Honeymoon Diaries Pt 8: Our AMAZING 24 hours in TOKYO (+ haul)

Sep 7, 2024

3 min read

In this episode of our Honeymoon Diaries, we take you on a special adventure through Tokyo, this time with the help of a local guide who showed us the city’s hidden gems and cultural wonders!

A Royal Start at the Imperial Palace

We began our day at the Imperial Palace. Entering through the historic Ote-mon Gate—once the entrance for samurai—felt like stepping back in time. The grandeur of the palace grounds was breathtaking, and the sheer scale of it made us feel tiny! We learned that this magnificent site used to be Edo Castle, with its towering defenses and ancient moat, a relic of the shogunate's authority. It was more impressive than any castle we’ve ever visited!

Discovering Japan's Heritage at the National Museum

Next, we headed to the National Museum of Tokyo for a deep dive into Japan’s rich cultural tapestry. From samurai swords that gleamed to exquisite lacquerware and traditional Noh theater masks, we were in awe of Japan's vibrant history. Each exhibit told a story of craftsmanship and tradition. The samurai armor was particularly striking, with vibrant colors and intricate details that spoke of Japan’s warrior spirit.

A Vegetarian Tempura Feast

After our museum visit, it was time for a well-earned lunch. We enjoyed a delicious vegetarian tempura meal, and it was a feast for the senses! Light, crispy, and oh-so-tasty, it was a perfect break before heading into our next adventure.

Akihabara: Anime Heaven

Post-lunch, we dove headfirst into Akihabara, Tokyo's mecca for anime fans! With towering buildings covered in neon lights and endless shops full of exclusive anime merchandise, we were in heaven. We couldn’t resist snagging some cute gacha goodies, including a mystery Kirby and a One Piece surprise! Akihabara is a dream for anyone who loves anime culture, and we were swept away by the vibrant energy of this magical place.

Nihombashi Mitsukoshi: Luxury

Our next stop was the historic department store Nihombashi Mitsukoshi. Built in 1673, it blends luxury shopping with traditional Japanese elegance. Here we browsed the knives, luxury soy sauce and even entered a gold dome.

Tokyo Station: Hidden Gems

We weren’t done just yet with anime stuff. Tokyo Station has an underground Mecca of treasures. From the Studio Ghibli to Kirby Cafe and the Pokemon store, it has it all. To be honest, it was very crowded and a bit overwhelming but overall it shouldn't be missed as an anime fan.

Traditional Sake Tasting Experience

Our guide then whisked us off to a sake tasting! We tried an assortment of sake, ranging from light and fruity to rich and dry. The experience opened our eyes to the world of sake, and we learned how each flavor pairs perfectly with different Japanese dishes. It was such a unique and enjoyable way to learn more about Japanese culture, and we definitely left with a few new favorites.

Spectacular Views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

As the day drew to a close, we headed to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for some breathtaking views of the city. From the observation decks, we could see the sprawling Tokyo skyline. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance! The sunset was the perfect way to end a magical day in the city.

Wrapping Up with Pizza

Finally, we wrapped up our day with… pizza! 🍕 Yes, you heard that right! We found a fun underground KOREAN pizza spot and treated ourselves to a slice or two(or four). Unexpectedly delicious, would definitely go back.