2023 Tokyo Solo Trip Record [with Reviews]
*This blog is originally written in Japanese and translated using ChatGPT. For my friend who knows Japanese, please read the original:
I'm back from my five-day solo trip!
This is my second time in Japan this year.
I'll write down my travel record before I forget!
Also, since people around me ask for recommendations when they travel to Japan, I decided to rate the places I visited and the food I ate. I hope it will be helpful for those who are planning to go to Tokyo.
Beginning
The purpose of my trip to Japan this time was to participate in my favorite idol's event, but I was able to fully enjoy my otaku activities beyond my expectations. In addition, I explored various places and pushed myself. I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to visit all the places I wanted to go. I was extremely satisfied!
Day 1: Narita Airport → Ikebukuro
Since my flight was late, the first day mostly consisted of checking into the hotel.
Dinner: Lawson - Tororo Soba [★★☆☆☆].
For convenience store food, it felt a bit expensive at 538 yen.
Hotel: Ikebukuro Royal Hotel [★★★☆☆].
I don't really recommend it. If you're going to travel properly, I suggest spending a bit more money and staying at a better hotel. But since it was just for me and the room was clean, I gave it three stars.
Day 2: Shibuya → Ikebukuro → Shibuya → Ikebukuro
Breakfast: Juice [★★☆☆☆].
It was too sweet.
Spot 1: OH MY CAFE TOKYO [★★★★☆].
I went to the Little Mermaid Cafe. As a big fan of Little Mermaid, I was super excited. Everything related to Japan's Little Mermaid was cute. Since it was reservation-only, I had my meal in a quiet environment. However, some of the merchandise was sold out, and it was a bit pricey. Just making a reservation costs 770 yen, and the iced tea costs 690 yen. I also think the taste of the food was not that great compared to other Japanese dishes.
Spot 2: Shibuya Tower Records [★★★★☆].
I went to pick up a pre-ordered photobook. They even had a 9th floor, so music lovers should definitely visit.
Snack: FamilyMart Fried Chicken [★★★★★].
It was delicious. Be careful as the juice from the meat might overflow.
Spot 3: DD LIVE CAFE cosmic!! [♥♥♥♥♥].
For places where star ratings are not applicable, I will use heart ratings. I came here to eat my favorite idol's birthday menu. Handsome idol trainees will serve you. Highly recommended.
Spot 4: Tokyo Culture Culture [♥♥♥♥♥].
I participated in my favorite idol's event. It was the best. I'll write my impressions later if I have the chance, but for now, it was an incredibly happy time for fans.
Dinner: Mutekiya [★★★★☆].
I had to wait for 30 minutes at 10 p.m. It was delicious, but in my opinion, ramen in Japan tastes equally delicious everywhere, so you don't have to wait in line.
Day 3: Yushima → Akihabara → Ueno → Tokyo Station → Ueno → Ikebukuro
Breakfast: Usagiya Cafe [★★★★☆].
I came here to eat pancakes, but they were sold out. I chose Usadora French toast instead. The crust was slightly crispy, and the inside was moist. It was even more delicious than I imagined.
Spot 1: Yushima Tenmangu Shrine [★★★★☆].
It's a shrine in Tokyo known for its academic blessings.
Spot 2: ES!! STORE [♥♥♥♥♡].
It had a cute atmosphere, and there was a large monitor outside playing Ensta's music videos, which got me excited. However, they didn't have the merchandise I wanted, which was disappointing.
Lunch: Bimi Kensan TETSU [★☆☆☆☆].
I was really disappointed. I learned not to trust Instagram photos.
Spot 3: TAMASHII NATIONS TOKYO [★★★★★].
I randomly went there near Akihabara, and I was delighted to find out that you can enter for free and take photos with life-sized figures of popular anime characters. It's worth a visit.
Spot 4: Hikosen Theater [♥♥♥♥♥].
It was an event where my favorite idols and dance cover groups performed. I didn't plan to attend, but I managed to buy a ticket for one part at the end. I'm really glad I went! The show was exciting, and it was amazing to be able to talk to the idols during the photo-taking event.
Spot 5: Tokyo Station [★★★☆☆].
I came to buy souvenirs. It was crowded, and the station was so big that I got lost. Some of the things I wanted to buy were sold out, so it was a bit of a hassle.
