Asakusa - Japan
Where Ancient Spirituality Meets Modern Marvel
Come with us as we navigate Tokyo's bustling streets, ancient temples, and unique experiences during our first visit to Japan's capital. From late-night airport arrivals to peaceful morning temple visits, we experienced surprises, challenges, and magical moments that make Tokyo an unforgettable destination. Sometimes the best trips are the ones where you embrace the adventure and find magic in the unexpected moments.
LOCATION | Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan |
DATES | April 9 - 11, 2025 |
PHOTOS | |
LODGING | |
ARRIVAL | All Nippon Airlines 125 🛫 Boeing 787 - JA 875A Los Angeles (LAX) - Departure 5:10 pm Tokyo (HAN) - Arrive 9:05 pm (+1 day) |
DEPARTURE | Romancecar 003 Depart from Shinjuku at 10:00 am Arrive Hakone-Yumote at 11:27 am |
Videos
"In Asakusa, the past and present dance together on every street corner."
Days & Discoveries
Apr 8-9 | Landing at Tokyo Haneda Airport at 9:00 PM after an eleven-hour flight isn't ideal, but Tokyo's efficiency made our arrival surprisingly smooth. Customs and passport control moved quickly, and we were wise to have arranged for a driver in advance. After that long journey, attempting the subway system with luggage at night would have been overwhelming. Finding Our Perfect Retreat Our hotel room in Saunaland Asakusa was four flights up (there was no elevator), which gave us a good workout, but the space more than made up for the climb. The room included a porch and a large bathroom with a wood sauna and oversized tub—perfect for soothing travel-weary muscles and embracing Japanese bathing culture.
Traveler Tip: When booking Tokyo accommodations, prioritize rooms with traditional bathing facilities. The therapeutic benefits of Japanese-style soaking help with jet lag recovery and provide an authentic cultural experience. |    |
Apr 10 | Early Morning at Sensoji Temple We rose early and walked to the nearby Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Before 10 AM, this ancient temple was serene and perfect for contemplative visitors. We observed local worshippers offering morning prayers and spent peaceful time appreciating the beauty and spirituality in the heart of this massive metropolis. Practical Discoveries The ubiquitous 7-Eleven stores became our go-to resource. These convenient stops offered affordable provisions and quality ready-to-eat meals that were perfect for light breakfasts or snacks. We appreciated the cleanliness, efficiency, and surprising variety of healthy options. Mastering the Subway and Tokyo Dome We decided to tackle the subway system and took a train to the Tokyo Dome. The area around the stadium offered interesting sights without overwhelming crowds. We took our time exploring and found excellent photo opportunities. Once we got our bearings, the efficient public transportation system proved manageable. Culinary Adventures For lunch, we sought out a local restaurant and discovered an excellent grilled meal. This is our travel philosophy: avoid tourist traps and dine where locals eat. We enjoyed trying new flavors and appreciated the fresh, high-quality ingredients that Japanese cuisine is known for. Wandering The evening walk through Asakusa's market area became one of our favorite memories. We wandered through the bustling streets, and yes, we made the mistake of trying matcha beer—it was absolutely terrible and tasted like someone had blended lawn clippings! But we couldn't stop laughing about it. We crossed the river to see the famous Asahi Headquarters building, which honestly looks like a giant golden beer mug (the kids would have loved the giggling we did over that). The real treat was heading up to the 20th-floor bar for drinks with a view. Watching Tokyo's endless lights stretch to the horizon while sipping something much better than matcha beer felt like the perfect way to end our day of exploration. |     |
Apr 11 | Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone |  |
Our Learnings
Tokyo for thoughtful travelers offers an incredible blend of efficiency, culture, and accessibility. The city's excellent infrastructure, from airport services to public transportation, makes independent travel surprisingly manageable. The juxtaposition of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity provides endless fascination.
Travel Takeaways:
Pre-arrange transportation for late arrivals to reduce stress
Choose accommodations with therapeutic amenities like traditional baths
Seek authentic local dining for the best culinary experiences
Visit cultural sites early for peaceful, crowd-free experiences
Utilize convenience stores for high-quality, affordable meals
Maintain flexibility – spontaneous discoveries often become cherished memories
Pack comfortable walking shoes – Tokyo rewards those who explore on foot
Tokyo proved that thoughtful planning and an open mind make for incredible adventures. The key is pacing yourself appropriately and staying open to new experiences. We found the city's blend of respect for tradition and embrace of innovation perfectly suited to our travel style.