped creative journaling and hoarding buying stationery stuff, I still appreciate the brand and all the details and bits and bobs in the shop. You can even mail out a postcard in-store which I did! A birthday postcard to myself! xD Stay tuned to see when I get it haha Also, tip: they have a restroom on the 2nd floor xD
Afterwards, it was getting warmer ~ is it me or spring weather is frustrating as a traveler? xD ~ I head to a coffee shop that I passed by in Daikanyama: Woodberry Coffee. Got myself an Iced Latte Valencia (with orange and lemon syrup) and it was soooo good and refreshing!
I slowly made my way to Shibuya, past some cool looking shops, bookstores and decided, or rather my feet’s condition did, to go around Shibuya Scramble Square to wait out my Shibuya Sky reservation. If there’s one thing I look forward to in Japanese malls, it’s the basement level where all the food are. Lots of pastries in pretty packaging that I was mentally noting to buy later.
Then it’s time! I head up to the 14F to check-in for my Shibuya Sky time slot - yes, you need to book a time slot because tickets were sold out in person. I got mine through Klook (use my code for a discount: KATRINAGEM until June 30, 2024). I was so excited to spend my birthday up and looking over Tokyo during sunset, and I did! Strangers managed to get good pics too haha
I did get emotional at some point because I was having all this anxiety and coming from someone who’s experienced birthday blues, all I felt at that moment while the sun set, was immense gratitude for being there and getting to live this life.
Then it was time to head back down to the basement to buy a few pasalubongs and my cake! I wish I had taken a better photo prior to my commute back, but regardless of how it looks, it was delicious. I was glad to pick something different and seasonal vs the usual strawberry and chocolate options. It was the last one left, too! I managed to track down the pastry shop online so I could share what I got and how it’s supposed to look hahaha
Day 3
P I C N I C I N T H E P A R K
Part of the reason why I chose my hotel was how it'‘s near it is to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. I had originally planned to do this on my birthday but the park is closed on Mondays. I grabbed an egg sandwich from Family Mart before heading to the park - I got there a bit early before the gates at 9am. Don’t forget to prepare 500 yen for entrance fee.
After the gates opened, breathing the fresh air was so nice on a sunny, slightly windy morning. I was happy to see some sakura trees still in bloom too! I set out to find a tree to picnic under and found it in the middle of the field - strategically away from the main paths, and therefore less people drop by ;)
Incase you’re wondering how I took my photos: Shopee Link.
I spent a good hour or so just chilling in nature. And I remembered I still had a whole park to go around. So went around I did.
By then it was around noon, and it was way too warm for a sweater. Spring weather srsly. Dropped by my hotel to quickly change and got on the train to Ginza. I had to stop by the UNIQLO flagship because I wanted to get an embroidered bag. Got there, excited, went to the custom area, and was told it would take 3 weeks. 3 WEEKS T_T I left the store too disappointed to shop (I knew I’d drop by another UNIQLO on another day, let’s be real).
Walked a lot more to a coffee shop I had bookmarked - Bongen Coffee. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to line up long, but I ended up lining up for 40~ minutes because it’s a one man operation (amazing, really). The latte wasn’t bad, I just wouldn’t line up for it again 🤷🏻♀️
I was planning to eat somewhere here but my feet were too sore to continue (a combo of tight shoes and not used to walking so much here in the PH). I head back to Shinjuku, found a massage place that was luckily available and got a massage. Afterwards, went to this local bakery with odd hours (but they so happen to be open that day), and got myself an orange chocolate baguette for breakfast the next day.
For dinner, I was craving for beef yakiniku and went to a restaurant I passed the previous night with locals lining up. I was looking forward to try beef liver for the first time and got some wagyu. My taste buds were rejoicing.
watch the vlog here
Next up: Kyoto! Stay tuned~