Dinner: Sendai Tanya Riku [★★★★☆].
It's a shop inside Tokyo Station. I ordered the Gyutan (beef tongue) and Gyu Toro Don (rice bowl with raw beef flake). The Gyutan was a bit too salty, but I was moved by the Gyu Toro, which I tried for the first time.
Spot 6: Hikosen Theater [♥♥♥♥♥]
I returned to the venue and participated in the special bonus event. The idols changed their costumes, and I wanted to take pictures of them as many times as I could.
Late-night snack: Starbucks [★★★★★]
The watermelon frappuccino was delicious. I love eating menu items that are unique to Japan.
Day 4: Akasaka → Akihabara → Ueno → Ikebukuro
Spot 1: Hie Shrine [★★★☆☆]
I came here to pray for good luck in my career and promotion. The shrine has a modern atmosphere with its pure white torii gate.
Breakfast: JAIME [★★★☆☆]
I came here to try the cute tiramisu I saw on Instagram. It had a unique texture with the mochi skin and was delicious.
Spot 2: Izumo Shrine Tokyo Branch [★★☆☆☆]
Since I felt a sense of profit when I visited Izumo Shrine in Shimane before, this time I came to the Tokyo branch. It's a small shrine that would disappoint tourists looking for a popular spot.
Lunch: Seafood Bowl [★★★★★]
This was the best meal I had during my trip to Japan. It was truly impressive. I'll keep the name a secret. If you want to know, ask me directly.
Spot 3: Hikosen Theater [♥♥♥♥♥]
The event on the second day! The songs were completely different, so I could enjoy it multiple times.
Spot 4: Ababu Ueno [★★★★☆]
I was able to buy cute clothes at a reasonable price, and there weren't many people, so I had a great time shopping. I saw on the internet that they will close in June 2024, which is really unfortunate. I definitely want to go there again if I visit Tokyo.
Spot 5: Hikosen Theater [♥♥♥♥♥]
It was the last time I could meet the idols on this trip, so I almost cried.
Day 5: Ikebukuro → Harajuku → Shinjuku → Ikebukuro → Narita Airport
Breakfast: GiGO Collab Cafe QuizKnock [♥♥♥♥♡]
As a fan of collaboration cafes, I was happy to visit. The photos of the QuizKnock members looked fun, so I was also very satisfied.
Spot 1: Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku [★★★★★]
If you want to experience Japanese culture, this is the place to go. I did some shopping in Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. Unfortunately, I got the worst fortune from the omikuji (fortune slip), which made me sad.
Lunch: MENSHO SAN FRANCISCO [★★★★★]
The ramen was delicious! I didn't have to wait long, and the location was great. Shinjuku has many delicious options, but if you want something casual and tasty, I recommend this place.
Spot 2: Disney FLAGSHIP TOKYO [★★★☆☆]
I had high expectations for this place, but they didn't have the items I wanted, so I couldn't buy anything. Maybe it was just bad timing.
Spot 3: Animate Ikebukuro Main Store [★★★★☆]
Even on weekdays, it was crowded with people. However, I was able to buy things that I couldn't get at ES!! STORE, so it was alright! However, many other items I wanted were sold out, so I can't say I was completely satisfied. It's better to reserve what you want in advance.
Spot 4: Sundrug [★★★★☆]
I went to several drugstores, but I feel like Sundrug had a good selection.
Dinner: McDonald's [★★★☆☆]
Usually, I order limited-time menu items that are only available in Japan, but I didn't have time, so I ordered the spicy chicken. It was delicious, but I wanted to try other menu items.
Conclusion
What do you all think of my travel itinerary? Wasn't it incredibly fulfilling for five days? I'm also extremely satisfied with this plan. I regret not being able to write more about each spot due to time constraints. I should have examined them more carefully and written my impressions. It was also funny how my hobbies were incorporated into this travel itinerary. (I want more otaku friends!)
I have many friends who love traveling to Japan, so if there's a chance, I'd love to exchange information with them.
Also, this time I utilized a tool called Notion for the first time to plan my trip. I would like to share some tips on how to make the most of Notion as well.
After a week full of enjoyment, various challenges await. There is both excitement and anxiety.
I will use this trip as nourishment and face upcoming challenges. I will continue to share my life on this blog, so please stay tuned.
Well then, see you next week~
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