So, I did a thing. I bought a plane ticket to Japan to spend 4 days and 3 nights. You’re probably thinking…is that even worth it? Let me tell you, it was worth every second of sleep deprivation I experienced on that trip. But, there’s more to it than just an opportunity that presented itself. I really just couldn’t say no. It’s a country and a city I’ve never been too and wanted to go visit. I’ve been missing Asia. The last time I was on the continent was 2004 (way too long ago). And honestly, every time I’m headed in that direction, I always feel like I should probably visit the family I still have in Thailand and Laos. This time, it wasn’t my agenda and it was for such a short amount of time.

Also, I couldn’t let my friend waste the awesomeness of the hotel he had already booked. So, Tokyo was already going to be amazing. We were staying at the Conrad Tokyo right on Tokyo Bay (which was our view). And then, I found out it was right around the start of the Rugby World Cup and the New Zealand All Blacks were staying at the same hotel! We also had VIP access because my friend is fancy and has status, so we had access to the executive lounge and breakfast included with our stay.

I landed around 4pm on a Wednesday and it was raining outside. How much did I care? I didn’t. Was I tired? Probably, but did I notice? No. I WAS IN TOKYO!!! There were vending machines all over the place (just a very trivial thing to geek out on, but so cool!). I took the train by myself because #solotraveler. It was about an hour or so and then I later found out, I could’ve reached the station underground closer to the hotel than the stop I got off at, #unaware. I ventured out in the rain…raincoat on and walked to the hotel using the pedestrian walkways (there are so many different levels at certain parts! (like 3!)).

Tokyo at night is beautiful. My friend, Ed, had dinner reservations that night so I just checked myself in and went up to the executive lounge and partook in happy hour. I needed a snack and a drink because #whynot. It was nice to be able to sit back and relax after a long flight. I didn’t really venture out that night except to get snacks at the convenience store. I was okay with just being able to enjoy the hotel. The service is beyond superb. That night, I had my first Suntory Highball. Can we say this will now be part of our ritual nightcap?

The next morning was when the adventures would really begin! The first stop in the morning was breakfast sushi, yes…it’s a thing, at the famous Sushi Dai in the Toyosu Fish Market. The original fish market moved out here from it’s original location. We waited for just under 2 hours, I think. And by the time we were seated, we were definitely hungry. Let’s get real, we were hungry before then, but absolutely ravished by the time we were at the counter. While we were waiting in line, or should I say, while Ed waited in line, I took the opportunity to explore a bit. There’s a rooftop garden with fantastic views (you could see Mt. Fuji!). And there were also other little shops and stuff to explore. After an amazing meal (in the pictures below). We headed off to explore.

The first stop was “souvenirs” from Don Quixote to get all the KitKats. Okay, maybe not all, but I still spent like $60 there. After that, we explored and walked around the Ginza district. All the exploring made us need snacks. Let’s get real, there’s always times and room for snacks. We wandered around until Tako Hachi opened…so we could get takoyaki.

Ed had dinner reservations that night and I was meetingup with my friend Ayumu in Shimbuyashi. Before grabbing a bite, I stopped at KiddyLand (OMG, I would go broke here). I refrained from buying anything. I wanted yakitori and he liked meat, so we ended up at Yakiniku Line, where I also learned about the different Japanese dynasties/eras. It was decorated is the fashion of the previous era. Kind of cool info I’ve got to say. We ate lots and caught up and it was everything. The last time I had seen him was probably the end of June, which in essence isn’t all the long ago, but I live in Chicago and he lives in Tokyo. That night, Ed and I ended our night with some Suntory (I really like this new tradition and this nightcap).

My first full day was done. So, every time I hear about Japan, or Tokyo really, people are always telling me I can’t miss the 7-11s. They are different; they are special and they offer a lot more interesting things. What people are talking about is the convenience food. Granted, there are definitely more fun and delicious looking options, but overall…still a 7-11, LOL. The breakfast buffet at the hotel was pretty darn delicious. There were a lot of options and all fancy-like.

Onward to more adventures. Today’s adventures would take us to:

• Skytree
• Senso-Ji Temple
• Nihobashi
• a food court
• The Imperial Palace

Dinner reservations were at Seirinkan. It was pizza, but we’d heard very good things. It was fine, the place was super cute though. Post-dinner included checking out the Golden Gai district, where we popped in for drinks at 5 Gallons Diner (even in foreign country, we couldn’t get away from Chicago).

The last day included one more breakfast at the hotel and then a stroll through Hamarikyu Gardens, which is really close to the hotel. Then it was off to the airport for me and airport dinner/lunch (and shopping at Muji). The soba was sooo good. Still a few bucket-list foods on the list, so I guess that means I’ll just have to come back!

Note: this post is past-dated and I am submitted this in January (of the next year). Here are some revelations: I’m still going through Japan/Tokyo withdrawals. I am very glad for my time spent there, but it definitely was not enough and I cannot wait to go back…first to go back to Tokyo and second to explore more of Japan. I don’t think I’ll be able to find any decent onigiri here…and why are Highballs not just readily available in cans.